police-line-1-300x225 When law enforcement contacts you—whether during a traffic stop, at your home, or in connection with an investigation—it can be nerve-wracking. People often feel pressure to respond quickly, sometimes saying something inaccurate in hopes of avoiding trouble. But in Connecticut, lying to the police can carry serious legal consequences, and in many instances, it’s a crime that could result in jail time and a permanent criminal record.

This article provides a comprehensive look at Connecticut’s laws on false statements, when a lie becomes a prosecutable offense, your right to remain silent, potential penalties, and strategies for defending against these charges.

Lying to Police in Connecticut: The Legal Framework

Connecticut law takes false statements to law enforcement seriously because misinformation can hinder investigations, waste resources, and potentially harm innocent individuals. Several Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) criminalize different forms of lying to authorities:

C.G.S. § 53a-167a – Interfering with an Officer
C.G.S. § 53a-157b – False Written Statement
C.G.S. §§ 53a-180, 53a-180c – Falsely Reporting Incidents
C.G.S. §§ 53a-156, 53a-157 – Perjury and False Swearing

Each law addresses a specific type of conduct, with varying degrees of severity.

Types of False Statement Crimes in Connecticut

1. Interfering with an Officer (C.G.S. § 53a-167a)

This is one of the most common charges stemming from false statements to police. You can be charged if you intentionally obstruct, resist, hinder, or endanger an officer in the performance of their duties—including by lying during an investigation.

Penalties:

Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine.
Class D Felony: If your actions cause serious physical injury or death, punishable by 1–5 years in prison and up to $5,000 fine.

Example Scenario:
An officer asks where your friend is because they’re suspected of a violent crime. You knowingly tell them your friend is in another state, but in reality, they’re hiding in your garage. This could lead to an “interfering” charge—and if your lie delays an arrest that results in harm to someone, you may face a felony.

2. False Written Statements (C.G.S. § 53a-157b)

Providing a false written statement to a public servant (including police) is a separate crime. To convict you, the state must prove:

You made a written statement you did not believe to be true;
You intended to mislead a public servant in the performance of an official function.

Example:
You submit a written witness statement claiming you saw someone commit a crime, even though you didn’t. This could be prosecuted under § 53a-157b, even if the falsehood is later discovered before any harm occurs.

3. Falsely Reporting an Incident (C.G.S. §§ 53a-180, 53a-180c)

Falsely reporting a crime or emergency is another common offense:

General False Report (53a-180c): Knowingly reporting a non-existent crime to law enforcement is typically a Class A misdemeanor, elevated to a Class E felony if motivated by bias or prejudice.
Serious False Report (53a-180): Reporting a fake emergency like a fire, bomb threat, or other hazardous condition can be charged as a Class D felony.

Example:
Calling 911 to falsely report that someone is armed and dangerous (“swatting”) could result in a felony charge carrying up to 5 years in prison.

4. Perjury and False Swearing (C.G.S. §§ 53a-156, 53a-157)

Perjury involves making a false statement under oath in a legal proceeding, while false swearing covers false statements made under oath outside court proceedings.

Penalties:

Perjury in Connecticut is a Class D felony: 1–5 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 fine.

Example:
You testify under oath in a court hearing or provide a sworn statement to police and knowingly lie about material facts. This undermines the justice system and is harshly punished.

When Does a Lie Become a Crime?

Not every misstatement leads to prosecution. Key factors include:

Intent: Did you knowingly provide false information? Honest mistakes are not crimes.
Materiality: Was the falsehood significant to the investigation? Small, immaterial inaccuracies are unlikely to result in charges.
Context: Verbal lies, written statements, and sworn testimony are treated differently under the law.

Example Distinctions:

Forgetting an exact time when recounting an event is unlikely to be prosecuted.
Denying knowledge of a crime you actually committed can result in obstruction charges.
Signing a false sworn affidavit is virtually guaranteed to trigger legal consequences.

The Right to Remain Silent: Your Best Protection

You Are Not Required to Answer Police Questions

Connecticut residents are protected by the Fifth Amendment and C.G.S. § 54-84, which allows you to refuse to answer questions that may incriminate you.

Why Exercising This Right is Crucial:

Prevents Self-Incrimination: Even innocent people can unintentionally say things that hurt them later.
Avoids Accusations of Lying: If you don’t speak, you can’t be accused of giving false information.
Guards Against Police Tactics: Law enforcement may use deceptive questioning techniques. Remaining silent levels the playing field.

How to Invoke Your Rights:

Stay calm and respectful.
Clearly state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I would like to speak with an attorney.”
Do not engage in further conversation until your lawyer is present.

Real-World Example: Why Silence Matters

Consider this scenario:
Police question you about a car accident involving a friend. You want to help and say, “He was with me all night.” Later, surveillance video shows your friend at the scene. Even if you simply misspoke, prosecutors may argue you lied intentionally. Had you exercised your right to remain silent, you could have avoided a serious legal problem.

Penalties for Lying to Police in Connecticut

The consequences vary by statute but are often severe:

Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine (e.g., interfering with an officer, general false reports).
Class D Felony: 1–5 years in prison and $5,000 fine (e.g., serious interference, perjury, false emergencies).
Class E Felony: 1–3 years in prison and $3,500 fine (e.g., bias-motivated false reports).

Collateral Consequences:

Permanent criminal record;
Loss of professional licenses;
Immigration consequences for non-citizens;
Negative impact on future sentencing if convicted of another crime.

Defenses to False Statement Charges

If you are charged, several defenses may apply:

Lack of Intent: You believed your statement was true at the time.
Insufficient Evidence: The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly lied.
Violation of Rights: Statements obtained without proper advisement of rights may be suppressed.
Ambiguity: Vague or misunderstood answers are not the same as intentional falsehoods.
Accelerated Rehabilitation Program – Diversionary program for first-time offenders

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer

False statement cases can be complex, involving nuanced legal standards and aggressive prosecution. A skilled attorney can:

Evaluate the strength of the state’s case;
Identify constitutional violations;
Negotiate reduced charges or dismissals;
Present a strong defense at trial if needed.

How Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, Can Help

If you’re accused of lying to police in Connecticut, your future is at stake. Attorney Allan F. Friedman has decades of experience defending clients against charges like:

False Written Statements (C.G.S. § 53a-157b);
Interfering with Police (C.G.S. § 53a-167a);
Perjury (C.G.S. § 53a-156);
Falsely Reporting Incidents (C.G.S. §§ 53a-180, 53a-180c).

He provides:

Clear guidance on what to do next;
Aggressive defense against prosecutors;
Protection of your rights every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Lying to Police in Connecticut

1. Is it illegal to lie to a police officer in Connecticut?
Yes. Intentional false statements can lead to charges under several statutes, including C.G.S. § 53a-167a and § 53a-157b.

2. What if I lied by mistake?
Accidental inaccuracies are not crimes. The prosecution must prove you knowingly lied.

3. What is interfering with an officer?
Defined in C.G.S. § 53a-167a, it includes obstructing or hindering police, including by giving false information.

4. Can I go to jail for a false police report?
Yes. Depending on severity, you could face up to 5 years in prison under C.G.S. §§ 53a-180, 53a-180c.

5. What’s the difference between a false statement and perjury?
A false statement is to law enforcement (verbal or written); perjury under C.G.S. § 53a-156 is lying under oath in legal proceedings.

6. Do I have to talk to the police?
No. You have the right to remain silent under C.G.S. § 54-84 and the U.S. Constitution.

7. Can police lie to me?
Yes, in certain contexts. This is why having a lawyer present is crucial.

8. How can a lawyer help me?
A lawyer protects your rights, challenges evidence, and fights for the best outcome.

9. Is remaining silent the same as admitting guilt?
No. It’s a constitutional right and cannot be used against you in court.

10. Who should I call if I’m charged with lying to police in CT?
Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer at (203) 357-5555 immediately.

Call to Action: Protect Your Rights Today

Don’t risk your freedom by facing these charges alone. If you’ve been accused of lying to law enforcement in Connecticut, contact Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer today.

Call (203) 357-5555 or visit www.allanffriedmanlaw.com to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Exercise your right to remain silent—then let us be your voice.