What type of offense is a false report of crime categorized as?

A false report of a crime is categorized as a misdemeanor under California law. This designation applies because the act of intentionally reporting a crime that did not occur can create significant public safety concerns and can lead to misuse of law enforcement resources. Misdemeanors typically involve less severe consequences than felonies, but they still carry the potential for fines and short-term imprisonment. The classification as a misdemeanor reflects the seriousness of wasting law enforcement’s time and causing distress to the community without justification.

On the other hand, felonies are more serious offenses involving harsher penalties, while infractions are minor violations often punishable by fines without the possibility of jail time. Traffic violations specifically pertain to laws concerning the operation of vehicles and do not generally encompass the filing of false crime reports. Therefore, the correct categorization of a false report of a crime aligns with the definition and consequences typical of a misdemeanor.