False Reports

Police officers, prosecutors, and judges in Minnesota are all committed to administering justice, so they do not take too kindly to individuals who provide false or deliberately misleading information during criminal investigations. When a person files a police report that is inaccurate or untruthful, he or she could ultimately face criminal charges.

People who are accused of falsely reporting criminal offenses do not always have intent to incriminate other parties. In many cases, alleged offenders were simply nervous when speaking to authorities and may have misremembered certain facts or mistakenly shared the observations or beliefs they heard from other people.

Lawyer for Falsely Reporting Defense in Apple Valley, MN

If you were arrested or think that you might be under investigation for allegedly filing any kind of false police report in the Twin Cities, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. James Blumberg Law helps clients all over Washington County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Carver County, Hennepin County, Scott County, and Anoka County.

James Blumberg is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Apple Valley James who represents individuals facing all kinds of charges involving the administration of justice in Eagan, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Lakeville, Burnsville, St. Cloud, and many other surrounding areas. He can provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (952) 431-7758 to schedule a free consultation.


Minnesota Falsely Reporting Crime or Child Abuse Information Center


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Falsely Reporting Crime Penalties in Dakota County

Under Minnesota Statute § 609.505, a person can be charged with falsely reporting crime if he or she informs a law enforcement officer that a crime was committed or otherwise provides information to an on-duty peace officer, knowing that the person is a peace officer, regarding the conduct of others, knowing that it is false and intending that the officer shall act in reliance upon it.

A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. A second or subsequent offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.

Falsely reporting crime charges can stem from any kind of alleged criminal offense. A few of the more common crimes that may involve alleged false allegations include, but are not limited to violent crimes such as assault or robbery and domestic violence offenses such as violation of a protective order.


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Falsely Reporting Child Abuse Penalties in in Apple Valley

Another legal area in which false allegations are common relates to alleged child abuse. Parents who are engaged in heated divorce or child custody proceedings may manufacture or embellish claims of child abuse by a former spouse in order to gain leverage.

Minnesota Statute § 609.507 makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for an alleged offender to:

  • inform another person that a person has committed sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect of a child;
  • know that the allegation is false or is without reason to believe that the alleged abuser committed the abuse or neglect; and
  • have the intent that the information influence a child custody hearing.

Convictions for falsely reporting child abuse or any other crime can lead to alleged offenders having criminal records that negatively impact their ability to obtain employment or housing. It is critical for anybody accused of this offense to make sure he or she has legal representation that can present the most favorable explanation and possibly get the criminal charges dismissed.


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Minnesota False Report Resources

Recantation and False Allegations of Child Abuse — The National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) is a non-profit organization that provides training, prevention, and treatment services to fight child abuse and neglect. In this 2005 report from the NCAC, you can learn more about some of the issues relating to recantation and false allegations of abuse experienced in childhood. Publications cited in this report include books, chapters in books, and journal articles published between 1987 and 2011.

 


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James Blumberg Law | Apple Valley Falsely Reporting Crime or Child Abuse Lawyer

Do you believe that you could be under investigation or were you already arrested in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for allegedly filing a false police report? You should avoid saying anything else to authorities until you have contacted James Blumberg Law.

Apple Valley criminal defense attorney James Blumberg represents clients in and around Dakota County, including such areas as Woodbury, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and many others. Call (952) 431-7758 or submit an online contact form today to set up a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and answer all of your legal questions.


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