What happens when you admit to filing a false police report? Do I need a lawyer? Am I facing jail time?
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What happens when you admit to filing a false police report? Do I need a lawyer? Am I facing jail time?
My boyfriend broke my windshield and I was mad so I filed charges against him. I lied about the situation and made it seem worst than it was because I was mad. Since then, we have resolved our issues and he has paid for the damages to my vehicle. I don’t want him to get charged with this but the only way to get him out of this is to admit my fabrication but I don’t want to face any charges.
Asked on April 20, 2009 under Criminal Law, Maryland
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, this senario happens all too often. People forget that the legal system is about justice not payback.
What happens to you depends on your specific jurisdiction. Technically you broke the law and are subject to criminal charges but as a practical matter you may just get a fine; possibly not even that. However if the DA's office wants to play hardball and make an example of you they certainly can. That being said, if I had to guess I would say that as long as you have an otherwise clean criminal record you won't be in much trouble. Bottom line, there is no guaranty. Your best bet is to talk to an attorney in your area, preferably one that's familar with the court in question. He will have a good sense of just how they will probably handle things and can advise you accordingly.
Just do something quickly. Your boyfriend is about to pay for something he didn't do. And frankly, the more they work on the case the less inclined they will be to deal with you lightly.
If you need help finding a lawyer you can go to www.AttroneyPages.com for help.
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