Can You Get in Trouble for Lying on a Police Report?

Yes. Knowingly presenting false information to the authorities is a serious crime, one punishable by fines, jail time, or even worse. Fraudulent reports may even rise to the level of a felony in some cases. It’s better to trust your case to a skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer than to risk your freedom by breaking the law. 

Truth is the foundation of justice 

Human beings have lived under some type of legal code for more than 5,000 years. Formal courts of law first began to appear in the days of ancient Egypt during the reign of the pharaohs.  

The Roman Empire, which ruled most of Europe for more than 1,000 years, developed a sophisticated legal system that serves as the basis for today’s judicial establishment. This is why so much of our modern legal vocabulary includes Latin phrases and terms. 

Most societies base their legal systems on a common set of underlying principles. These include: 

• Proportionality: Simply speaking, this means that the punishment should fit the crime. For example, jaywalking may result in a fine. But it’s unlikely to land you on Death Row.  
• Impartiality: The famous image of justice personified shows a female figure wearing a blindfold. This reflects the fact that the laws are meant to apply to all of us equally, no matter how rich or poor we may be. 
• Truth and accuracy: A legal system based on lies is worse than none at all. This is particularly true when it comes to making accusations. Not only do false reports subject innocent people to harm, but they also waste precious time and resources. The police can’t fight real crime if they’re chasing make-believe lawbreakers. 

This last point is the reason why lying on a police report can get you in serious trouble. Honesty is always the best policy, especially where the cops are concerned.  

A police report is one key to getting the compensation you deserve 

It is very important to file an accurate police report. Here’s why: 

• Insurance companies expect, and deserve, proper documentation: Having the word of law enforcement professionals on your side is crucial for getting your claim approved.  
• Failing to file a report leaves you open to accusations of fraud: Negligent parties sometimes try to divert attention away from themselves by accusing accident victims of lying. A police report is essential, not only for getting fair compensation but also for protecting your reputation.  
• A police report can help your law firm to serve you better: The outcome of your case depends on facts and evidence. whether it’s settled through negotiation or ends up in court. A police report carries a lot of weight when dealing with the other side. 

What to do if you made a mistake on the report 

It’s common for accident victims to misremember key facts while giving a statement to the police. The stress of surviving a serious trauma can make it difficult to recall crucial details or even to form coherent statements.  

At the same time, you don’t want to be accused of intentionally lying to the police. So, if you later realize that your report is either incomplete or inaccurate, then you should file a correction or amendment right away.   

Each jurisdiction has a different procedure for amending a police report. Contact the law enforcement agency that filed your report to find out how the process works in your area. Do this as soon as you realize your mistake. Your local courthouse may also be able to help. 

Do you still have questions? We’re here for you 

Here at Ellis Injury Law, we understand the pain and suffering that accidents can inflict on their victims. We’ve spent our careers helping people just like you to get the compensation they deserve. Perhaps you’re looking for a capable Los Angeles law firm to represent your interests. If so, then we’re available 24/7 to arrange a free consultation.  

If we take your case, then we’ll work on contingency, so there’s no need to worry about out-of-pocket costs when choosing an Ellis attorney as your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  

Our team has recovered more than $350 million for our clients during our combined years of practice. We want to help you as well. Get in touch with one of car accident lawyers today. We look forward to hearing from you.