Yes, it is a crime in California to knowingly report a false emergency under Penal Code 148.3. Namely, it is a crime to make a report or cause a report to be made to any city, county, city, or state department, district, agency, division, commission, or board, that an emergency exists when in reality an emergency does not exist.
For purposes of making a false report of an emergency, an emergency includes any condition that does, or could result in, the response of any public official to any condition that can jeopardize public safety, evacuation of an area, or activates AMBER alert.
Penalties for making a false report of an emergency may include being charged with a misdemeanor with up to one year in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Here are some examples that would likely result in making a false report of an emergency:
Yes, there are instances where making a false report of an emergency can be charged as a felony should the false alarm result in someone suffering great bodily injury or death.
Great bodily injury is determined by how severe the injury to the person is. Thus, the following factors are typically considered:
Have you or someone you know has been charged with making a false report of an emergency? If so, experienced attorneys at KAASS Law are here to help protect your rights. Get in touch with us to go over the details of your case by contacting (310) 943-1171
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