NJ False Police Report Lawyer In New Jersey

False Police Report Lawyer in New Jersey

In New Jersey, filing a false police report or giving false information to law enforcement is a criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4. Falsely accusing someone of a crime or making up incidents can lead to criminal charges. An experienced false police report lawyer can defend clients against allegations of lying to police in New Jersey.

False Police Report Charges in NJ

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-4, it is illegal to knowingly give false information to any law enforcement officer with the purpose of implicating someone else in a crime or offense. This includes making false written statements, filing false police reports, or making false verbal allegations against others.

False police report charges can be filed as either a disorderly persons offense or a 4th degree crime in New Jersey. Charges typically depend on the nature of the false allegations and their impact on the accused.

Penalties for False Police Reports in NJ

If convicted of filing a false police report in New Jersey, potential penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in jail for a disorderly persons offense
• Up to 18 months in jail for a 4th degree crime
• Fines up to $10,000
• Probation up to 3 years
• Community service
• Restitution to victims

Falsely accusing someone is treated as a serious offense given the harm it can cause. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.

Related Charges for Lying to Police

Other charges that may accompany false police report allegations include [2]:

• Perjury
• False swearing
• Tampering with public records
• Official misconduct
• Interfering with law enforcement
• Filing a false claim

Experienced lawyers defend against all types of allegations involving dishonesty with police.

Defending Against False Police Report Charges

Skilled criminal defense attorneys can fight false police report accusations by:

• Contesting intent to mislead police
• Challenging inconsistencies in prosecution evidence
• Undermining credibility of prosecution witnesses
• Presenting evidence the allegations were made in good faith
• Seeking dismissal of inflated charges

In some cases, prompt withdrawal of the false statement may also mitigate penalties.

Avoiding False Report Charges When Recanting

Those who previously made false allegations to police but now wish to recant face risks of prosecution themselves. Skilled lawyers can facilitate safely withdrawing false claims by:

• Submitting written statement via attorney retracting allegations
• Presenting credible evidence no intent to mislead police originally
• Cooperating with investigation to correct the record
• Highlighting reasons for initial false statement like coercion
• Offering to testify for the accused if charges filed

While not guaranteed, recanting false claims through counsel shows good faith and willingness to make amends.

Related Civil Liability

Beyond criminal penalties, those injured by false allegations often pursue civil lawsuits for damages like:

• False arrest
• Malicious prosecution
• Defamation
• False light
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Experienced attorneys defend against civil liability lawsuits while resolving accompanying criminal charges.

Expunging False Report Convictions

Under limited circumstances, false police report convictions may be expunged in New Jersey after 10 years. An attorney can petition for expungement if the offense was an isolated mistake and the petitioner has since led a law-abiding life.

Consult an Attorney if Charged with False Police Report

Never take chances if accused of lying to law enforcement or falsely implicating someone in a crime. Retaining an accomplished false police report lawyer provides the best chance at avoiding harsh penalties.