Charges for Impersonating a Public Officer in DC

When someone is accused of impersonating a police officer it means that they are alleged to have falsely represented themselves as being a member of the police force, with fraudulent design. In other words, the government has to prove that they made a false representation with the intent to deceive another person to gain some kind of advantage. However, it is important to note that this advantage that a person hopes to obtain does not have to be monetary in nature.

Someone charged with this offense is facing a number of serious consequences including jail time and possibly fines, making it imperative a criminal lawyer in DC is contacted. An experienced lawyer can assist in examining the specific facts of the case and determining the strongest possible defense that can be built. To learn more or discuss your case, call and schedule a consultation today.

Penalties For Impersonating An Officer

False impersonation of a police officer is considered a misdemeanor offense in DC. However, since a police officer is considered to be a public officer, it is possible, depending on the circumstances that a person could be charged with the felony offense of False Impersonation of a Public Officer instead of the misdemeanor offense of False Impersonation of a Police Officer. False impersonation of a public officer requires the government to prove that a defendant said something or did something in an effort to perform a duty or exercise the authority of a public officer.

For the specific offense of False Impersonation of Police Officer the maximum penalty is 180 days in jail a $1,000 fine, or both.

Building a Defense

A major element of this crime is the intention to deceive another with the purpose of gaining some kind of advantage. It is not enough for a person to simply represent himself as a member of the police force without having the intent to deceive another to gain some kind of advantage. A possible defense therefore would be lack of intent to deceive, or lack of intent to gain an advantage. However, depending on the facts of the case a lawyer may be able to develop other defenses as well.

Benefits of An Attorney

If charged with impersonation of an officer or of a public official, there are a number of different benefits that an attorney may provide. An attorney can first explain to the accused what exactly they are facing, and help prepare them for the various steps in the legal process. In addition, an experienced legal representative can evaluate the case against the individual and present them with the strongest defense possible for their specific offense. To learn more about what an attorney can do for your charge, call and schedule a consultation today.