Can I be charged with making a false police report?
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Can I be charged with making a false police report?
About a month ago, I had worked all night due to my job on-call requirements. I was really tired and went home until 2 pm the next day. I parked my truck on the street and went inside to go sleep. Later in the evening I notice there is damage on to passenger mirror and window. I reported it to the cops that someone had
struck my truck. Now the more I think about it I’m worried if what if it was me falling asleep and accidentally hit something without me knowing. Should I report it to the police? Could I be charged with filing a false police report?
Asked on June 19, 2019 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
A false police report is not merely one made in error; it is one made with a knowledge that it is, or likely is, false. It is having the intention to file a false report that makes it a criminal act. If you had no ill intention but may have been mistaken, that is not a crime. Since you don't in fact know what happened but are confident you did not act in a deliberately wrongful fashion, leave it alone.
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