False Reporting in Denver is a crime that involves giving authorities fabricated information. Making a false report of a crime, pulling a fire alarm as a joke, or untruthfully reporting explosives can lead to significant criminal penalties. Last weekend, a Colorado man was taken into custody for false reporting of an incendiary device after a note was allegedly found on his vehicle threatening a bomb was inside. Law enforcement evacuated the area and found no explosives. Accusations or charges like this require immediate representation from a knowledgeable false reporting defense attorney.
What is False Reporting to Law Enforcement in Denver?
The act of false reporting in Colorado can fit into two different categories: False Reporting to Authorities C.R.S. 18-8-111 or False Report of Explosives, Weapons, or Harmful Substances C.R.S. 18-8-110. Someone commits false reporting to authorities if they:
- falsely activate a fire alarm or emergency exit alarm,
- prevent activation of any of these alarms,
- create / submit a false report to law enforcement knowing the crime didn’t occur,
- present false information related to an offense,
- give law enforcement a false identification
Additionally, a charge of false report of explosives, weapons, or harmful substances can result if a person:
- falsely reports (to anyone),
- that a bomb, explosive, chemical / biological agent, poison, or harmful radioactive substance,
- is in a public / private place or vehicle
Can I go to Jail for Making a False Report to Police in Colorado?
There are a wide range of penalties for committing false reporting in Colorado. Conviction of misdemeanor false reporting can result in:
- up to 24 months in county jail,
- $50 – $5,000 in fines
False reporting can lead to felony charges if it involves an emergency where the response results in serious bodily injury or death. Falsely reporting the presence of explosives, weapons, or harmful substances is also a felony offense. Potential ramifications of conviction may include:
- 1-12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $750,000
Colorado False Reporting Defense Attorney
Any situation where false reporting is alleged should be taken seriously. A great deal is on the line whenever a criminal charge with wide-ranging consequences exists. The accomplished criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC have decades of experience defending clients throughout the state of Colorado. Our case results speak for themselves. If you’ve been contacted by police regarding false reporting of any kind, exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t provide statements or details about what did or didn’t happen in your situation. Instead, contact our office for a FREE consultation where a false reporting defense attorney will carefully analyze your case and suggest productive next steps.
If you or someone you know has been accused of false reporting, be smart. Contact the passionate criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Pixabay – RJA1988
