Alabama Punishment for Filing a False Police Report

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq. | Last reviewed October 22, 2024

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Making a false report to law enforcement in Alabama can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. The state legislature revised its false reporting law in 2024 to include felony charges after a kidnapping hoax cost the state thousands of dollars to investigate. A conviction often results in having to pay back the costs incurred by police, first responders, and others who respond to the report. 

Providing false information or making false accusations to law enforcement is a crime. If police officers spend time investigating a false claim, it will delay the investigation of actual crimes in the community.

Alabama’s legislature recently imposed more severe penalties for false reports to law enforcement. The change came after a false report that captured America’s attention.

Carlee Russell, a resident of Hoover, Alabama, claimed she was kidnapped near Interstate 459 in July 2023. She later admitted she lied about the kidnapping, and she ultimately pled guilty to two misdemeanors.

A judge sentenced Russell to six months of jail time. However, the judge suspended Russell’s sentence and ordered her to pay $18,000 in restitution.

Alabama’s legislature revised its false reporting laws and penalties following Russell’s kidnapping hoax. Lawmakers added a section to the law that makes it a felony to make a false report that “alleges imminent danger to a person or the public.” Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in 2024.

This article summarizes Alabama’s laws and criminal penalties for filing a false report with law enforcement. Visit FindLaw’s Filing a False Police Report article for more general information.

Filing a False Police Report: Overview

The table below provides an overview of Alabama’s false report and false alarm laws.

Code Section

Code of Alabama, Title 13A, Chapter 10, Article 1

  • Ala. Code § 13A-10-8
  • Ala. Code § 13A-10-9
  • Ala. Code § 13A-11-11

False Reporting

A person who knowingly does the following is guilty of the crime of false reporting to a local, state, or federal law enforcement authority:

  • Make a false report of a crime (or relating to a crime), or
  • Causes the transmission of a false report of a crime (or relating to a crime). (§ 13A-10-9(a))

Making a false report to law enforcement is a Class A misdemeanor. If the false report alleges imminent danger to a person or the public, the penalty is a Class C felony. (§ 13A-10-9(b))

If the false report results in an emergency response or an investigation of the report, the person convicted will have to pay restitution for the expenses incurred by law enforcement. These costs include any reasonable costs law enforcement directly incurred, including the following (§ 13A-10-9(c)):

  • Police services
  • Firefighting services
  • Emergency medical services
  • Personnel costs

Rendering a False Alarm

A person who knowingly causes or transmits a false alarm of a fire or other emergency involving danger to a person or property is guilty of rendering a false alarm. This includes false alarms to fire departments or other governmental agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, or any building housing handicapped or immobile people. (§ 13A-10-8(a))

Rendering a false alarm is a Class A misdemeanor. If the false alarm concerns a hospital, nursing home, or any building housing handicapped or immobile people, it is a Class C felony. (§ 13A-10-8(b))

False Report of an Incident

A person who knowingly reports, conveys, or circulates a false report or warning of an alleged occurrence (or impending occurrence) of the following is guilty of falsely reporting an incident under § 13A-11-11(a):

  • A fire
  • A bomb
  • An explosion
  • A crime
  • A catastrophe
  • An emergency
  • The alleged or impending release of a hazardous or dangerous substance

Falsely reporting an incident is a Class A misdemeanor. However, falsely reporting an incident regarding a bomb, explosion, or the release of a hazardous or dangerous substance is a Class C felony. (§ 13A-11-11(b))

Note: State laws are subject to change through the work of Alabama lawmakers in the state’s legislature. Contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney to learn how these laws might apply to your unique circumstances.

Related Resources

Consider browsing the following links for more information about Alabama criminal laws:

You can also visit FindLaw’s Criminal Law section for more general information about criminal law.

Charged with Filing a False Report? Contact an Attorney

If the state has charged you with providing false information to police officers, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. If you face false report charges—or any other criminal charges— contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney. Their legal advice could help you avoid potential jail time, and they can devise a defense strategy based on your circumstances. Get started on your defense strategy today by browsing FindLaw’s attorney directory.

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