Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

False Police Report of Stolen Purse

My little sister filed a police report about a stolen purse, but our family doesn't exactly believe that she was really robbed. She says she talked to a security guard at the mall, but, the guards are saying there was no claim of a stolen purse that day and they haven't found anything on the cameras - but, where she was parked may not be visible from the cameras. We went to the police after she told us and she filed a report. She swears that it happened, but, there seems to be more and more evidence that it didn't. She didn't accuse anyone of the crime specifically. If the police think that there wasn't a crime committed, do you think they will charge her with filing a false police report? If so, what would be the punishment? No one was harmed, or accused - so I would hope that nothing too drastic would happen. Would they even pursue legal action against her?


Asked on 5/15/08, 5:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: False Police Report of Stolen Purse

They could charge her, depending on the police department and how much time they have spent (or spend) on the investigation. Since she did not name anyone, there won't be anyone falsely accused (who would get angry and then pursue charges against her separately).

I would suggest she contact the police and say that she found the purse and that it was a mistake, or just let it drop, depending on what city it is (if it's a large town, they won't really investigate it anyways).

As her older sister (and I can relate to this personally)), I would question why she made this false report - was it for money, for attention? This type of behavior coudl affect her credibility and future, and might be the sign of a more serious problem (i.e. like a cry for help type situation).

Good luck.

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Answered on 5/27/08, 9:43 pm
Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Re: False Police Report of Stolen Purse

The police will not care about this if it dies out. They will not find the culprit if there is not one, and the purse will not be recovered. Just let it go and I'm sure the investigation will be over and the matter closed. If not, call me to discuss further. Tim Klisz www.kliszlaw.com

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Answered on 5/15/08, 6:04 pm


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