Penalty for a False Felony Report in Michigan
It is against the law in Michigan to make a false report to law enforcement. According the section 750.411a of the Michigan Penal Code, a person is guilty of the crime of giving a false report if he intentionally makes a false report about the commission of a crime or intentionally causes another person to make a false report about the commission of a crime to various law enforcement representatives, including a police officer, a 9-1-1- operator or a government employee or contractor who is authorized to receive reports of crimes.
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False Felony Reports
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It is a felony to make a false report to law enforcement regarding the commission of a felony. A person found guilty of making a false felony report may be imprisoned for up to 4 years and/or be fined up to $2,000.
Other False Felony Reports
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Michigan law specifically prohibits a person from knowingly making a false report about a violation or attempted violation about the sale of explosives to minors, death resulting from explosives, placing a harmful object or substance in food or poisoning food, drink, nonprescription medicine or placing poison or a harmful substance in a spring, well, reservoir or public water supply. A person is guilty of making a false report if he communicates or causes the communication about the false report to another person when the person making the false report knows that the information is untrue. A person found guilty under this section may be sentenced to up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000. For a second or subsequent offense, the penalty is 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
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Response Costs
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If a person makes a false report regarding poisoning, explosives or any of the other crimes listed in the previous paragraph, he may be liable for any costs incurred because of the false report. The court may order the person to pay the state or local government agency for the cost of the response of the police, emergency services or fire services. If the person is a juvenile who is unable to pay the cost, the court may order the parents of the juvenile to pay the costs.
Limitations
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Section 750.411a does not apply in all situations where false information is provided. A person may not be found guilty under this section for providing false details in a police report involving a crime that actually occurred. In 2001, a Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that a person that gives false details in a police report involving an actual crime is not guilty of providing a false police report and may not be penalized under this section.
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