Christie Carlill

It is illegal to make false reports to police about crimes or emergencies knowing the information is false, or to lie to police in response to their questions about crimes with intent to obstruct their investigation. This includes intentionally reporting false bomb, fire, or emergency threats knowing it will cause emergency response, frighten people, or close public places. Violations regarding false crime reports are Class D felonies (2-12 years and up to $5,000 in fines), while false emergency reports are Class C felonies (higher penalties).

Penalty: Class D felony; 2-12 years; fine up to $5,000

The offense is intentionally pursuing, contacting, or communicating with another person in a way that alarms or annoys them (including through electronic means or social media), or intentionally threatening another person or a minor. This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500; it is enhanced to a Class E felony if the victim is a minor, if the defendant has prior harassment convictions, or if the harassment involves threats of violence.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500