By LawInspectsYes, it is illegal to lie to police if you do it on purpose to mislead them or anything like that. Still, we wouldn’t be completely wrong if we said that “it depends” on a lot of things, like when, how, and why you do it. So, if you’re confused, just like so many people who ask the same question, then just keep on reading to understand it in a much better way. Here we go.
What About Using A Fake Name? Real Problem!
Say you were pulled over and, rather than giving your real name, you put forth a false name of a cousin, Steve. That is no little lie; that has the possibility of going criminal.
In states like California, Texas, and Washington, it is illegal to give a false name or identification when stopped or arrested. The charge is generally a misdemeanor, which means that a person may be sentenced to jail for up to one year, fined, or both.
If you give a false name under such circumstances, don’t be surprised if it all goes downhill really fast!
Lying During an Investigation? That’s a Crime in Many States
Now, if you go and just lie to the investigating police during a crime investigation, then we are entering serious matter territory. Say, for instance, your friend was involved in a hit-and-run; telling the police that he was with you all night long when he was not might make you liable for the charge of making a false statement.
Lying during a police investigation can be obstruction of justice or providing false information to authorities, both of which constitute criminal offenses in several states.
Trying to Mislead the Police? That’s Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice is much more than legal mumbo jumbo. It amounts to pretty much anything that gets in the way of police work. It can range from giving false information, hiding evidence, to purposely leading the police on a wild goose chase.
So if you knowingly give false details to help somebody else or yourself, then these will be careers of obstruction. Now, depending on where you are and how serious it is, a misdemeanor or felony can be the charge.
Filing a False Police Report? That’s a Crime Everywhere
Let’s say you made up a crime to exact your revenge on someone and reported it to the police. This is filing a false report and is a crime in all states.
In Michigan or Washington, if an individual sustains injuries due to your false report, the charges can be enhanced even to the extent of a felony, just remember that for now. You may also be required to reimburse investigation costs.
The bottom line is that planning or making up crimes and wasting police time is not just morally wrong, it is illegal. So, do not ever think to do so, and if you still do it, just be prepared to face the legal consequences for that down the line.
Lying Under Oath? That’s Perjury
For those who are unaware of the meaning of this term, well, to commit perjury is to lie under oath in court or in any written statement where the law requires the person to tell the truth. The gravity of perjury is the most extreme offense in the false statement category.
One may be charged with perjury if one lies in court or in a signed legal document. It is a felony in most states, including California and Washington, and could result in many years of prison time.
It does not matter if you lie on a piece of paper that goes to the police, whether it is in court or not, an affidavit or statement that will be part of a court record, it is called perjury.