Question Will I get in trouble for making a false statement to the police? Well…
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE ACCUSED OF MAKING FALSE POLICE REPORTS IN MISSOURI?

Filing a police report is supposed to help law enforcement uncover the truth — but if you’re accused of lying in that report, the consequences can be serious. In Missouri, making a false report to law enforcement is a criminal offense that can lead to jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent mark on your record.
Even if you made a mistake, misunderstood the situation, or were under emotional distress, prosecutors may still pursue the charge aggressively. At KC Defense Counsel, we want you to know everything you need to know if you’ve been accused of making a false police report in Missouri.
Don’t wait. Hiring an experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer is crucial to your case.
WHAT COUNTS AS A “FALSE POLICE REPORT”?
Under RSMo 575.080, a person commits the offense of making a false report if they knowingly provide false information to law enforcement about:
- A crime that didn’t occur,
- A crime that occurred but with false details, or
- The involvement of a person who was not actually guilty.
The key element is intent — prosecutors must prove that you knowingly and intentionally gave false information, not that you were simply mistaken or confused.
Examples of False Reporting in Missouri
- Claiming your car was stolen to collect insurance money.
- Filing a domestic violence report to get revenge during a breakup or custody dispute.
- Accusing someone of theft or assault when it never happened.
- Falsely identifying the suspect in a crime.
- Calling 911 to report a fake emergency or crime in progress.
Even small exaggerations or omissions can be interpreted as intentional deception, especially if they waste police resources or harm another person’s reputation.
PENALTIES FOR MAKING A FALSE POLICE REPORT
The severity of the charge depends on what was reported:
Class B Misdemeanor: Giving false information that doesn’t lead to major disruption.
- Punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Class A Misdemeanor: Falsely reporting a crime to law enforcement.
- Punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Class E Felony: If your report causes serious injury or substantial resource use (like a SWAT response or evacuation), penalties increase to up to 4 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
You may also be required to repay the cost of the investigation if your report wasted police resources.
COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES BEYOND JAIL
A conviction for making a false report can affect more than your freedom:
- It creates a criminal record for dishonesty, which employers take seriously.
- It can damage your credibility in family court or custody disputes.
- It may harm your reputation in your community or profession.
- It can make it harder to clear your name even if the situation was misunderstood.
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly and secure legal help as soon as possible.
DEFENSES TO FALSE REPORT ACCUSATIONS
Every case is unique, and sometimes what appears to be a false report is simply the result of confusion, miscommunication, or emotional distress. Common defenses include:
Lack of Intent: You didn’t knowingly lie — you were mistaken or believed the report was true.
Insufficient Evidence: Prosecutors can’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally provided false information.
Retraction: You corrected or clarified your report before it caused significant harm.
Police Misunderstanding: Officers misinterpreted your words or actions.
An experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer can review your case, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
WHY YOU NEED TO HIRE THE RIGHT MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOU
False report cases can be emotionally charged and often arise from stressful or confusing events. Without a strong defense, you could face life-changing penalties for something you didn’t intend.
A skilled Kansas City defense attorney can:
- Analyze the police report and related evidence.
- Challenge the claim that your statements were intentionally false.
- Present mitigating factors, such as emotional distress or genuine confusion.
- Negotiate for reduced charges, diversion programs, or dismissal.
Your lawyer’s goal is to protect both your record and your reputation.
At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City defense attorneys understand that not every false report charge comes from malice — sometimes it comes from fear, confusion, or poor communication. We’ve helped clients across Missouri fight back against these accusations and rebuild their reputation.
Keep in mind, Missouri law (RSMo 575.080) makes it a crime to knowingly make a false report to police. These penalties can range from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the harm caused. Honest mistakes are not crimes and prosecutors must prove intentional deceit.
This is why hiring an experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect your future.
At KC Defense Counsel, we believe that everyone deserves a strong defense. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or federal charge, our Kansas City criminal defense attorneys are here to protect your rights and your future. We handle every case personally, giving you the focused attention you deserve. Our team understands the Missouri justice system and knows how to navigate it effectively to achieve the best possible outcome. From pre-trial negotiations to jury trials, we fight hard at every stage.
Don’t wait — contact KC Defense Counsel today for a free case evaluation. With experienced Kansas City defense lawyers on your side, you can face your charges with confidence and start moving forward.
If you’ve been accused of making a false police report in Missouri, don’t face it alone.
Call KC Defense Counsel today for a free, confidential case evaluation with an experienced Kansas City criminal defense attorney.
Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.
Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.
Contact our experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.