Falsely Accusing Someone of a Crime: The Legal Consequences

Falsely Accusing Someone of a Crime: The Legal Consequences

What is a False Accusation?

A false accusation occurs when someone deliberately reports information to the police about a crime that did not happen. For example, if Jane tells the police that John robbed her house when he really didn’t, that’s a false accusation. These false reports waste police time and resources that could have been used for real crimes.

False accusations can be made about any type of crime – assault, theft, fraud, etc. But they’re especially concerning when made about serious violent crimes like murder, rape, and child abuse. Those kinds of allegations can literally ruin someone’s life, even if they’re eventually proven false.

Why Do People Make False Accusations?

There’s usually some underlying motivation when someone falsely accuses an innocent person. Here’s a few common reasons:

• Revenge – To get back at someone they’re angry with
• Attention – They crave sympathy and attention
• Mental illness – Delusions or impaired thinking
• Avoiding trouble – Deflecting blame from themselves

Of course, false allegations sometimes stem from misunderstandings or mistakes rather than malicious intent. But in many cases, the accuser knows they are lying and pursues the false charges anyway.

Is It a Crime to Make False Accusations?

In most states, it is against the law to knowingly make false accusations of a crime. Exactly what it’s called and how it’s punished varies between jurisdictions. Common names for this crime are:

• Filing a false report
• Falsely reporting an incident
• False informing
• False accusations

For example, in California it’s called “False Reporting of a Criminal Offense” [California Penal Code §148.5]. It’s a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail. The law applies to falsely reporting any felony or misdemeanor crime.

Some states have specific laws about falsely reporting certain types of serious crimes like sexual assault. For instance, in Texas it’s a Class B misdemeanor to intentionally file a false report of rape, kidnapping, or other violent crimes [Texas Penal Code §37.08].

What About False Accusations of Rape?

Lying about rape can completely shatter an innocent person’s life. That’s why some advocates have pushed for stronger penalties against false rape accusations. As a result, some states have passed laws specifically making it a felony to falsely accuse someone of rape or sexual assault.

For example, California Penal Code §128.5 makes it a felony punishable by 2-4 years in state prison to knowingly file a false report of any sex crime, including rape and child molestation [California Penal Code §128.5].

These types of laws are controversial, though. Critics argue they may discourage real victims from coming forward out of fear they won’t be believed. There are also concerns about disproportionately targeting rape accusers. Ultimately, lawmakers have to balance preventing false allegations with not deterring legitimate reports.

What About False Accusations Against Police?

Falsely accusing police officers is taken very seriously. All states have laws specifically prohibiting knowingly making false allegations of police misconduct. For example, in Florida it’s a first degree misdemeanor to falsely accuse any law enforcement officer of a crime [Florida Statutes §837.05].

These laws aim to protect officers from malicious complaints that could end their careers. However, critics argue they can also intimidate people from lodging legitimate grievances about police brutality and abuse of power. It’s a contentious issue, especially after high-profile police killings like George Floyd’s murder.

What are the Penalties for False Accusations?

Penalties vary widely between states for filing false reports or falsely accusing someone. In general though, making false accusations is classified as a misdemeanor offense. Common punishments include:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Substantial fines, such as $1000 or more
• Probation
• Community service
• Counseling or mental health treatment
• Public apology

In particularly serious cases, such as falsely accusing someone of murder or rape, it may rise to the level of a felony. Felony false reporting can lead to years in state prison.

Judges tend to impose harsher sentences if the false allegation cost the accused person their job, damaged their reputation, or otherwise severely impacted their life. Lengthy jail time is more likely if the accuser doesn’t admit they lied and continues to pursue the false charges.

What About Civil Lawsuits?

Beyond criminal penalties, making false accusations can also lead to costly civil lawsuits. Someone falsely accused can sue for defamation, malicious prosecution, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. For instance, actor Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation after she falsely accused him of domestic violence.

If a civil lawsuit succeeds, the penalties are monetary damages rather than jail time. But those damages can be steep, sometimes millions of dollars. It’s meant to compensate the victim for harm to their reputation and any financial losses from the false allegations.

What Defenses Exist Against False Reporting Charges?

There are some legal defenses if you’re accused of making false allegations:

• Lack of intent – You legitimately believed the report was true, even if it was factually incorrect. Mistakes happen.
• Diminished mental capacity – You have a mental disability or disorder that impaired your judgment.
• Coercion – Someone pressured or threatened you into making the false report against your will.
• Statute of limitations – Too much time has passed since the alleged false report.
• Self-defense – You made the false report to protect yourself from harm.

The key is proving you didn’t knowingly and intentionally file a false report. But it’s still an uphill battle once you’re accused. These cases often come down to your word against the accuser’s.

Takeaways About False Accusations

The bottom line is falsely accusing someone of a crime has real legal consequences. It destroys trust in the justice system and diverts limited resources away from actual victims. While penalties vary between states, you can face fines, jail time, civil lawsuits, and lasting damage to your reputation. So think carefully before ever making allegations against someone that might not be totally truthful. The truth always comes out in the end.

References

California Penal Code §148.5
Texas Penal Code §37.08
California Penal Code §128.5
Florida Statutes §837.05