Criminal Defense charges such as False Statement to a Police Office can be found in title 18 section 4906 of the Pa criminal code. Under the code, it is illegal to give false information law enforcement authorities. assault crimes The first subsection of the statute makes it illegal to falsely accuse someone of committing a crime you know they did not commit. This act is considered a misdemeanor of the second-degree and with it comes a sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5000. The statute then goes on to define two different types of fictitious reports that are illegal to make. The first type of fictitious report is plain and simply making up an act that did not occur. For instance, someone might make up a robbery story in order to make an insurance claim for the “stolen” items.
The second type of False Statement to Police Officer that is specified under this statute for criminal defense cases is when a person attempts to provide law enforcement with information about a crime, that they know they do not have. Acts that can be considered this type of fictitious reports can be the simple act of saying that you witnessed a crime take place that you actually did not, to providing law enforcement with some type of “evidence” such as made up documents, that are really not evidence the crime was committed at all. Both of these acts would be considered a misdemeanor of the third-degree and carry with it a sentence of up to a year incarcerated and a fine of up to $1000. fleeing the policeIf however, any false information was given to law enforcement as specified under this statute, in an emergency situation the grade of misdemeanor goes up to the next level. This is because law enforcement authorities’ resources were wasted due to the false information, and during an emergency, police resources need to be used wisely. Due to the seriousness of the offense, if you have been charged under this statute it is important to have good legal representation. The experienced attorneys at the Bellwoar Kelly, LLPwill help to get you the best possible resolution for your case.