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- What Is Considered a False Report Under ARS 13-2907.01?
- What Counts as a False Police Report
- Penalties for False Reporting to Law Enforcement in Arizona
- Real-World Examples of False Police Reports in Arizona
- Collateral and Civil Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties
- Common Defenses to False Reporting Charges
- FAQs About False Reporting to Law Enforcement in Arizona
- Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney From CHM Law
Filing a police report is one of the main ways people seek help when they believe a crime has been committed. But when someone knowingly gives false information to a law enforcement agency, the consequences can be severe. In Arizona, making a false police report is more than just a bad decision — it is a criminal offense under A.R.S. § 13-2907.01, and it can lead to jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
While some people might think exaggerating an event or giving a misleading statement will not cause harm, false reporting to law enforcement undermines investigations and wastes critical resources. It can also unfairly damage someone else’s reputation or lead to wrongful arrests. Arizona law treats these actions as a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level under state law.
This article explains what it means to file a false police report in Arizona, what penalties you could face, how these charges differ from other crimes like obstruction or perjury, and what defenses may apply if you’ve been accused of false reporting.
You’ll also learn how the defense attorneys at Colburn Hintze Maletta can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.
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Can You Go to Jail if You File a False Police Report in Arizona Under ARS 13-2907.01?
What Is Considered a False Report Under ARS 13-2907.01?
Under A.R.S. § 13-2907.01, it is unlawful for a person to make a false statement knowingly or to knowingly misrepresent a fact to a law enforcement agency or peace officer for the purpose of interfering with the orderly operation of a law enforcement agency or misleading a peace officer.
In simpler terms, this law makes it illegal to:
- Knowingly make a false statement to the police,
- File a fraudulent or unfounded report, or
- Mislead law enforcement officers while they are performing their duties.
The statute applies whether you make the report in person, over the phone, or online, and includes any attempt to mislead a police officer.
It also applies if the report is made to any agency of either this state or a political subdivision of this state, such as a city police department, sheriff’s office, or state trooper unit.
What Counts as a False Police Report
A false police report means intentionally stating something untrue to officers or submitting a written complaint that misrepresents the facts.
Examples include:
- Claiming someone committed a crime that did not occur,
- Reporting a stolen vehicle when you actually sold or lent it out,
- Falsely claiming you were assaulted or robbed, or
- Making up a story to get someone else investigated by law enforcement.
Arizona prosecutors must prove that the person knowingly made the false report — in other words, that it was intentional and not the result of confusion, miscommunication, or mistake.
If you were genuinely mistaken, it may not meet the legal definition under ARS 13-2907.01.
Penalties for False Reporting to Law Enforcement in Arizona
Filing or making a false report is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona, the highest level of misdemeanor under Arizona law.
Under A.R.S. § § 13-707 and 13-802, a conviction can result in up to 6 months in jail, 3 years of probation, and $2,500 in fines, plus surcharges.
The court may also impose community service, restitution (if the false report caused a financial loss to the police or another person), and mandatory counseling if the report caused substantial harm. Because the offense involves lying to a peace officer, it can also carry long-term professional and reputational effects.
Below is a breakdown of potential penalties and legal references:
| Type of Penalty | Details | Relevant Statute |
| Classification | Class 1 Misdemeanor in Arizona | A.R.S. § 13-2907.01 |
| Maximum Jail Time | Up to 6 months in jail | A.R.S. § 13-707(A)(1) |
| Probation | Up to 3 years of probation | A.R.S. § 13-902(A)(5) |
| Fines | Up to $2,500 plus surcharges | A.R.S. § 13-802(A) |
| Additional Consequences | Restitution, community service, counseling, and a permanent criminal record | Arizona Sentencing Guidelines |
Even though a Class 1 misdemeanor may not seem as severe as a felony, it still carries serious consequences. A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, affect future job prospects, and even impact professional licensing. If the false report led to someone’s wrongful arrest or injury, prosecutors might pursue additional charges under Arizona Revised Statutes.
The attorneys at CHM Law have successfully defended clients accused of false reporting charges by challenging the intent element and showing that the defendant did not knowingly make false statements.
Real-World Examples of False Police Reports in Arizona
Arizona courts handle many cases involving false police reports, and each situation is unique. Below are examples that illustrate how easily these cases can arise—and how severe the consequences can be when someone files a false report with the police.
Example 1: The “Stolen Car” Report in Mesa
A Mesa resident reported his car stolen to avoid repossession. Investigators later found that the vehicle had been voluntarily returned to a dealership. The false report resulted in charges under ARS 13-2907.01, and the defendant received probation, community service, and a fine.
Example 2: Falsely Claiming Domestic Violence in Phoenix
In a heated argument, a person told police their partner had physically assaulted them. Later, it was proven through text messages and video footage that the statement was untrue. The individual was charged with false reporting to law enforcement and sentenced to supervised probation.
Example 3: Anonymous 911 Calls in Tucson
A series of 911 calls falsely claimed there was a shooting at a high school, misleading a police officer and causing panic. Because these calls disrupted emergency services, prosecutors argued that the caller intended to interfere with the orderly operation of a law enforcement agency. The court imposed jail time, probation, and restitution for the cost of the emergency response reporting to law enforcement agencies.
These examples show that even if no one is physically harmed, making an unfounded report or statement to law enforcement can quickly escalate into a criminal charge in Arizona.
Collateral and Civil Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties
Aside from criminal punishment, filing a false report can have long-term consequences in the civil and personal spheres. Victims of a fraudulent or unfounded report may sue for defamation or seek reimbursement for damages caused by the false claim. Law enforcement agencies may also request restitution for wasted resources, such as the cost of deploying officers or conducting unnecessary investigations.
A conviction can also affect your credibility in future legal matters. If you ever testify in court, a prior false reporting conviction may be used to challenge your honesty. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards may also view the charge as a sign of dishonesty, potentially limiting opportunities even after you’ve completed probation.
The criminal defense team at Colburn Hintze Maletta often helps clients address these broader consequences by minimizing public records, negotiating diversion programs, or seeking dismissals when appropriate.
Common Defenses to False Reporting Charges
If you’ve been charged with false reporting, it is essential to know that several potential defenses are available. Every case is unique, but an experienced criminal defense attorney can review the evidence, witness statements, and police reports to determine which defense strategy applies.
Here are some common defense arguments used in false reporting cases:
- Lack of Intent
The prosecution must prove that you knowingly misrepresented a fact for the purpose of misleading a law enforcement agency. knowingly made the false statement. If the report was made under confusion, fear, or misunderstanding, it might not meet the intent requirement under ARS 13-2907.01. - Mistaken or Misunderstood Facts
Sometimes people honestly believe a crime occurred or misinterpret what they saw. A defense attorney can argue that your report was made in good faith, even if it is later proven to be inaccurate. - Coercion or Duress
If someone pressured or threatened you to file the report, your attorney can show that your actions were not voluntary and should not result in criminal liability. - Violation of Constitutional Rights
Statements obtained without Miranda warnings or during an unlawful interrogation may be excluded from evidence. - Lack of Evidence
Prosecutors must show proof beyond a reasonable doubt that your report was intentionally false. If there is no clear evidence of intentional deceit, your case may be dismissed or reduced.
At CHM Law, our defense lawyers carefully investigate whether police procedures were followed correctly and whether any part of your statement was taken out of context. We also work with prosecutors to seek dismissal, diversion, or reduced penalties whenever possible.
FAQs About False Reporting to Law Enforcement in Arizona
- Can I go to jail for filing a false police report in Arizona?
Yes. Under A.R.S. § 13-2907.01, you can face up to 6 months in jail for knowingly making a false report. - What if I lied to the police because I was scared?
Fear or confusion may serve as a defense if you did not knowingly make to a law enforcement agency. intentionally mislead the officer. An attorney can help demonstrate that your actions were not criminal and that you did not intend to mislead a police officer. - Will this stay on my record forever?
A misdemeanor conviction can remain on your criminal record permanently unless the court sets it aside. - Can I get probation instead of jail?
Yes, courts often impose probation for first-time offenders, especially if the false report harmed no one. - How does the court determine if I knowingly lied?
Prosecutors use statements, 911 transcripts, videos, and witness testimony to show intent. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the reliability of that evidence. - Is giving false information during a traffic stop the same as a false report?
If you lie to the police or mislead a peace officer during an investigation, it can also be charged under ARS 13-2907.01, depending on the situation.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney From CHM Law
If you are facing criminal charges for making a false police report in Arizona, your next steps matter. Even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to months in jail, a criminal record, and lasting consequences. You deserve representation from a defense team that understands both the law and the human side of your case.
At Colburn Hintze Maletta, our attorneys have extensive experience defending against false reporting charges and other criminal offenses under Arizona law. We review every detail of the case — from the initial police report to the prosecution’s evidence — to build a strong and effective defense.
Call us today at 602-755-6290 or contact us through our website to schedule your free consultation.
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