Home – Practice Areas – Q and A - Falsely Reporting a Crime
What is falsely reporting a crime and what are the penalties?
Criminal Defense Lawyers Answer
Under Minnesota law, falsely reporting a crime can be charged when a person 1) informs a law enforcement officer that a crime has been committed, 2) when the person knows or has reason to know that the report was false, and 3) intended that law enforcement act in reliance upon the report. Minn. Stat. sec. 609.505. Intent can either be that the individual had a purpose to do the thing or cause the result specified or believed that the act, if successful, would then cause that result. Intent is generally proved circumstantially, based on inferences from the actions and words of the person, given the totality of the circumstances. The first time that a person is convicted of falsely reporting a crime, it is considered a misdemeanor, which would be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and also a fine of up to $1,000. A person who is convicted a second (or subsequent) time would be guilty of a gross misdemeanor, which would be punishable by up to one year in jail and also a fine of up to $3,000.
If you or someone you know is charged with Falsely Reporting a Crime it is best to seek representation from an experienced attorney. Give us a call at 612-DEFENSE (333-3673) to discuss representation and your legal rights.
