GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A POLICE OFFICER IN MISSOURI

When you’re pulled over or questioned by police in Missouri, the pressure to say the “right thing” can be overwhelming. But if that “right thing” turns out to be false, even accidentally, you could be facing a criminal charge for providing false information to a law enforcement officer.

Missouri takes these offenses seriously, and a conviction could have lasting consequences on your record, your license, and your future.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our team of experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyers near you are here to help you understand your rights and defend your case.

WHAT DOES MISSOURI LAW SAY ABOUT GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO A POLICE OFFICER?

In Missouri, giving false information to a law enforcement officer is a criminal offense that falls under various state statutes, depending on the specific act. The most relevant statute is:

RSMo 575.080 – Making a False Report: This statute makes it a crime to knowingly give false information to a police officer with the intent to mislead.

Specifically, it is unlawful to:

• Report an offense or incident within their knowledge to have occurred when it did not;
• Cause a false belief or investigation of a crime that never happened;
• Provide any fake identifying information (such as a false name, address, or driver’s license number);
• Implicate another person in a crime they didn’t commit.

You can also be charged under: RSMo 575.060 – False Impersonation

If you pretend to be another person, especially during a traffic stop or arrest, to mislead police, this too may lead to criminal charges, often more serious ones.

COMMON EXAMPLES OF GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO MISSOURI POLICE

Some examples of conduct that could result in charges include:

• Giving a fake name or birthdate during a traffic stop
• Claiming someone else was driving the vehicle
• Falsely reporting a vehicle stolen
• Lying about insurance status or registration
• Providing fake documents (registration, ID, proof of insurance)
• Telling police you weren’t involved in an accident when you were

Even if the lie seems small, the consequences can be anything but.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES IN MISSOURI FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION?

Penalties vary based on the specific act and the harm caused by the lie. Here’s a breakdown:

FALSE REPORTING IN MISSOURI: A MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY?

Under RSMo 575.080, giving a false report to a law enforcement officer is generally a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000

However, it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if the false report results in a significant waste of police resources, or if the officer is seriously misled. Penalties can include:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• A fine up to $2,000

FALSE IMPERSONATION — CLASS B MISDEMEANOR OR HIGHER

If you impersonate another person during a police interaction, you could be charged under RSMo 575.060. This too is usually a Class B misdemeanor, but the stakes rise if:

• You falsely identify yourself as a public servant (such as an officer or official)
• Your actions lead to harm or false arrest of another person

In such cases, charges could escalate to a Class A misdemeanor or even a felony depending on the circumstances.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION IN MISSOURI

Even if you’re not sentenced to jail, a conviction can have lasting effects:

• A permanent criminal record
• Difficulty getting jobs that require background checks
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Higher auto insurance rates
• Loss of trust in future interactions with law enforcement

HOW PROSECUTORS PROVE FALSE INFORMATION IN MISSOURI

To convict someone for giving false information, the prosecution must prove:

• You knowingly gave false information (not a misunderstanding)
• The information was intended to mislead a police officer
• The officer was acting in an official capacity at the time
• The lie was about a material fact (not a trivial detail)

Intent matters. If you genuinely misunderstood a question or were confused, you may have a valid defense. But if you knowingly lied to avoid a ticket, arrest, or investigation, the situation becomes more serious.

LEGAL DEFENSES AGAINST GIVING FALSE INFORMATION CHARGES

Several defenses may be available, including:

Lack of Intent: If you didn’t knowingly provide false information—perhaps you were confused, scared, or misunderstood what the officer was asking—you may not meet the legal standard for conviction.

Honest Mistake: Simple errors in memory or communication don’t usually rise to the level of criminal falsehood. You might have said the wrong date or mixed up a name without criminal intent.

Coercion or Duress: If you were threatened or forced to lie, that could provide a valid legal defense.

No Official Investigation: In some cases, the officer must have been engaged in an official investigation at the time. If this wasn’t the case, charges may not apply.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI TRAFFIC ATTORNEY ON YOUR SIDE

These types of charges often start during routine traffic stops, something our attorneys at Speeding Ticket KC deal with every day. Here’s why having a knowledgeable traffic defense lawyer on your side is essential:

We Know the System: Our skilled Kansas City defense attorneys are familiar with Missouri’s traffic laws and how local prosecutors and judges handle these cases. We’ll make sure your rights are protected and fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed when possible.

We Build Strong Defenses: Whether it’s challenging the officer’s testimony or proving lack of intent, we’ll craft the most effective defense strategy available to your case.

We Help Protect Your Record: A conviction for giving false information is more than a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal mark that could follow you for years. We’ll work to minimize or eliminate the impact on your future.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE CHARGED WITH GIVING FALSE INFORMATION IN MISSOURI?

If you’re facing a charge for giving false information to a police officer in Missouri, here’s what you should do:

Remain Calm and Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Don’t explain or justify the lie until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Do Not Try to “Fix” It Alone: Attempting to explain the situation later might worsen your legal standing.

Contact an Experienced Kansas City Traffic Attorney Immediately: Time is critical. Early legal help can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

HIRE THE RIGHT MISSOURI TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR YOU

If you’ve been charged with giving false information to police in Missouri, call Speeding Ticket KC immediately. Missouri laws can be difficult and confusing enough as it is — don’t go it alone. Contact us and set up a free case evaluation with one of our affordable and experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near you. We’re ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.

Giving false information to a police officer may seem like a small mistake at the moment, but under Missouri law, it can carry serious consequences. Whether it was a fake name, a misleading statement, or a false claim — what you say to law enforcement matters.

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