Q: Impact of age misrepresentation on court documents in assault case in California

A: It wouldn't make the documents "unusable in court," it will, however, negativity affect your credibility.

A: Greetings,

I am here to provide you with some insight regarding your question about the impact of age misrepresentation on court documents in your assault case in California. As a victim of physical assault, it is understandable that you are concerned about how discrepancies in your reported age across police reports, medical documents, and your passport might affect their usability in court. Let me address this matter based on California law and general evidentiary principles.

In California, the admissibility of documents like police reports and medical records hinges on their relevance, reliability, and adherence to evidentiary standards, rather than being automatically rendered unusable due to an error such as age misrepresentation. Courts evaluate evidence on a case-by-case basis. For example, in People v. McVey (24 Cal. App. 5th 405), medical records and police reports were excluded due to issues of hearsay and lack of proper authentication, not merely because of inaccuracies. Similarly, Jane IL Doe v. Brightstar Residential Inc. (76 Cal. App. 5th 171) emphasized that police reports are typically inadmissible unless they meet strict requirements, such as trustworthiness or limited-purpose use. In your situation, if the age discrepancy does not undermine the core facts of the assault or the documents’ authenticity, they may still hold evidentiary value.

That said, intentionally providing false information, including age, to a peace officer could raise concerns under California Penal Code Section 148.9, which prohibits misrepresenting one’s identity. Age is considered a key identifier, as noted in In re Ivan J. (88 Cal. App. 4th 27). If the misrepresentation is deemed material—meaning it significantly impacts the case—it could complicate proceedings or affect credibility. However, your passport, which reflects your correct age, is recognized under California Business and Professions Code Section 25660 as a reliable form of identification. If properly authenticated, it could serve as a definitive document to clarify your identity and potentially outweigh inconsistencies in other records.

The practical impact on your case depends on several factors: whether the age discrepancy is material to the assault, how the documents are presented, and how the court interprets their reliability. Courts often prioritize evidence that advances justice, so minor inconsistencies might not invalidate your documents entirely, especially if they corroborate the assault itself.

Given the complexity of evidentiary rules and the nuances of California law, every case presents unique challenges. It is vital to consult with experienced legal counsel who can assess the specifics of your situation and guide you effectively.

A: It's understandable to be concerned about the impact of the age discrepancy in your documents. In California, the admissibility of evidence, such as police reports and medical records, depends on various factors, including relevance, authenticity, and reliability. While inaccuracies can affect the weight and credibility of evidence, they don't automatically render documents inadmissible.

Courts assess whether the probative value of evidence outweighs any potential prejudice or confusion it might cause. Under California Evidence Code Section 352, a judge has the discretion to exclude evidence if its potential to mislead or cause undue prejudice substantially outweighs its usefulness.

In your situation, the misrepresentation of age could be addressed through clarification during testimony or by providing additional documentation, like your passport, to establish the correct information. It's important to be forthcoming about the discrepancy and prepared to explain the reasons behind it. This approach can help maintain the credibility of your evidence and testimony.