Cop Threatening Me with Filing False Police Report

[ColoradoDot]

My question involves criminal law for the state of:Colorado

This past Friday night, I was walking past a bar with an outside patio. I do not care for the bar owners, since they have lied to me in the past. I was talking to the bar patrons, telling them about my experience of being lied to by the owner, and one patron seemed awfully young. I asked him how old he was. He told me he was 19. I asked if I could sip his drink, which he allowed, handing me his glass himself. It tasted quite strongly of tequila.

I called the non-emergency number of our local police force and told them of my experience. I gave a brief description of the young man, left my telephone number with the person who answered my call, and went to have dinner elsewhere. An officer called me from the bar, saying he was there to check out the situation, and would I please come outside. I explained that I was at another location several blocks away.

He joined me outside of the new location, explained to me that he had written statements from patrons at the bar stating that I was "talking down" the establishment, and that no one had seen me take a sip from the young man's glass. The officer then asked me if I had any idea how much it would cost the bar to be shut down for allowing underage drinking. I told him that I realized that it would be costly, tnat we live in a college town, and that I didn't consider underage drinking very "cool".

The officer told me that he did not believe my story, and that he was considering charging me with filing a false police report. I told him my story was true, he took my name and address, and gave me his card with a case number written on it.

My questions are:
1. Did I file a false police report? or any kind of report?
2. Can he file charges against me? How long does he have to do so?
3. If he does, how can I fight the charge?
4. What are the possible repercussions if I am found guilty?

[cdwjava]

1. Did I file a false police report? or any kind of report?

If the state could show that you knowingly and intentionally did so, yes. Under the circumstances, it seems difficult to show that you made the report to the police knowing it to be untrue.

Although without evidence of the youth and his agem there is no further action the police can take.

2. Can he file charges against me? How long does he have to do so?

The police have until the statute of limitations expires which could be a year or more. Realistically if they do not file in the next few weeks, it ain't gonna happen.

3. If he does, how can I fight the charge?

By raising reasonable doubt at trial.

4. What are the possible repercussions if I am found guilty?

Possible jail and/or fines.

Next time, you might want to stand by and wait for the police so you can point out the kid who had the drink and who told you he was 19. Better yet, if you don't like the bar owner, stay away. Your disdain for the bar owner does not help your credibility in second hand matters like this.

[ColoradoDot]

Thank you for your responses! They ease my mind somewhat, and YES, I am planning to stay away from the bar for a very long time.

[Hasso]

1. Did I file a false police report? or any kind of report?
By calling the police you filed a report. You would know better than I if it were false or not.

2. Can he file charges against me? How long does he have to do so?
A misdemeanor in Colorado has a 18 month statute of limitations.

3. If he does, how can I fight the charge?
With an attorney

4. What are the possible repercussions if I am found guilty?
In Colorado...maybe a fine and/or probation.