False reporting to authorities charges can occur in Douglas County, Colorado when someone provides information about a crime that isn’t true. Criminal charges can stem from telling police a crime happened that didn’t, pulling a fire alarm as a prank, and giving law enforcement a fake ID. If you’re facing an allegation of falsely reporting in Colorado, consulting an experienced defense attorney is the best course of action.

Colorado’s False Reporting Laws

False reporting to authorities is described in CRS 18-8-111. Someone commits this crime in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch if they:

• falsely pull a fire alarm or emergency exit alarm,
• purposefully prevent activation of a fire alarm,
• create / cause a false report to be sent to law enforcement knowing the crime / incident didn’t occur,
• provide information about a crime that is false,
• give police false identification

Sometimes people panic when police come around and will try to give a fake name to avoid a ticket or charges. Other examples of false reporting in Douglas County involve making an untrue claim against an ex or a neighbor in an act of revenge.

Will I Go to Jail for False Reporting in Douglas County?

False reporting is typically a class 2 misdemeanor throughout Colorado. Conviction can result in up to 4 months in county jail, as well as fines of up to $750. However, when an alarm is involved or someone falsely reports an emergency, consequences grow. Several more months in county jail and steeper fines are possible with a fake emergency claim or pulling an alarm as a prank. If those inside a building are evacuated or an emergency response leads to bodily injury, the offense becomes an extraordinary risk crime. Up to 12 months in county jail and thousands of dollars in fines can result in these situations.

Douglas County Lawyer for False Reporting to Authorities Charges

False reporting to authorities charges require particularly swift action by the defendant. However, don’t panic. An experienced criminal lawyer can have an especially significant impact on the outcome of your case. Perhaps sounding the alarm was an accident or you genuinely believed the report you filed to be true. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will thoroughly analyze your false reporting case and also recommend next steps in your defense. The best possible outcome for you and your future is our priority.

So, if you or someone you know is facing false reporting charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by Dave Phillips