by Mary Agramonte

The Constitution gives us an absolute right to remain silent in response to police questioning. Our best advice is to use it. Your silence cannot be used against you and is not a crime. So proudly use it!

Often times, people will instead make stories up to police officers in hopes of convincing them: ‘it wasn’t me!’ This can put you in a worse position as it is against the law to give false names, or false statements to police. In other words, providing basic identifying information is encouraged; lying can land you in jail.

It is a misdemeanor crime in Georgia to give a false name or birth date to a police officer if he’s in the lawful discharge of his official duties. O.C.G.A. §16-10-20.  Misdemeanors in Georgia have a fine of up to $1,000, plus all the taxes and surcharges. Giving a false name or birthday to an office can even carry up to a year in prison, or can land you on costly and time-consuming probation.

Similarly, under O.C.G.A. §16-10-20, it is against the law to make a use or make false statement to any government agency. In Georgia, it is a felony to make a false statement, or to make or use a false writing or document in any matter involving a government agency. The punishment for speaking or writing a false statement is a mandatory minimum of one to five years in prison, or a fine of $1,000, or both.

For example, it is illegal to alter or falsify information on any applications or documents that you are presenting to any branch of the government. It is also against the law to knowingly conceal or cover up something to the police, and it is illegal to lie to a police officer. All of these things can place you in a position where you are facing felony charges and serious prison time.

If you have been arrested and charged with giving a false name or false statement, it is important you have experienced criminal defense attorneys on your team fighting for innocence and freedom. Call the office now at 404-581-0999 and mention this blog to get a FREE CONSULTATION on your false name or false statement case in Georgia.