Vehicle Code 31 VC – Giving False Information to a Police Officer – states, “No person shall give, either orally or in writing, information to a peace officer while in the performance of his duties under the provisions of this code when such person knows that the information is false.” 
You could be charged with this offense if you: give a police officer a false name, a fake driver’s license, counterfeit registration (which would also be a violation of Vehicle Code 4463 VC California’s fraudulent vehicle registration law), and giving an answer to a question that you know is false – just to name a few.
This offense is considered a misdemeanor and you face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if you are convicted.
In addition, giving false information to an officer who is performing his/her duties may also be considered a violation of:
- Penal Code 148 PC – California’s law against resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer engaged in the performance of his/her duties,
- Vehicle Code 20 VC – California’s law against making false statements to a California Highway Patrol officer, and/or
- Penal Code 472 PC – California’s law against forging, counterfeiting, or possessing a fraudulent seal (if, for example, you present an officer with a fake or counterfeit driver’s license that bears a “seal” supposedly issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles).
If you are also convicted of these offenses you face increased or additional punishments.
If you have been charged with giving false information to a police officer, you need an experienced and aggressive attorney to fight to have your charge reduced or dismissed. Call the Law Office of William Daley at (619) 238-1905 for a free consultation.
