It is against the law to knowingly make a false report that a vulnerable person (like an elderly or disabled adult) is being abused or neglected. The first time someone does this, it is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000. If the person has done it before, it becomes a felony with a fine up to $5,000. The money from those fines goes to public schools.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
565.222. a false report — . — 1. A person commits the of filing a false vulnerable person abuse report if he or she files a false report of vulnerable person .
2. The offense of filing a false report of vulnerable person abuse or neglect is a and the shall be subject to a of up to one thousand dollars, unless the offender has previously been of making a false report to the , in which case the offense is a and the offender shall be subject to a fine of up to five thousand dollars. Penalties collected for violations of this shall be transferred to the as established in section 166.051 and to the public schools of this state in the manner provided in section 163.031. Such penalties shall not be considered charitable for tax purposes.
3. Evidence of under this section shall be heard by the court, out of the of the jury, prior to the of the case to the jury, and the court shall determine the existence of the prior findings of guilt.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17
Related Missouri laws
Stalking, first degree, penalty
RSMo 565.225
Failure to report vulnerable person abuse
RSMo 565.218
Stalking, second degree, penalty
RSMo 565.227
Unlawful posting of certain information over the internet, offense of
RSMo 565.240
Invasion of privacy, penalty
RSMo 565.252
Filing a false elder abuse or neglect report
RSMo 565.189
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.