What Happens If You Lie To Police In New Jersey?

Lying to police in New Jersey can lead to serious consequences. What makes this offense particularly problematic is that it is completely avoidable. The United States Constitution guarantees you the right to remain silent, and invoking the Fifth Amendment is always preferable to lying. If you find yourself in this situation, you cannot dwell too long on this missed opportunity. Instead, start thinking about your legal options alongside an experienced Bergen County defense lawyer.

Bergen County Man Accused of Lying About Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds 

In August of 2024, numerous sources reported on a strange incident in Bergen County. The incident began when police interviewed two people with gunshot wounds at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. One 18-year-old claimed that he had been shot in the leg during a drive-by shooting. The 22-year-old woman who drove him to the hospital also backed up this story, and she had suffered a less serious gunshot wound.

However, police eventually determined that the teen’s gunshot wound was self-inflicted. They also discovered that the teen had accidentally shot the woman who accompanied him to the hospital. This led to a charge of “false report to law enforcement” in the fourth degree. In addition, investigators discovered that he unlawfully possessed the firearm which he shot himself with. This led to a further charge of second-degree possession of a weapon.

Because she went along with the teen’s story, the woman faced serious consequences. She was charged with third-degree “hindering” and making a false report to law enforcement in the fourth degree.

Third-degree hindering can lead to up to five years in prison, although it may be charged as a misdemeanor. Filing a false police report is a fourth-degree crime with a penalty of up to 18 months in jail.

On one hand, the boy’s actions are somewhat understandable. He knew that if the police discovered that his gunshot wound was self-inflicted, the investigation would have led them to the firearm. And since this firearm was unlawfully obtained, he would face serious criminal consequences.

He assumed that telling the lie was preferable to gun charges. In the end, however, he still faced gun charges – plus additional consequences for lying to police.

Of course, there was a third option: The teen could have remained silent when questioned about his gunshot wound. He was never under any obligation to explain how he received the wound, and he could have avoided any statements. The police would have been legally obligated to let him speak with an attorney. During a confidential meeting with a Bergen County defense lawyer, the teen could have formulated the most effective plan to deal with the situation.

Find an Experienced Bergen County Defense Lawyer 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced New City criminal defense lawyer, look no further than Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law. With our assistance, you can defend yourself effectively – regardless of what you might have said to police officers. Book your consultation today to discuss potential defense strategies in more detail.

Sources: 

dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/garfield/man-18-woman-22-lied-about-accidental-shooting-in-bergen-county-prosecutor/

northjersey.com/story/news/crime/2024/08/22/bergen-residents-charged-as-police-call-shooting-self-inflicted/74909944007/