A woman from another state made a serious mistake when trying to get out of a small citation; she gave police a fake name. Besides committing another offense when giving false information to the officers, she gave the name of a wanted person. That’s right, in trying to get out of a ticket for smoking in a non-smoking area, she got herself arrested. In fact, even after the police told her about the warrant, she would not admit it was not her name. She went through the entire booking process under the false name. Once police finally figured her real identity, it was discovered she had multiple warrants out for her arrest.
Bad Alibi – False Reporting in Greeley
C.R.S. 18-8-111(d) – False Reporting to Authorities – is defined by Colorado law as:
(d) He or she knowingly provides false identifying information to law enforcement authorities.
In this case, the woman would be charged with the class 2 misdemeanor because she was in the process of committing another offense (smoking in a prohibited area) when she provided the false information.
In Greeley, Windsor and Evans, False Reporting to Authorities is a class 3 misdemeanor. This is punishable with up to 6 months in jail and up to $750 in fines. However, when false information is provided during the act of another crime, it is a class 2 misdemeanor. This type of offense runs a possible jail sentence of 3 months to 1 year and a fine of $250-$1,000.
In the case above, the woman would be charged with the class 2 misdemeanor because she was in the process of committing another offense (smoking in a prohibited area) when she provided the false information. But, I have a feeling this new misdemeanor charge is the least of her worries, seeing as she is also facing charges for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Kidnapping and Larceny, just to name a few.
If you feel your conduct might amount to a violation of the law and police want to speak with you about a False Reporting to Authorities charge in Weld County, Morgan County or Logan County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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