Making a False or Misleading Statement to a Public Servant

A person allegedly commits this crime when he or she allegedly:

a) Knowingly makes a false or misleading material statement to a public servant, and

b) the material statement is reasonably likely to be relied upon by the public servant in the discharge of his or her duties.

A material statement is simply a statement that is important, not irrelevant. A person is guilty only if he knew the statement was false AND it was likely to be relied upon by the public servant. So, making an absurd claim that everyone knows to be false would not qualify, nor would making a false statement about something trivial qualify for this charge.

This crime often arises when a person, knowing he or she has a warrant for his or her arrest outstanding, gives a law enforcement officer a false name in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Knowingly making a false or misleading statement to a Public Servant (or law enforcement officer) is a gross misdemeanor. This crime is somewhat related to Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, and both could be committed by the same alleged act.

Ashbach Law Offices has a strong track record of success defending clients charged with these crimes, arising out of Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Monroe, and the rest of Snohomish County, Washington.

These charges are typically filed in Cascade District Court, Edmonds Municipal Court, Everett District Court, Everett Municipal Court, Evergreen District Court, Lynnwood Municipal Court, Marysville Municipal Court, and South District Court, all located in Snohomish County, Washington.

If you, or someone you care about, have or has been charged with Making a False Statement, call Ashbach Law Offices, LLC at (360) 659-4950 for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

RCW 9A.76.175 Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.

A person who knowingly makes a false or misleading material statement to a public servant is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. "Material statement" means a written or oral statement reasonably likely to be relied upon by a public servant in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties.