False impersonation in Oklahoma City is often a misunderstood crime that carries major penalties. It is a crime that occurs in many forms; the most common form of false impersonation in Oklahoma is impersonating a police officer.
Note, however, that simply dressing up as a police officer at Halloween is not illegal, as long as you do not represent yourself to be an actual police officer.
FAQ: False Impersonation in Oklahoma
Many people who are charged with false impersonation in Oklahoma City have also been charged with other crimes, such as burglary or robbery; they often had disguised themselves as officers in order to gain access to someone’s home.
Beyond just impersonating an officer, it is illegal to impersonate any type of “public officer, civil or military, any firefighter, any law enforcement officer, any emergency medical technician or other emergency medical care provider, or any private individual having special authority by law to perform any act affecting the rights or interests of another.”
This type of false impersonation in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor crime, and can land you jail for up to six months and with a $2,000 fine. (Ok. Stat. Tit. 21 Sec. 1533)
However, anyone who impersonates an officer to create a “sham legal process” will face a felony conviction and two years in state prison, as well as a $5,000 fine.
Other Types of False Impersonation in Oklahoma
Impersonating any person who is not an officer under the following circumstances is also criminal activity:
- Marrying or pretends to marry, or to sustain the marriage relation toward another, with or without the permission of such other person; or,
- Becoming bail or surety for any party, in any proceeding whatever, before any court or officer authorized to take such bail or surety; or,
- Subscribing, verifying, publishing, acknowledging or proving, in the name of another person, any written instrument, with intent that the same may be delivered or used as true; or,
- Doing any other act whereby, if it were done by the person falsely personated, he might in any event become liable to any suit or prosecution, or to pay any sum of money, or to incur any charge, forfeiture or penalty, or whereby any benefit might accrue to the party personating, or to any other person.
Violating this provision of the law can lead to a felony conviction and 10 years in jail. (Ok. Stat. Tit. 21 Sec. 1532)
Impersonation to Receive Money or Property
Anyone who impersonates someone else in order to receive money or property, knowing it is intended to be delivered to the individual being impersonated, may be guilty of a felony punishable by 10 years in prison. (Ok. Stat. Tit. 21 Sec. 1533)
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Felony Attorney
If you’ve been charged with false impersonation in Oklahoma, reach out to the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW). Your first consultation is low-cost, confidential, and with no obligation to hire one of our Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers.
If you prefer, send your question directly to an Oklahoma City felony attorney by using the contact form at the top right side of this page.