False Reporting to Authorities or Falsely Reporting Incident

PEN § 148.5 - Misdemeanor

• Maximum fine: $1000
• Maximum term: 0.5Y
• Probation/parole at home eligible: Y
• Community service eligible: Y

Law enforcement and peace officers are mandated to serve and protect the public and with limited resources and plenty of crimes to pursue, the government considers making false reports to be a serious waste of public resources. Accordingly, it is a criminal offense to falsely report a crime to law enforcement or government authorities.