Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 1245A – Providing a false statement to law enforcement; class G felony; class …
(a) A person is guilty of providing a false statement to law enforcement when, with intent to prevent, hinder or delay the investigation of any crime or offense by a law-enforcement officer or agency, the person knowingly provides any false written or oral statement to the law-enforcement officer or agency when such statement is material to the investigation.
Attorney's Note
Under the Delaware Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class G felony | up to 2 years | |
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $2,300 |
Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 1245A
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(b) As used in this section:
(1) A “statement” is any oral or written assertion and includes, but is not limited to, any oral utterance, any written document or instrument, any computer-generated document or instrument, any police report, or any representation that a person makes under circumstances evidencing an intent that such be used or knowledge that a law-enforcement officer or agency may use such as an assertion of fact.
(2) A statement is “false” when such statement contains untrue, incomplete or misleading information concerning any fact or thing material to the investigation of a crime or offense by a law-enforcement officer or agency.
(3) A statement is “material” when, regardless of its eventual use or admissibility in an official proceeding, it could have affected the course or outcome of the investigation of a crime or offense by a law-enforcement officer or agency.
(4) An “official proceeding” includes any action or proceeding conducted by or before a legally constituted judicial, administrative or other governmental agency or official, in which evidence or testimony of witnesses may properly be received.
(c) Providing a false statement to law enforcement is a class G felony if the crime or offense being investigated is a felony.
(d) Providing a false statement to law enforcement is a class A misdemeanor if the crime or offense being investigated is other than a felony.