Possible Punishment for False Reporting
A violation of either statute is a class one (1) misdemeanor. Possible Punishment on a class one (1) misdemeanor can be probation with zero (0) days in jail up to six (6) months in jail. In addition, a fine of up to $2500.00 and 84% surcharge is possible.
Possible Defenses for False Reporting
In most cases, the Officer adds this charge if they become upset with an individual who they are questioning. For example, in a DUI context, if a person states that they “only had one (1) beer”, yet their alcohol reading is above the legal limit, the Officer may also cite them for “False Reporting”. Other times the Officer will simply not believe one person’s “side of the story” and they will charge that person with False Reporting.
It is important to have an attorney interview all parties involved (including the police officer) in order to pin down exactly what occurred. A False Reporting charge carries a lifelong ramification due to the fact that it is a crime involving “truth and veracity”. In other words, it can be used against you should you be involved in a future lawsuit or a child custody battle. This is not a conviction that one wants on their record.
The “Common Defenses” for False Reporting, which a False Reporting Lawyer may apply in any criminal case are numerous and diverse. One of most common defenses we encounter is a “Miranda rights Violation”. In Arizona, the standard of whether any inculpatory statement (i.e., a statement which tends to admit guilt) is admissible into evidence is based upon a “Voluntariness” standard.
If we can demonstrate that the police coerced you (i.e., intimidated or tricked you) into making a confession or inculpatory statement, or that they did not properly read you your Miranda Rights, then we can suppress those statements and any evidence gathered as a direct result of those statements. In addition, “Denial of right to Counsel” is another common defense which is often raised. This occurs when a suspect is in custody and requests to speak to their Attorney, but is denied and questioning continues. Other defenses may include challenging the validity of any search warrant, or whether there were any “forensic flaws” during the investigation of your case.
Depending on what you have been charged with, this could include exposing flawed procedures regarding blood, breath, and urine testing; fingerprints analysis; DNA testing; ballistics; gunshot residue testing; computer analysis/”cloning hard drive” procedures; forensic financial accounting reviews; etc. Lastly, one of the most common defenses is exposing sloppy or misleading police reports which include everything from misstatements, false statements, flawed photo line-ups and inaccurate crime scene reconstruction. It is important to hire a skilled False Reporting Lawyer to defend you who has knowledge of both the specific defenses and the common defenses involved in a False Reporting case.
It is important to hire an AV® rated law firm (the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell®). Also David Michael Cantor is a Phoenix Attorney for False Reporting and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Firm and all of its lawyers are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. At DM Cantor, the majority of our Attorneys are ex-Prosecutors, and all of our Phoenix Attorneys for False Reporting know the system well.
Click here… if you have not been charged with False Reporting yet, but the police are in the “pre-charge investigation stage” of your case.

We are an AV® rated law firm (the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell®). Also David Michael Cantor is a False Reporting lawyer in Arizona, and a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Firm and all of its lawyers are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. At DM Cantor, the majority of our Attorneys are ex-Prosecutors, and all of our False Reporting Lawyers in Arizona know the system well.
The Collateral Consequences Of An False Reporting Conviction
The effects of a False Reporting conviction can be devastating. Even if a person is to receive Probation with no Jail, or a small Jail or Prison sentence, after they are released there will be lifelong effects on the Defendant. This can involve Lifetime Probation; job restrictions; apartment/dormitory restrictions or prohibitions; Professional Licenses being Revoked; loss or severe restriction of internet privileges; etc. Check the link below for information regarding what Collateral Consequences you or a loved one might be facing.
Click to see Comprehensive List and Explanation of Collateral Consequences regarding a False Reporting Conviction
Mitigation
When it comes to “Mitigation” regarding a charge of False Reporting, it is important to start that process right away. Not only can this help us with potentially convincing a Prosecutor to not file charges in the first place, but it may reduce the level of charges that they ultimately file. In addition, if there is a conviction later, this can be used to help reduce any type of Sentence if there is a “Range.” The Mitigating Factors which are considered by both the Prosecutor and the Courts includes Statutory and Non-Statutory elements.
Many items that we routinely include in our Mitigation Packages include Psychosexual Risk Evaluations; Polygraphs; Neuro-Psychological Evaluations; Counseling records; substance abuse Treatment and/or Rehabilitation; and a complete history of a person’s background. This can include Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), medical records, Counseling records, etc. Lastly. we often include what’s known as a “Proportionality Review/Sentencing Disparity” analysis in which we can show the Prosecutor and Court that similarly-situated Defendants received low Sentences. Click the link below to see a more detailed list of both Statutory and Non-Statutory Mitigating Factors.
Click here to see Helpful Mitigation Information
Work with a DM Cantor Phoenix False Reporting Defense Lawyer Today For a Free Consultation
For a free consultation and free case evaluation with one of our Phoenix False Reporting Lawyers and Criminal Defense Lawyers, call our 24 hour Phoenix False Reporting Defense Lawyers Hotline at 602-307-0808 , or click here for a free consultation on any criminal cases. Our aggressive False Reporting Lawyers always offer free consultations for an initial visit with our Phoenix False Reporting Defense Attorneys. We are often considered to be the “best False Reporting Defense Lawyer”.