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Text SizePassed Leg. Illegal to Falsely Report Crime
February 6, 2012
The Georgia Senate passed SB 225 on February 2, 2012 in a unanimous vote. This legislation would enforce stricter penalties on individuals found guilty of knowingly and willingly reporting false information to law enforcement.
Currently, reporting false information to law enforcement, whether by written, electronic or other means, is considered a crime in most states. However, many states vary on the degree of punishment for this offense.
With the passage of this bill, Georgians found guilty of providing false testimony will be guilty of a misdemeanor under Georgia law. A misdemeanor associated with this offense could also carry a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and may incur a fine of up to $1,000 dollars.
An individual will be criminally prosecuted for falsely reporting a crime by the following claims:
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The individual states that he/she has committed a serious violent felony.
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The offense is reasonably intended to cause law enforcement to initiate an investigation to determine whether the crime has been committed by that person.
SB 225 will continue its way through the legislative process by traveling to the House of Representatives for a vote.
For more information, visit the Senate Press.
United States. Senate Press. “Senate Passes Legislation making it Unlawful to Falsely Report a Crime”, Georgia. georgia.gov Interactive Office, February 03, 2012. Web Press Release.