Making a False 911 Call Based on Race is Now a Crime in New Jersey
October 1, 2020
If you spend any time on the internet, chances are you’ve come across multiple videos of someone calling the police over someone’s ethnicity. Well, New Jersey has recently joined several other states and made this a crime.
On Monday, August 31st, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislation (A1906) that makes making a false 911 call based on someone’s race in order to intimidate them a crime. Learn more about this new law below and what penalties you may be facing if you commit this crime.
New Jersey is Among Several States to Adopt This New Policy
New Jersey is the latest state to join Washington and Oregon, both of which have passed similar laws this year. Oregon has taken this law a step further and allowed individuals to file civil lawsuits against those who make 911 calls based on race. Other states including Michigan and California are currently considering the law, while in New York, a recent high profile case resulted in a woman being arrested after she made a false police report in retaliation after a man told her to leash her dog.
What is the Penalty for Making a False 911 Call in New Jersey?
Since Governor Murphy signed this new legislation, those who make unwarranted 911 calls due to someone’s race for the purpose of intimidating them will be facing anywhere from three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Depending on the situation, individuals may be subject to both the monetary penalty and jail time.
What’s the Penalty for Making a False Police Report?
In New Jersey, making a false police report constitutes a fourth-degree crime. Anyone who is charged with this can be facing a monetary fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
If you were charged with making a false police report in New Jersey, it’s not just your reputation that’s on the line. You could be hit with hefty fines and a loss of freedom. Don’t delay in seeking legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Contact an Experienced Woodbridge Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with filing a false police report in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio have successfully represented clients charged with making a false police report in East Brunswick, Princeton, Jackson, Perth Amboy, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 334-7468 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 227 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, as well as offices located in Princeton, Freehold, Jersey City, and Mount Laurel.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
