We are all taught as kids that you call 911 in the case of an emergency. But what constitutes an emergency? For a Connecticut woman, apparently something like a scratched CD is a crisis worthy of a 911 call. That’s right, this woman has turned to 911 162 times for everyday occurrences she deems ‘emergencies’ in the last 7 years. I don’t think anyone would argue that calling 911 over a scratch in your favorite CD is a bit of an overreaction, but is it a crime? Apparently, Connecticut police believe it is. Last month, she was required to appear in court for False Reporting. Let’s look at the law and decide how a woman calling 911 could be charged with a crime.
Calling 911? False Reporting in Larimer County
In looking at the Colorado law, there are 5 different situations where you may be charged with False Reporting – C.R.S. 18-8-111:
- If you set off a fire alarm or any other alarm that triggers a response from law enforcement, fire department, ambulance or any other governmental agency.
- If you deactivate or prevent an alarm from sounding in order to keep law enforcement, fire department, ambulance or any other governmental agency from responding.
- If you make a report to law enforcement authorities of a crime that you know did not occur.
- If you make a report to law enforcement authorities pretending to have information relating to a crime or incident the authorities are interested in, without actually having the information or making the information up.
- If you provide false information to law enforcement authorities.
In the situation with the overzealous caller, it could be argued that by calling 911, she was reporting a crime or emergency that did not exist. At one point, she called to report that someone was monitoring her phone. If the District Attorney can prove she reported this, knowing it did not occur, then they have a case for False Reporting.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your False Reporting Charges
[pullquote align=”left” textalign=”center” width=”30%”]Having any conviction on your record can affect your future.[/pullquote]False Reporting is a class 3 misdemeanor, which would most likely result in a fine and possibly serving a jail sentence of up to 6 months. You may think that is not a big deal, but the more lasting affect this charge will have is on your criminal record. Having any conviction on your record can affect your future. What will a future employer or landlord think when they see you have a False Reporting conviction in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park? They may believe you are a dishonest person or question your character. It could cost you dearly. This is why you need a trusted attorney with experience in Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County. Protect your criminal record and your future. Call the O’Malley Law Office to speak with a lawyer about your charges.
If you or a love one has been arrested for False Reporting, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-658-0007.
Together, we can protect your future.