Impersonating a Public Officer in DC
A public officer, for the purposes of impersonating a public officer in DC charges, would include a DC Superior Court judge, a notary public, or police officer. If a person knowingly impersonates any one of these public officers and attempts to utilize their authority then they can be charged with impersonating a public official. Impersonation of a public official is a felony crime, meaning it carries significant consequences making it important those accused consult with a defense attorney in DC as soon as possible to discuss their case and begin building a defense.
Elements of Impersonating an Officer
It is important to understand that in order for impersonating a public officer to be considered a crime in DC, a person must make some statement or take some action in trying to perform a duty, or exercise the authority, of a DC Superior Court judge, notary public, or police officer, in addition to making a false representation. In other words, it is not enough for someone to just tell another person that they are a judge, notary, or police officer, they must try to exercise the authority of that person in some way.
Unknowingly Impersonating a Public Officer
If a person falsely represents themselves to be a public officer and makes statements or takes actions to perform a duty or exercise the authority of a public officer, the government is also required to prove that the person did so knowing that their appointment, term, or commission had expired, or did so knowing that they had been dismissed from such office. If a person unknowingly impersonates a public officer, their attorney will be able to explain available defenses to them and assist them in the preparation and presentation of their defense.
False Impersonation
Depending on the circumstances, it is possible for a person to be charged with false impersonation. It is illegal to falsely impersonate another person before any court, judge, clerk of court, or any officer in DC authorized to administer oaths, if done with the intent to defraud. For example if someone pretends to be someone else in court, with the intent of defrauding the court or judge, they could be charged with false impersonation.
Consecuencias
If someone is convicted of falsely impersonating a public officer, the repercussions can be severe. This crime is considered a felony and carries a punishment of a minimum of a year in jail, up to three years in jail, a fine of $12,500, or both.
Construyendo una defensa
In order to avoid a conviction for impersonating a public officer, it is best first to immediately speak with an attorney who has experience defending these impersonation charges. An attorney will be able to use their experience to work with their client and prepare a defense that will help in avoiding a conviction. To learn more or discuss your case, call and schedule a consultation today.
David Benowitz y su firma son los mejores equipos estratégicos y compasivos con los que trabajará. El Sr. Benowitz y su equipo son diligentes y proactivos, lo que se ve reforzado por el enfoque metódico y estratégico de la ley de David. Mi caso era un caso muy complicado y cargado de emociones que involucraba información clasificada, en el que enfrentaba tres acusaciones, dos de cadena perpetua y una de 20 años. ¡El Sr. Benowitz utilizó una red de abogados junto con su propia estrategia para llevar el caso al éxito! Recomiendo sinceramente a David Benowitz literalmente con mi vida.
Descubrí que David estaba muy dedicado a luchar por los derechos de su ser querido. También aprecié mucho el hecho de que David nos mantuvo informados y empoderados durante todo el proceso.
El Sr. Benowitz es un profesional increíblemente informado y dedicado. Sus compromisos con la justicia social y el alcance comunitario son ejemplares. Lo recomiendo de todo corazón para cualquier asunto.