Is Lying to the Police a Crime in New Jersey?

You may have wondered about the consequences of lying to the police. It is a question that can have significant implications for anyone who encounters law enforcement officers. In this article, you learn about the various aspects of this issue.  The Law Offices of Bartholomew Baffuto could help you with any legal question.

False reports to law enforcement authorities

N.J.S. 2C:28-4 proscribes lying to the police in a few specified circumstances.  For instance, even falsely accusing someone of a crime, or giving false information intended to implicate another in criminal conduct, e.g., even insinuating someone’s involvement in a crime without directly accusing them can be considered a form of false reporting.

Such false reporting is an indictable crime in New Jersey.

This is where the expertise of a criminal lawyer in New Jersey can become invaluable.

Hindering apprehension or prosecution

N.J.S. 2C:29-3 proscribes conduct that works against the State’s interest in detecting, investigating, prosecuting or punishing crimes or motor vehicle offenses.   This applies whether it aids another or oneself in evading detection or entry into custody.

Public records or information

Tampering with documents or public information is another illegality punishable under N.J.S. 2C:28-7. Proscribed conduct includes entering of false information into public records, theft or destruction of public records, or filing entirely false documents.  Recording devices and recordings therefrom in patrol vehicles are expressly defined as public records.

Perjury

N.J.S. 2C:28-1 defines as criminal statements made when under oath or affirmation where such statement was intentionally untrue.

N.J.S. 2C:29-3a (7) criminalizes the giving of false information, whether or not done under oath or affirmation, to State officers or officials assigned to the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.  This wider net cast as a tool for insurance fraud investigation is similar to a draconian statute in the United States Code.  18 U.S.C. 1001 is used to prosecute defendants for unsworn statements to Federal officers,  even where Federal law enforcement initiated a conversation.

When facing allegations or a request for an interview or even a “chat”, reach out to the Law Offices of Bartholomew Baffuto for expert guidance and free attorney consultation. By doing so, you can protect your interests and ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care within the bounds of the law. Do not even discuss the weather until first consulting a lawyer.