Under Colorado law, providing false information to police or other law enforcement authorities can result in serious criminal charges. Known as false reporting, this offense applies when a person knowingly makes a false report, provides false identifying information, or triggers a false emergency response that substantially impedes public safety operations.
At Wolf Law in Denver, we represent individuals accused of false reporting to authorities, including cases involving police, fire departments, ambulance services, and other government agencies. These cases often turn on intent, context, and whether the alleged statement or report meets the statutory definition of being knowingly false.
Wolf Law is proud to serve clients across Colorado with experienced, compassionate criminal defense built on teamwork, strategy, and courtroom excellence. Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley work side by side to lead the firm’s criminal defense practice, combining decades of trial experience and a shared commitment to protecting clients’ rights and futures. Known for his clear legal insight and national commentary on high-profile criminal cases, Jeff Wolf brings strategic perspective and thought leadership, while Colleen Kelley adds extensive courtroom experience and a steady, client-focused approach to complex criminal cases. Together, they reflect Wolf Law’s collaborative, client-centered approach to defending individuals at every stage of the criminal justice process
What Is False Reporting Under Colorado Law?
False reporting occurs when a person knowingly furnishes false information to law enforcement authorities or another government agency with the intent to mislead, cause an official concern, or trigger an unnecessary response.
The law is designed to protect emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and the public from wasted resources, panic, and danger.
What Counts as False Reporting to Authorities?
A person commits false reporting when they knowingly:
- Make a false report of a crime
- Provide false identifying information to police
- Trigger a false alarm or emergency response
- Pretend an emergency exists when it does not
- Furnish information relating to an incident that did not occur
False reporting to authorities does not require a written statement. Verbal reports, phone calls, and electronic communications may qualify.
False Identifying Information to Police
Providing false identifying information is a common form of false reporting. This may include giving police:
- An incorrect name
- A false birth date
- A false address
- A false Colorado identification number
- A fake driver’s license number
- An incorrect Social Security number
False identifying information results in criminal liability when it substantially impedes an investigation or misleads authorities.
False Emergency Reports and Alarms
Colorado law also criminalizes false emergency reporting, including:
- Triggering a false emergency alarm
- Activating a false fire alarm or emergency exit alarm
- Reporting emergencies involving danger that do not exist
- Causing emergency response results involving police, fire, or ambulance services
False emergency reporting is taken seriously because it diverts resources and places others at risk.
When Emergency Response Is Triggered
False reporting charges often escalate when:
- Law enforcement responded
- A volunteer fire department was dispatched
- Ambulance service responded
- Other emergency responders were deployed
If emergency response results in bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death, penalties may increase.
Mental State: “Knowingly” Providing False Information
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person knowingly made a false report or provided false information.
Mistakes, misunderstandings, or confusion may not meet the legal definition if there was no intent to deceive.
Common Situations Leading to Charges
False reporting charges often arise from:
- Reporting police-involved crimes that did not occur
- Claiming an imminent threat without evidence
- Providing false information during an arrest or investigation
- Lying to avoid responsibility for another incident
- Triggering false alarms that cause people to panic
Each case depends heavily on context and evidence.
Penalties for False Reporting in Colorado
False reporting is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but certain circumstances may elevate the offense to a felony, including:
- False reporting involving emergencies
- False information leading to serious bodily injury
- Use of a deadly weapon claim
- Significant interference with law enforcement
Courts may also order defendants to pay restitution for emergency response costs.
Right to Remain Silent
If questioned by police, individuals have the right to remain silent. Providing information to law enforcement without legal counsel can unintentionally lead to false reporting allegations, especially during stressful situations.
Defenses to False Reporting Charges
Common defenses may include:
- No knowing or intentional false statement
- Information was misunderstood or misinterpreted
- No substantial impediment to authorities
- No emergency response triggered
- Lack of evidence
- Constitutional violations during questioning
Effective defense depends on the surrounding facts and how the information was communicated.
Why These Charges Are Taken Seriously
False reporting undermines public safety, wastes resources, and can delay responses to legitimate emergencies. However, these laws are sometimes applied too broadly, criminalizing conduct that does not truly meet the statutory definition.
Early legal defense is critical to protecting your rights.
Speak With a Denver Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of false reporting to police or providing false information to law enforcement in Colorado, you may be facing criminal charges that can impact your record, employment, and freedom.
Wolf Law, based in Denver, Colorado, defends individuals charged with false reporting, obstruction-related offenses, and other criminal matters. We evaluate the evidence, challenge improper accusations, and protect your rights from the start.
Call 720.479.8574 today to schedule a free consultation with Wolf Law.
