Lying to the police…
It has been reported, Olympic swimmer, Ryan Lochte said that he and his teammates were robbed at gunpoint. Lochte reported they had been celebrating at the France House much of the night and were taking a cab back to the Olympic village when they were pulled over by armed men posing as police and robbed at gunpoint. It has also been reported that Ryan Lochte admitted to lying about the robbery. Lochte is a 12-time Olympic medal winner, next in line behind Phelps.
Be careful what you tell the police as it may be considered a crime. Under The Texas Penal Code § 37.08, a person commits an offense if, with intent to deceive, he knowingly makes a false statement that is material to a criminal investigation and makes the statement to: (1) a peace officer or federal special investigator conducting the investigation; or (2) any employee of a law enforcement agency that is authorized by the agency to conduct the investigation and that the actor knows is conducting the investigation.
Making a false report to a police officer is a Class B Misdemeanor with a punishment range up to 180 days in county jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,000.00. However, if this is not your first offense and you have been convicted of any other crime, then the crime can be enhanced. Meaning that the punishment range changes to a minimum of 30 days and the maximum of 180 days in county jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,000.00.
If you have questions regarding a criminal charge, it’s important to speak with an attorney right away to protect your rights. Contact A.T. Law Firm by calling (832) 800-5590. The A.T. Law Firm handles criminal defense, family and divorce cases, and personal injury cases.
