Asked in Domestic Violence for Minnesota

Q: My friend lied to the police about a domestic assault and is turning herself in for it. What will happen to her?

Also will the assault case be dropped?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Mark  Arneson
PREMIUM
Answered

A: She will be facing a charge of filing a false police report. That charge is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota. It is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3000 fine. However, if this is a first offense for her, it would be highly unlikely she would serve any jail time.

Mark Arneson

612-465-8581

A: She could be charged with a crime. There is no guarantee the other case would be dropped. Your friend really should have a lawyer involved.

A: You can’t turn yourself in on a non-existent charge. Law enforcement won’t take her into custody if there are no charges filed.

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