When the Greeley Police are mad at you, they sometimes take a misdemeanor crime and pretend it is a felony to punish you. One instance of this happening more lately is misdemeanor False Reporting converted into felony Attempting to Influence a Public Servant. While these criminal charges are supposed to be very different, angry police will sometimes “up the charges” against you if you make them work harder than normal (the felony version of False Reporting is rarely used). The result is you’ll be facing a lengthier time in prison, and a much larger fine. The criminal lawyers at the O’Malley Law office will discuss both charges below. If you are facing a charge of False Reporting or Attempting to Influence a Public Servant in Fort Collins, get more information here.
What is the Definition of False Reporting to Authorities, C.R.S. 18-8-111, in Weld County?
A person commits False Reporting to Authorities, if:
(I) Causes by any means, including but not limited to activation, a false alarm of fire or other emergency or a false emergency exit alarm to sound or to be transmitted to or within an official or volunteer fire department, ambulance service, law enforcement agency, or any other government agency which deals with emergencies involving danger to life or property; or
(II) Prevents by any means, including but not limited to deactivation, a legitimate fire alarm, emergency exit alarm, or other emergency alarm from sounding or from being transmitted to or within an official or volunteer fire department, ambulance service, law enforcement agency, or any other government agency that deals with emergencies involving danger to life or property; or
*(b) He makes a report or knowingly causes the transmission of a report to law enforcement authorities of a crime or other incident within their official concern when he knows that it did not occur; or
(c) He or she makes a report or knowingly causes the transmission of a report to law enforcement authorities pretending to furnish information relating to an offense or other incident within their official concern when he or she knows that he or she has no such information or knows that the information is false; or
(d) He or she knowingly provides false identifying information to law enforcement authorities.
* Most often charged this way.
Sentence and Penalties of False Reporting to the Authorities in Greeley Colorado
In Greeley, False Reporting to Authorities is a class 3 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in the Weld County Jail and up to $750 in fines. False Reporting of an Emergency is a class 4 felony if the emergency response results in serious bodily injury of another person (this felony is very rare). This can carry penalties of 2 to 6 years in Colorado State Prison, $2,000 to $500,000 in fines, and there is also a mandatory parole period of 3 years.
What is the Definition of Attempting to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306, in Weld County?
The Weld County definition of Attempting to Influence a Public Servant, C.R.S. 18-8-306, is:
Angry Greeley Police sometimes say that if you give them misdemeanor false information, you’ve tried to influence them not to charge you with a crime.
Penalties and Sentence for Attempt to Influence a Public Servant in Greeley, Colorado
The sentence, in Greeley, for Attempting to Influence a Public Servant is a class 4 felony. A conviction can carry penalties of 2 to 6 years in Colorado State Prison and a fine of up to $500,000. It is important to note that if this is to sway a Public Servant about another criminal charge the penalties for the original crime could also be faced by the defendant.
Why Hire a Top Weld County Lawyer for a False Reporting or Attempting to Influence a Public Servant Charge?
Having top and experienced legal representation in Weld County a criminal charge or arrest, does not necessarily mean a conviction. The lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office are aggressive and will work hard to fight for your rights. Our skilled lawyers have many years or experienced in the Weld County Courts and can help you navigate a False Reporting or Attempting to Influence a Public Servant charge. We understand that these charges can stem from a bad interaction with an overly aggressive police officer. We’ll fight for the best outcome in your case.
Have you or someone you love been charged with False Reporting, Attempting to Influence a Public Servant or any criminal charge in Weld County or Greeley? Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the top Weld County defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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