The False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee crime in the state of Texas gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you tried to deceive law enforcement by making a false statement about a criminal investigation to a peace officer, federal investigator, or someone authorized by a law enforcement agency to conduct the investigation.

False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee 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 to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee offense below.

What is the current Texas law about False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee?

The current Texas law defines the offense of False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee in Penal Code Section §37.08 as follows:^[1]

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, he knowingly makes a false statement that is material to a criminal investigation and makes the statement to:

(1) a peace officer or federal special investigator conducting the investigation;

(2) any employee of a law enforcement agency that is authorized by the agency to conduct the investigation and that the actor knows is conducting the investigation; or

(3) a corrections officer or jailer.

How can I be charged with False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee?

You can be charged with False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of 37.08(a) as described in the section above have been met.

What is the punishment for False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee?

A conviction for False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, or Law Enforcement Employee is punished as a Class B misdemeanor,^[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $2,000 and jail time of up to 180 days. Learn about the differences between grades of felonies and misdemeanors

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §37.08^2. Texas Penal Code §37.08(c)