Can I Lie to the Police in Minnesota?
When it comes to lying and the police, our first answer is that it should be a two-way street. However, police officers can absolutely lie to you in Minnesota, are actually taught to do so at the Academy and that behavior is supported by the Courts. However, that it absolutely not the end of the discussion.
“Remember, anything you do say can be used against you.”
Lets get back to the original question: Is It Illegal For Me to Lie to the Police in Minnesota? We don’t like this answer either but . . . It depends. Lying to the police in Minnesota is considered a crime in four general circumstances.
Identifying yourself: It is a crime in Minnesota to give a false identity to the police or court official.. It is a misdemeanor (Up to 90 days in jail and up to a $10000 fine) to give a false name or a false date of birth.. It is a gross misdemeanor (Up to a year in jail and up to a $3000 fine) to give a peace officer or during a legal proceeding a false name an/or date of birth that belong to an existing person.;
Lying under oath: It is a crime under Minnesota law to perjure yourself and give a false material statement not believing it is true in circumstances including hearings and writings that are made under oath or affirmation. This is perjury.
Filing a False Police Report: It is a crime in Minnesota to inform a police officer that a crime has been committed when you know that it is false and you intend the officer to rely on that report.
Filing a False Police Report about Police Misconduct: It is a crime in Minnesota to report police misconduct while knowing that misconduct is false and that the officer would rely on that false report. .
“Maybe its best to take your grandmother’s advice: If you can’t say something nice (or true), don’t say anything at all. Better yet, say nothing.”
As mentioned above the police are trained in interrogations and will try very hard to get you to talk with them and to give “your side of the story.” Even worse, as mentioned above, they may lie to you about what they know or claim they know just to drive you to respond. You have absolutely no obligation to talk to the police. If you are arrested and/or charged with a crime, ask for an attorney. Know your rights.
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, former prosecutor, former U.S. CIA Officer and Founder of Jack Rice Defense. Contact us for a free confidential consultation of call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.