Woman Charged for Scamming Police So She Could Drive Drunk

 Posted on December 12, 2015 in Uncategorized

It is not uncommon for individuals to find themselves in a situation where it is very tempting to drive home, despite knowing they are too drunk to legally do so. In many such cases, a phone call could solve the dilemma, reaching out to a friend, family member, or taxi cab for a ride home. Apparently, in other cases, a phone call can make the situation even worse, especially if that call forces the police to respond to a non-existent crime in progress.

“Silly Piggies”

According to police officials in northern New Jersey, instead of calling a cab, a drunk woman called 911 to report a phony assault so that she could drive home without being arrested for driving under the influence. The Parsippany woman was allegedly drunk in a bar when she decided it was time to leave, but she knew that she was intoxicated. Reports indicate that the woman called the emergency line to report “a female being attacked in the parking lot” of a different establishment. Police indicate that they responded with “lights and siren” but found nothing to suggest that the assault had taken place, including footage taken from security cameras.

As the police responded to the call, the woman and a companion allegedly drove home. She would later post about her plan on social media, laughing about the incident and claiming, “Silly piggies tricks r for u” which police officials say was a major clue in their investigation. The woman now faces charges for filing false police reports and creating a false public alarm.

False Alarms in Illinois

While the alleged crimes took place in New Jersey, it is also, as you might expect, against the law in Illinois to file a false police report and to call 911 under false pretenses. Both actions are considered violations of the state’s criminal code covering disorderly conduct. Filing a report known to be false is a Class A misdemeanor, while calling 911 with no reasonable grounds to do so is a Class 4 felony. Penalties for such offenses may include probation, substantial fines, and, in some cases, prison sentences.

If you have been accused of filing a false police report or making a false complaint on a 911 call, an experienced Joliet criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your future. Attorney Jack L. Zaremba will fully investigate the circumstances surrounding your charges and will assist you in achieving a positive outcome. Call 815-740-4025 to schedule your free consultation today.