A Fall River, Massachusetts woman, Jennifer Smith, is accused of lying to police about a home invasion. According to the Herald News, Ms. Smith allegedly told police that that a man broke into her home, wrestled a gun away from her that she had grabbed to defend herself, and shot her in the arm. Ms. Smith told police that the intruder then ran from the home.
Based on this report, police organized a massive manhunt involving 40 to 50 officers, a state police officer, and K-9 and tactical units. Police also created and distributed a sketch of the alleged intruder based on Ms. Smith's description.
As a result of perceived inconsistencies in Smith's story, police now believe that Ms. Smith accidentally discharged her .357 revolver after hearing a noise and becoming frightened.
A hearing to determine if criminal charge originally scheduled for February has been postponed to March 5.
A Massachusetts Criminal Defense lawyer should be called to represent anyone facing charges of filing a false police report.
Under Massachusetts' law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268, Section 13a), it's illegal to file a false police report.
Possible consequences if convicted of making a false report include fines of up to $500 and possible jail or prison for up to a year.
In order to be convicted of filing a false report, prosecutors must show each of the following:
• The person made or caused to be made a report of a crime to the police,
• The report was false,
• The person intended to make the false report, and
• The person knew the report was false.
If you've been charged with a making a false report, call Attorney Michael DelSignore. He has the experience necessary to fight charges of filing a false report or any other criminal matter.
