What Is Considered a “False Police Report” in Nevada?

Under Nevada law, it's a misdemeanor to willfully make a false report to any police officer, sheriff, district attorney, or other public official about the commission of a crime. In plain terms, if you tell police that a crime occurred—and it didn't—you could face criminal charges.

This includes:

• False claims of theft, assault, vandalism, or threats

• Fake 911 calls

• Making up a suspect description

• Exaggerating a story to “get someone in trouble”

But here's the key: it must be willfully false.
The state must prove you knew the report wasn't true when you made it.

Common Situations That Lead to False Report Charges

Domestic Disputes That Cool Down Later

One of the most common scenarios is someone calling 911 during a heated argument—claiming threats or violence. Later, they try to take it back. That retraction alone can raise suspicion. Prosecutors may accuse you of lying from the start.

Misunderstood Situations

You believed someone stole your car, but it was repossessed or towed.
You thought your child was missing, but they were safe with a relative.
You heard a noise and thought it was a break-in—but it was nothing.

If the police believe you acted too quickly or irresponsibly, they might press charges even if you had no intention to lie.

Using the Police to “Send a Message”

Sometimes people call the police in the middle of a custody dispute or to scare a partner during a breakup. If it appears that you used law enforcement as leverage, you may face consequences.

What Are the Penalties?

Filing a false report is a misdemeanor in Nevada. Penalties may include:

• Up to 6 months in jail

• Up to $1,000 in fines

• Community service or probation

• A permanent criminal record (unless sealed later)

In more serious cases, you could also face:

• Obstruction of justice charges

• Civil lawsuits from the person falsely accused

• Long-term damage to your credibility in family court, immigration matters, or future legal cases

How We Defend These Cases

At Liberators Criminal Defense, we understand the difference between a mistake and a lie. We know what stress does to memory and judgment. Our defense approach focuses on showing your humanity and the lack of criminal intent.

Lack of Intent

If you didn't knowingly lie, you shouldn't be charged. Maybe you panicked. Maybe you misunderstood what you saw. That's not a crime.

Incomplete or Biased Police Work

Officers sometimes charge people with false reporting because they feel embarrassed or misled. But frustration isn't evidence. We dig into whether their investigation was rushed, sloppy, or incomplete.

Changing Stories Don't Equal Falsehoods

Memory is not a fixed record. People revise or clarify their statements all the time—especially after trauma. We work with experts when necessary to explain how stress and fear affect recall.

Reframing the Narrative

You weren't trying to deceive—you were trying to do the right thing. We make that clear to the judge, the prosecutor, and the jury if necessary.

What You Should Do If You're Being Accused

• Do not try to explain yourself to police again.

• Do not write texts, emails, or social media posts trying to "clear things up."

• Do not assume this will go away.

Call a defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say from this point forward can and will be used against you—often twisted into something it was never meant to be.

Bottom Line: A Misunderstanding Shouldn't Become a Criminal Record

Filing a false police report is a real charge—but so is prosecuting someone without evidence. If you made a good-faith mistake, you deserve a real defense, not a rush to judgment.

At Liberators Criminal Defense, we fight for clients who were just trying to do the right thing. If you're facing accusations of a false report in Nevada, contact us today. The truth is more than just what ends up in a police report—it's what you deserve to have heard.