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False Alarm or Report

Law enforcement utilize a report and alarm system which allows citizens to inform them of any possible present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency that may occur. This system is incredibly important to law enforcement and assists them every day in making new arrests or stopping future crimes. However, law enforcement from time to time may receive a false alarm or report and pursue it, resulting in a loss of police time and resources.

To avoid this, Texas legislators have implemented laws prohibiting citizens from filing a false alarm or report to police. Violating this law will yield criminal penalties including time in jail and expensive court fines. If you have been arrested for filing a false police report or alarm to law enforcement, then we urge you to contact an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.

False Alarm or Report Attorney in Austin, Texas

Making a false alarm or report to law enforcement is a crime in Texas with life-changing penalties. The crime is often associated with schools when a student pulls a fire alarm as a prank or calls in a false bomb threat. Usually, the students have no idea the gravity of their actions and how it can impact them in the future. No matter the circumstances, if you’ve been charged with making a false alarm or report, we urge you to contact The Law Office of Kevin Bennett.

Kevin Bennett of The Law Office of Kevin Bennett has been practicing for years as an Austin false alarm or report lawyer. With his experience, he can analyze your case and determine what evidence would be best used to undermine the prosecution’s argument. He can then craft a formidable defense and utilize it in court to defend your rights and future.

Call The Law Office of Kevin Bennett now at (512) 476-4626 to set up your first consultation today. The Law Office of Kevin Bennett is located in Austin, but accepts clients throughout Travis County including Bee Cave, Lago Vista, Barton Creek, Manor, Lost Creek and Lakeway.

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Can You Get in Trouble for Making a False Police Report or Alarm in Texas?

The short answer is yes, you can definitely find yourself with criminal charges after filing a false police report or alarm in Texas. The crime is defined under the Texas Penal Code Section 42.06 under their chapter for disorderly conduct. The statute states you’re guilty of making a false police report or alarm if you:

  • Initiate, communicate, or circulate a report of a past, present or future bombing, fire, offense, or other emergency with knowledge that the alarm/report is baseless and that would ordinarily:
    • Place a person in fear of possible imminent serious bodily injury;
    • Cause action by a volunteer agency or official who is authorized to deal with such emergencies; or
    • Prevented or interrupted the occupation of a room, building, place of assembly, or place in which the public has access to. That includes aircrafts, automobiles, and other modes of conveyance.

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What is the Punishment for Making a False Police Report or Alarm in Texas?

The punishment’s severity for making a false police report or alarm will depend on where the false incident was reported to have occurred. False reports involving any of the following will result in a state jail felony upon conviction:

  • Public or private higher institution of learning
  • Public or private primary or secondary school
  • Public communications
  • Public transportation
  • Public water
  • Public gas or power supply
  • Or any other public service offered by federal or state laws

The maximum punishment for a state jail felony includes:

  • Up to two years in state jail; and
  • A fine of up to $10,000

False reports or alarms at any other location is a class A misdemeanor, which can yield a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000.

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Additional Resources

Texas Statute for False Alarm or Report – Visit the official website for the Texas Statutes to read the legislative language for filing a false alarm or report. Access the site to learn more about the elements of the crime, penalties for filing a false report or alarm, and other related offenses.

Police Arrest Woman on False COVID-19 Reports – Visit the official website for KVEO-TV, which is an CBS and NBC affiliate television station for the Rio Grande Valley area in Texas. Access the site to learn how Leslie Hinojosa made false claims of having COVID-19 and breaking stay-at-home restrictions on Facebook. Find out how law enforcement handled the situation and if she has been charged with making a false alarm or report.

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Austin Attorney for Filing a False Police Report in Texas

If you’ve been arrested for filing a false police report or making a false alarm, then we urge you to contact Kevin Bennett of The Law Office of Kevin Bennett. With years of practice under his belt, attorney Bennett can analyze the facts of your case and use his experience to craft a sturdy defense. Don’t wait another moment to secure legal representation with a skilled Austin false alarm and report attorney today.

Set up your first consultation with The Law Office of Kevin Bennett by calling us at (512) 476-4626. The Law Office of Kevin Bennett accepts clients throughout the greater Travis County and Austin area including West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Manor, Lakeway, Pflugerville, and Lago Vista

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