720 ILCS 5/26-1(a)(4) – Disorderly Conduct – False Police Report
This law makes it illegal to lie to the police by making a fake report about a crime.
If someone knowingly tells the police that a crime happened, is happening, or will happen when they know it’s not true, they can be charged with disorderly conduct. This is a serious offense that can lead to a felony conviction and community service.
(a)(4) A person breaks this law when they purposely send or cause someone else to send a message or report to any police officer, public officer, or government worker saying that a crime will happen, is happening, or has happened – when they know there’s no good reason to believe it’s true.
(b) Sentence: Breaking this rule under part (a)(4) is a Class 4 felony, which is a serious criminal charge.
(c) The court will also order anyone convicted of this crime to do at least 30 hours and up to 120 hours of community service, if such programs are available and approved in that county. If a person is placed on supervision instead of jail time, they must still complete community service. This does not apply if the court sends the person to jail or prison.
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