Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

False name and D.O.B.

I was stopped on the street by a police officer and asked what was in the bottle I was carrying. I admitted that there was rum inside and he asked me how old I was. I am 19, but I said I was 22. I then gave him my name, only I spelled it differently and said I was from another state. When my name wasn't found, I did admit my real name and age. He charged me with a misdemeanor - statute 609.506. I have a court date in a few weeks but i am wondering what the penalties will be for this, jail, fines, etc?


Asked on 7/05/02, 5:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: False name and D.O.B.

Minnesota Statutes Section 609.506 "Prohibiting giving peace officer false name," can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor crime in Minnesota courts is 90 days jail and $1,000 fine. However, rarely is the maximum penalty imposed. The outcome (conviction or acquittal, severity of sentence, if any) will depend upon numerous factors, the most important being whether you have a lawyer and how hard the lawyer works for you. I think it would be damaging for you to have such a conviction on your record, as it will tell future employers, future police officers, etc., that you are dishonest. You would be well advised to fight it, to keep a conviction from going on your record.

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Answered on 7/08/02, 1:54 pm


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