I lied to a police officer in virginia this weekend about my name and he gave me a ticket for identity fraud. What are the likely punishments/sentences? Do I need a lawyer? He said that it is only a misdemeaner, is this true?
Thanks in advance for your input!
2006-11-06 09:38:05 · 10 answers · asked by Patrick S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I lied becuase I was scared and wasnt in the position of being arrested because it was just a noise violation. On the ticket it doesnt say obstruction of justice it says "identity fraud." I have no criminal history and I am only 19
2006-11-06 10:00:24 · update #1
Idenity theft in VA is a felony. You can go to jail for 5 years. He can also charge you with giving false information to a police officer, which is a misdemeanor. Don't get an attorney and plead stupid. Just say, "you honor I wasn't smart enough to tell the truth".
2006-11-06 14:32:30 · answer #1 · answered by Keith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing good about a misdemeanor is - it's not a felony. However, having a misdemeanor on your record can screw things up for you in MANY different areas of your life, from job opportunities to credit ratings. Everything is tied into everything else.
Of particular concern to law enforcement these days are things like what you were charged with, because of all the very real problems with terrorism and illegal aliens. Whereas years ago, a judge may have looked at this charge and not come down too strongly on the offender, that is no longer the case. The courts are VERY concerned about people who try to say they are someone they are not.
Don't minimize this situation, regardless of what the cop said. HE'S not the one whose future is being impacted. Getting a lawyer, in this situation, will be money well spent. Without one, you have much less of a chance to have the charge dismissed, or get a lesser sentence (which will likely be probation of some kind, as well as fines - get ready to open your checkbook for quite a while). Make absolute certain that while you are in Court, before a Judge, that you do not appear to be taking any of this lightly. Be polite, be respectful, be dressed appropriately (wear a tie and make sure your shirt is tucked in), and keep your mouth shut unless the Judge or your lawyer asks you a question directly.
The lesson here is - do not lie to cops. While it may seem minor while it is occurring, the repurcussions - as you are only beginning to find out - are much more serious.
As long as you're paying a lawyer, don't forget to ask him/her about your options down the road for having your record expunged. It will cost you more money, but, if you can get it done, it is also worth every penny.
2006-11-06 10:39:22 · answer #2 · answered by happy heathen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to an attorney.
"only a misdemeanor." That's funny. Did you know that some misdemeanors are punishable for up to a year in jail? I am not saying that such a sentence is likely, but it technically could happen, depending on the circumstances of why you lied, your age, prior arrest/conviction history, and if you get in front of judge who is having a bad day.
2006-11-06 09:57:23 · answer #3 · answered by Jack C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it differs from state to state, if it is a misdemeanor then your better off dealing with the prosecutor than hiring an attorney that will cost you lots, cause you could have the same end punishment in either case but the money in your pocket still, if you have NO criminal history!
P.S. I know you understand now that admitting your guilt and not lying weren't your best decision
State Trooper Wife
2006-11-06 11:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see some very unorthodox solutions right here. . Fifty cents--or ten money, what you probably did replaced into no longer effortless. i do no longer think of you relatively theory that it replaced into basically fifty cents. If no longer something undesirable comes out of this, you relatively ought to take this as a lesson, and a sturdy one. yet once you examine out it as, whats up, I have been given away with it back, guy!, then you certainly did no longer study from it. the final situation you choose is something on your record that should impact your destiny (getting a job, and so forth.) So shop your chin severe. in case you need to make certain the choose. Admit that it replaced into your fault, and you will say which you weren't thinking (and particularly, you in all probability weren't thinking approximately it). do no longer bypass in there finding like somebody with an recommendations-set. He might slap you on the hand and -- study from that. (you does no longer prefer to be in penal complex. do you realize what they do to a 20 y/o who appears like sixteen?)
2016-10-15 11:09:53 · answer #5 · answered by blanga 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on why you gave a false name. If you gave it to avoid arrest, you could go to prison. Also, if this is your 1st offense you most likely would receive probation. As far as it being a misdemeanor, ask a lawyer, but I would say it is or he would have arrested you.
2006-11-06 09:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you will have a criminal record now, and what would have looked worst on your record, a noise violation that is a city code, or a state law violation of false name to a police officer.
It will have a fine but it could include jail time but dones not normally
2006-11-06 10:15:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk with a lawyer. This is very serious offence in some places.
2006-11-06 09:41:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its called ubstruction of justice and depends on how good your lawyer and how nice the judge is how big your fine will be
2006-11-06 09:54:04 · answer #9 · answered by monkeydaddy0212 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is your first offense, maybe just a slap on the wrist, or probation.
2006-11-07 00:32:56 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋