Home > It's A Legal Matter > False informing

False informing

By Jeff Terrill

Fort Wayne Reader

2017-02-21

In Indiana, a person commits the misdemeanor offense of false informing when he gives false information during the official investigation of a crime knowing that the information is false.

Meet Tim. Tim isn’t having his best year. His parents worry that Tim is on the wrong path. They are always telling him to grow up, get a job and go to college. Tim tells them to relax and to not be so stressed.

Two weeks ago and just days after his 19th birthday, police arrest Tim and his friends for underage drinking. The officer informs Tim and his friends when to appear in court. Well, super-slacking Tim spaces the date and ends up missing the hearing. The judge issues an arrest warrant for Tim’s failure to appear in court.

Fast forward a few days. Tim is a passenger in a friend’s car when the car is pulled over for speeding. The police officer asks for the driver’s license and registration. He also asks for Tim’s identification. The officer tells the driver that the car smells like burnt marijuana.
Concerned about his missed court date, Tim tells the officer that he doesn’t have any identification. Tim then gives the officer a fake name and date of birth. The officer heads back to her squad car. Moments later, she returns and asks the driver to step out of the car. The officer asks the driver how long he’s known the passenger. The driver starts in on a story about how he just met him and offered to give him a ride. The officer cuts him off and tells him to tell the truth. He complies.

The officer returns to the car and, again, asks for his full name and date of birth. Tim sticks with the made-up name and birth date. The officer pulls Tim from the car and places him in handcuffs.

The officer explains that Tim has a warrant for his arrest for missing his court hearing. The officer also explains that he’s arresting him for false informing.

Tim calls his parents from the jail pleading with them to do something.

Tim’s parents tell him to relax and to not be so stressed.

-------------------------

Jeff Terrill is a partner/shareholder with the law firm of Arnold Terrill Anzini, P.C. Mr. Terrill represents clients accused of crimes throughout northeast Indiana. You can contact Mr. Terrill with any questions or comments at his office at 260.420.7777 or via email at jterrill@fortwaynedefense.com. Learn more about his firm at www.fortwaynedefense.com. This article expressed opinions and observations of the author, is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. Please consult a qualified attorney with any legal questions or issues you might have. Thank you