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Lawyer for Giving False Information to Police in St. Petersburg, FL

During the course of a criminal investigation or an arrest, citizens have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. If an alleged offender or other person of interest knowingly provides a law enforcement officer (LEO) or other authorities with false information, it can result in that person facing criminal charges.

Depending on the alleged offender’s criminal record and the nature of the crime being investigated, providing false information to police can be a misdemeanor or felony offense. In many cases, people may have only simply repeated things they heard from other sources without knowing that the information was false.

FALSE INFORMATION TO AN LEO / GIVING A FALSE NAME OR ID TO LEO

Melinda Morris and Seth Shapiro are experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Petersburg who represent clients all over Pasco County, Sarasota County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and Manatee County. 

Call (727) 592-5885 today for an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.


Overview of Giving False Information to Police Crimes in Florida

Penalties for False Information to Law Enforcement in Pinellas County

Under Florida Statute § 837.05, it is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 if an alleged offender knowingly gives false information to a law enforcement officer concerning the alleged commission of any crime. Such an offense, however, becomes a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 if:

  • The alleged offender knowingly gives false information to a law enforcement officer concerning the alleged commission of a capital felony;
  • The alleged offender has previously been convicted of false reports to law enforcement authorities and the information that the person gave to the law enforcement officer was communicated orally and the officer’s account of that information is corroborated by an audio recording or audio recording in a video of that information, a written or recorded statement made by the person who gave that information, or another person who was present when that person gave that information to the officer and heard that information; or
  • The alleged offender has previously been convicted of false reports to law enforcement authorities and the information that the person gave to the law enforcement officer was communicated in writing.

Florida Statute § 837.055 also makes it a first-degree misdemeanor offense for an alleged offender to knowingly and willfully give false information to a law enforcement officer who is conducting a missing person investigation or a felony criminal investigation with the intent to mislead the officer or impede the investigation. If an alleged offender knowingly and willfully gives false information to a law enforcement officer who is conducting a missing person investigation involving a child 16 years of age or younger with the intent to mislead the officer or impede the investigation, and the child who is the subject of the investigation suffers great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death, false information to law enforcement during investigation becomes a third-degree felony.

Penalties for Giving False Name or ID to Police in in St. Petersburg

State law in Florida also prohibits people being arrested or lawfully detained from providing false names or identification (ID). Under Florida Statute § 901.36, it is a first-degree misdemeanor for an alleged offender who has been arrested or lawfully detained by a law enforcement officer to give a false name, or otherwise falsely identify him or herself in any way, to the law enforcement officer or any county jail personnel.

If another person is adversely affected by an alleged offender giving a false name or otherwise falsely identifying him or herself in any way to the law enforcement officer or any county jail personnel, the violations then becomes classified as a third-degree felony. In addition to possible imprisonment and fines, alleged offenders in these cases may also be ordered to pay restitution to the alleged victims.

Florida Law Enforcement Resources

Criminal Investigations | Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office — On this section of the sheriff’s website, you can learn more about how the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office handles criminal investigations. Find information about how to initiate an investigation or call about an existing case. You can find contact information for the office’s Criminal Investigations, Child Protection Investigations, Narcotics Division, and Victim Advocates.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 
10750 Ulmerton Rd. 
Largo, FL 33778 
(727) 582-6200

Morris Law Firm, P.A. | St. Petersburg Giving False Information to LEO Attorney

If you have been accused of allegedly providing any kind of false information to authorities in the Tampa Bay area, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. The Morris Law Firm, P.A. aggressively defends individuals in Dunedin, Pinellas Park, Largo, Clearwater, and the surrounding areas in Pinellas County.

As a former felony prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyer Melinda Morris understands the most effective methods to get these types of criminal charges reduced or dismissed. 

She can review your case and answer all of your legal questions when you call (727) 592-5885 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google