Published on 4/4/2025, 7:12:00 PM
False Statement to Police in Maryland: Charges, Defenses, and Consequences
Providing false information to law enforcement may seem like a minor issue at first, but under Maryland law, lying to police officers is treated as a serious offense. Whether the false statement is verbal or written, Maryland prosecutors can aggressively pursue charges that may result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
At FrizWoods Criminal Defense, our experienced attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges involving false statements and related offenses. Understanding the law, your rights, and potential defenses is essential to protect your future.
What Constitutes a False Statement in Maryland?
Under Maryland Criminal Law Section 9-501, it is illegal to make knowingly false material statements or provide false information to police officers during an official investigation. This includes:
- Providing incorrect identification details.
- Giving false alibis or timelines.
- Fabricating information regarding alleged crimes.
- Filing false police reports or complaints.
It's important to note that charges can apply even if the false statement did not impede or affect the outcome of the investigation.
Elements Required for Conviction
To secure a conviction for making false statements to police, prosecutors must demonstrate:
- Knowingly False: The statement provided to law enforcement was knowingly incorrect, fabricated, or deliberately misleading.
- Intent to Deceive: The accused intentionally made the false statement to mislead or obstruct a police investigation.
- During an Official Investigation: The false information was provided during an official police inquiry, questioning, or investigation.
If prosecutors fail to establish any of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, a successful defense can lead to dismissal or acquittal.
Important Clarifications from Maryland's Supreme Court
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The State must prove the false statement was made knowingly and intentionally, not by accident or confusion.
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The "two-witness rule" applies only to proving the falsity of statements; the State needs two sources of evidence (such as one witness and surveillance footage) to corroborate that the statement was false.
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Statements are considered "material" if they could influence police decisions, such as initiating an investigation or making an arrest.
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False statements made to police that lead to someone else's arrest or prosecution are not protected by the First Amendment and are aggressively prosecuted.
Penalties for Making False Statements to Police in Maryland
Maryland classifies making a false statement to police as a misdemeanor. Potential consequences include:
- Imprisonment for up to 6 months.
- Fines of up to $500.
- A permanent criminal record affecting employment, security clearances, and personal reputation.
In some cases, false statements can escalate to felony charges like Obstruction of Justice, significantly increasing penalties.
Related Charges Commonly Associated with False Statements
Making false statements to law enforcement often intersects with related offenses, including:
- Perjury: Knowingly lying under oath in court or official proceedings.
- Obstruction of Justice: Deliberate attempts to impede criminal investigations or judicial processes.
These additional charges can compound penalties, making it crucial to engage legal counsel immediately.
Effective Defenses for False Statement Charges
FrizWoods Criminal Defense carefully examines every case for viable defenses. Common strategies include:
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the accused did not intentionally mislead law enforcement.
- Honest Mistake: Arguing that inaccuracies were genuine errors, misunderstandings, or memory lapses, not intentional deceit.
- Violation of Rights: Challenging the admissibility of statements made without proper Miranda warnings or under coercion.
Working with a skilled criminal defense attorney from FrizWoods can substantially strengthen your defense strategy.
Meet Your Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys
Max Frizalone
Max Frizalone brings a wealth of experience as a former Assistant State's Attorney and Maryland Public Defender. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Max has successfully defended clients facing charges like false statements, obstruction of justice, and fraud. He provides clear communication, aggressive defense strategies, and personal attention to every client.
- Extensive courtroom experience in criminal defense and litigation.
- Proven track record of achieving dismissals and favorable outcomes.
- Bilingual representation committed to serving Maryland's diverse population.
Luke Woods
Luke Woods is an accomplished Maryland criminal defense attorney renowned for his meticulous legal strategies and successful courtroom representation. Specializing in criminal cases such as false statements, obstruction of justice, and complex felony charges, Luke consistently achieves favorable outcomes through detailed analysis and aggressive advocacy.
- Experienced in high-stakes criminal defense, including felony trials and motions practice.
- Exceptional track record defending clients against procedural violations and evidentiary issues.
- Dedicated to providing personalized counsel and transparent communication from start to finish.
Why You Need Immediate Legal Representation
Charges of false statements to police can severely impact your life, your family, and your future. Taking immediate legal action by consulting FrizWoods Criminal Defense ensures:
- Early intervention and negotiation opportunities with prosecutors.
- Preservation of essential evidence to support your defense.
- Aggressive advocacy designed to achieve the best outcome possible.
Contact FrizWoods Criminal Defense immediately for your confidential, no-cost consultation. Protecting your rights begins with a strategic and informed defense.
