Making False Reports to Police
Making a False Report to Police carries a maximum penalty of 1 year imprisonment or a fine of approximately 120 penalty units.
In addition, the Court can order a person found guilty of this offence to pay for any expenses incurred by the state as a result of the false report. This includes remuneration paid to emergency service workers such as police and ambulance officers.
The Offence of Making a False Report to Police
The offence of Making a False Report to Police contained in section 53 of the Summary Offences Act which states:
Any person who falsely and with knowledge of the falsity of the report voluntarily reports or causes to be reported to any police officer or to a protective services officer that an act has been done or an event has occurred, which act or event as so reported is such as calls for an investigation by a police officer or a protective services officer shall be guilty of an offence.
What Actions Might Constitute Making a False Report to Police?
The following actions may form the basis for a charge:
- Reporting a crime to police which did not occur;
- Reporting a crime to police but giving the police information that incriminated a person who is not the person who committed the crime;
- Giving information to another person which induces them to make a report to police that is false.
What the Police Must Prove
To find you guilty of the offence of Making a False Report to Police, the Police must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- You reported or caused to be reported to police or protective services officers an act that requires investigation
- You made the report or caused the report voluntarily
- The report was false
- You knew the report to be false
“Caused to be reported” includes creating any circumstances for the purpose of inducing someone else to make a report to police.
Which Court Will Hear Your Matter?
The matter is a summary offence, meaning it can only be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
About Armstrong Legal
From our beginnings as Brezniak Neil Smith in a small Sydney office, Armstrong Legal has become a national law firm with more than 30 years of experience supporting Australians through serious legal matters with clarity and care. Our experienced lawyers support clients in navigating a broad range of legal matters with empathy and professionalism.
Our national team includes lawyers across Australia who understand diverse cultures and support clients from a wide range of backgrounds, so you can ask them about topics related to "dangerous driving", "estate dispute lawyer qld" or "driving offence lawyer" with ease. If you are facing legal matters such as de facto relationships, fraud or drunk driving, our lawyers can explain your rights, weigh your options and advise on the likely path forward.
If you've been browsing for "first offence drug driving qld", "appealing a district court decision nsw" or "traffic lawyer sydney cbd", our team can explain your options, what your likely next steps may be, potential costs and any time limits that may apply. Talk to our friendly team of lawyers now to schedule an assessment of your case.