The False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you tried to deceive the police by making a false report of a missing child or person or by making a false statement in connection with a missing child or person.

False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person is classified in the Texas Penal Code under Title 8 “Offenses Against Public Administration,” Chapter 37 “Perjury and Other Falsification.”

Learn more detailed information about the False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person offense below.

What is the current Texas law about False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person?

The current Texas law defines the offense of False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person in Penal Code Section §37.081 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, the person knowingly:

(1) files a false report of a missing child or missing person with a law enforcement officer or agency; or

(2) makes a false statement to a law enforcement officer or other employee of a law enforcement agency relating to a missing child or missing person.

How can I be charged with False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person?

You can be charged with False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 37.081 as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person?

A conviction for False Report Regarding Missing Child or Missing Person is punished as a Class C misdemeanor,^[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $500. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §37.081^2. Texas Penal Code §37.081(b)