Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

False Reporting to Authorities and Police

On Behalf of | May 29, 2013 | False Reporting |

People who have made false claims (False Reporting) of domestic violence in Arapahoe, Jefferson and Boulder County, may later want to admit that they lied to the police about their initial report after realizing the dire consequences their loved one may face. Unfortunately, this creates a tricky situation where the alleged victim wants to undo the harm they caused, but the fear they could have criminal repercussions may prevent them from ultimately telling the truth.

False Reporting Allegations of Domestic Violence

If the alleged victim admits to law enforcement that their original allegations were lies due to spite, anger or revenge, they can be charged with the crime of False Reporting to Authorities, C.R.S. 18-8-111. This crime may be charged in a variety of scenarios, but the typical scenario involves cases of domestic violence. In the domestic violence arena, it is a crime to make a report to law enforcement of a crime which did not occur. It is a class 3 misdemeanor.

Although false reporting is a low level misdemeanor, the charge is more serious than the classification implies, because the crime has to deal with lying to authorities. It can affect you if you ever testify in court in the future, bearing on your credibility. The credibility issue is not just limited to criminal cases, but also effects civil cases, including divorce. Moreover, a false report to police is also difficult to explain on a background check, as the implication is that the person with this kind of conviction is a liar.

In this situation, the assistance of a criminal defense attorney is vital to navigate this situation. False reporting charges can occur when someone lies to police or exaggerates their original story. Instead of simply confessing the lie to law enforcement (sheriff or police), it’s more advisable to contact an attorney and seek advice about how to proceed and minimize the chances that you will be charged with a crime.

If you or a loved one believe face the possibility of being charge with false reporting to authorities, or you believe have been accused of a crime by someone making a false report, take the allegations seriously, as both can affect you for years to come. Our experienced lawyers have spent years defending the accused in Douglas and Adams County, and we can help you. So, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.