Criminal Law/Lying to police

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Expert: - 9/17/2009


Question
I lied to a police officer, telling him I did not participate in the theft of an item that I had in my possession, and instead saying I found it. I told the only witness to not tell the police anything (not intimidating), but he must have gotten scared and ended up telling the police everything, including how I asked him to lie. When the officer confronted me, I denied his accusations of lying and talking to the witness. He said that he is submitting the report and we will meet in court. I am a minor in California. My question is, is lying to the police and asking witnesses to lie a crime? I know I will  be charged with the theft I committed, but I need to know if it is possible that I will face more charges or not.

Answer
Every state has its own laws.  In MY state it is not necessarily against the law to lie to a police officer unless the lie significantly alters the course of the investigation.  It is definitely against the law to ask others to lie on your behalf.  I think that in every state that is against the law.  In YOUR state it is obviously against the law to lie to a police officer if the officer told you that it was.  You need to get your parents involved because they are the ones who are going to be paying for your attorney and trying to keep you out of jail.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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