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False Report of a Crime (PC 148.5) in Anaheim

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False Report of a Crime (PC 148.5) in Anaheim

Summary: This page covers What constitutes the ‘False Report of a Crime’?, Defenses against a ‘False Report of a Crime’ accusation.

Making a false report of a crime in the city of Anaheim can easily land you in jail for breaking California Penal Code 148.5.

What constitutes the ‘False Report of a Crime’?

  1. According to 148.5(a), you are guilty of a crime if you deliberately report false information to an authority including (such as a peace officer, Attorney General, or District Attorney) that a misdemeanor or felony crime has been committed
  2. According to 148.5(b)(c)(d), you are guilty of a crime if you deliberately make a false report to a peace officer, grand jury, a person assigned to accept/hear reports from the citizenry e.g. a 911 operator, and so on, that a crime has been committed if:
    1. The information is given to the officer while he/she is performing their duties in their professional capacity
    2. The culprit knew or should have known that they were giving the false report to an officer
  3. According to 148.5(e), this section doesn’t apply to individuals who are required by law to report suspected or known incidences of elder abuse, child abuse or dependent adult abuse

In some cases, individuals out to retaliate against someone else may make a false report that the person committed a crime. This is a crime, and unfortunately happens sometimes when relationships sour.

Defenses against a ‘False Report of a Crime’ accusation

If you are charged with violating PC 148.5, it is imperative that you call an experienced attorney to defend your case. Some of the defense strategies that the attorney will explore include:

  • You did not have knowledge that you were falsifying information or that the report you made was false
  • You had no fraudulent intent when making the report
  • You had no way of knowing that the person you talked to was an authority

Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are many different defense strategies that the attorney can explore. Calling your attorney as soon as you can is important for a strong defense to be mounted on your behalf.

Contact a lawyer at the Johnson Criminal Law Group today if you are being charged with making a false report of a crime.

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Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

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Lauren Johnson-Norris changed my life and my family’s in September 2014. I was a troubled young girl with some convictions on my record from my early adult life. I have grown older and changed my life but my past kept rearing its ugly head. I started researching expungement and found Ms. Johnson-Norris, and I am so glad I did. She treated me like a person and as I told her about myself she really engaged in my situation and I felt I was not some number to her but a real person. She expunged two felonies I had. One of them the courts did not want to expunge, but Ms. Johnson-Norris would not take no for an answer and fought for me! She always kept me posted on what was going on. I believe God led me to her. She is very talented and knows what she is doing. She is extremely professional and is not only after your money. She has a heart under her tough Lawyer position that she does so well. She cleared my record and gave me hope for my future, my husband’s and my son! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER. If you had a rough past and are trying to change your life. Go see Ms. Johnson-Norris; she knows what she is doing.

A.M., a criminal client

I want to thank Ms. Johnson-Norris, especially, for all her help during this difficult time. When we could not see the end of the tunnel, she helped us and guided us through the exit. Thank her not only for her professional help but for her emotional and sympathetic support. God bless her.

Parent of a juvenile crime client

I really appreciate everything she has done for me; I cannot thank her enough! Ms. Johnson-Norris did an absolutely thorough job by answering any and all questions that I had. She called me with updates and preferences on how I should be handling the case, which made the whole process very reassuring. The staff was very up to date with all of the follow-up information that was involved with my case that was also extremely beneficial. Ms. Johnson-Norris had a very reassuring aspect about her that made it very easy to let her handle the case. If anything were to go wrong with anyone I am associated with, she will be the lawyer of choice. I really appreciate everything that she has done for me, I can not thank her enough!

Mr. D., a criminal defense client

Ms. Johnson-Norris was recommended to me by many sources. She was the perfect fit, financially and professionally. I did what she told me to do to get the best possible resolution and it definitely paid off. I would recommend Lauren Johnson-Norris to anyone and am truly grateful for her services. She gave me peace of mind in some bad times. Thanks, Ms. Johnson-Norris!

A client charged with an alcohol-related misdemeanor

Thank you so much for all your help with our case. It was a pleasure meeting you and I appreciate all you’ve done for my family. You are the best attorney that we could have and we are so grateful that we met you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

A juvenile delinquency client’s parent

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Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

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