There are several ways to be charged with False Reporting to Authorities (Police) in Weld, Jefferson, Broomfield, or Arapahoe County. Knowingly setting off a false fire alarm, calling in a false 911 emergency, or preventing an alarm from sounding in a real emergency are just a few. A person may also be charged with False Reporting by knowingly furnishing false identifying information to law enforcement authorities. This includes a name, address, birth date, social security number, or a driver’s license. Pretending to be another person falls squarely within this crime’s prohibitions.
It is common for underage persons to use a fake driver’s license to gain access to a drinking establishment. But if a police officer asks to verify your age in Denver, Aurora, or Littleton and they are presented with a false ID, it can make matters go from bad to worse. If you do so, you can be charged with a Minor in Possession of Alcohol (C.R.S. 18-13-122) you can also be charged with False Reporting. While a Minor in Possession conviction will usually result in a fine (depending on priors), the False Reporting charge is considered a class 3 misdemeanor and can result in a jail sentence.
Not long ago, I worked a case where a very intelligent young lady was arrested for giving alcohol to a minor at a festival in Weld County (some of the information is changed to protect my client’s identity). Although my client looked like she was over 21 year old, the police saw her hand an alcoholic beverage to a friend that didn’t. The friend was ticketed for a Minor in Possession. My client was arrested for providing alcohol to a minor, but at the time of her arrest they didn’t know that she provided a false ID. After the forgery became evident, felony charges were anticipated. Through our quick intervention, we were able to prevent the felony charges from being filed. Through a deferred judgment, my client will be able to have a clean record once the case is finalized.
It is never a good idea to make a False Report in Arapahoe or Douglas County, or anywhere in Colorado. But if you have made that mistake, don’t make any more by talking with the police. Instead, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.