COPS2060 Arrested for giving a false name in Tampa?
Call Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. at (813) 222-2220 today for immediate help.

COPS2060 – False Name to Law Enforcement Officer in Florida

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Arrested for Giving a False Name? We Can Help

If you have been charged with COPS2060 False Name to Law Enforcement Officer under Florida Statute 901.36(1), you are facing a first-degree misdemeanor with serious consequences. Many people are surprised at how quickly a simple mistake, panic, or misunderstanding during a police encounter can turn into a criminal charge.

At the Law Office of W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr., we have successfully defended clients charged with false name offenses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas. Call (813) 222-2220 now to discuss your case confidentially.

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What Is COPS2060 – False Name to Law Enforcement Officer?

The Florida crime code COPS2060 refers to False Name to Law Enforcement Officer, found under Florida Statute 901.36(1). This law makes it a crime for any person who has been arrested or lawfully detained by police to:

• Give a false name, or
• Otherwise falsely identify themselves to law enforcement or county jail personnel.

This charge most commonly arises during traffic stops, investigations, or arrests. Even providing a slightly incorrect name, birth date, or identification number can trigger a COPS2060 charge if police believe it was intentional.

COPS2060 Quick Facts

• Punishable by:
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to 12 months of probation
  • Up to $1,000 fine
  • Permanent criminal record

Source: Florida Statute 775.082 and 775.083

Florida Law on Giving a False Name

Florida Statute § 901.36 states:

“It is unlawful for a person who has been arrested or lawfully detained by a law enforcement officer to give a false name, or otherwise falsely identify himself or herself in any way, to the law enforcement officer or any county jail personnel.”

This law is part of Title XLVII – Criminal Procedure and Corrections, Chapter 901 – Arrests.
A violation of this law, except where it causes actual harm (like obstructing an investigation), is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions About COPS2060

Contact an Experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with COPS2060 False Name to Law Enforcement Officer in Hillsborough County, time is critical. Every case is different, and you need a strong legal advocate who understands the system and can fight for your best outcome.

📞 Call W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. at (813) 222-2220 now for a free consultation, or
📨 Contact us online.

Don’t let a misunderstanding or panic during an encounter with law enforcement ruin your future. Get help today.

Posted in: COPS2060, False Name to Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Defense, State Court
Tagged: 901.36(1), Hillsborough County, Tampa Defense Lawyer, Florida Criminal Law

What is COPS2060?

COPS2060 refers to a criminal charge under Florida Statute 901.36(1) — False Name to Law Enforcement Officer. In Florida, it is illegal for a person who has been arrested or lawfully detained to provide a false name or otherwise falsely identify themselves to a law enforcement officer or jail personnel.

This crime is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor and carries serious penalties, including jail time, probation, and fines. Hillsborough County prosecutors regularly file COPS2060 charges against individuals during traffic stops, investigations, or post-arrest booking.

If you are facing a COPS2060 charge, time is critical. Contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer now at (813) 222-2220.

Florida Statute 901.36(1) – Overview

Under Florida Statute 901.36(1), the law states:

“It is unlawful for a person who has been arrested or lawfully detained by a law enforcement officer to give a false name, or otherwise falsely identify himself or herself in any way, to the law enforcement officer or any county jail personnel.”

Violations of this law are classified as first-degree misdemeanors. Sentences for COPS2060 charges are governed by Florida Statute § 775.082 (penalties) and Florida Statute § 775.083 (fines).

Key Details About COPS2060

Penalties for COPS2060 in Florida

If convicted of False Name to Law Enforcement Officer under COPS2060, you could face:

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Up to 12 months of probation
• A fine of up to $1,000
• A permanent criminal record

Besides criminal penalties, a conviction can cause long-term problems with background checks, employment, and immigration status.

Defenses to COPS2060 Charges

Several legal defenses may apply to a COPS2060 charge, including:

• Lack of Intent: No willful attempt to deceive.
• Mistaken Identity: Officer misunderstood or misrecorded information.
• Unlawful Detention or Arrest: If the stop or arrest was illegal, the false identification might be irrelevant.
• No Material Misrepresentation: The information given was not materially false or misleading.

An experienced defense attorney can challenge the evidence, question the legality of the detention, and negotiate for reduced charges or dismissal.

Common Questions About False Name to Law Enforcement Officer Charges

What if I accidentally gave wrong information?

If you accidentally gave the wrong name or information without intending to mislead law enforcement, that may be a valid defense. Florida law requires that the false identification be intentional. Honest mistakes, confusion, or misunderstandings can often be used to fight the charge. An experienced defense attorney can help present this to the court.

Can I be charged if I wasn’t arrested, only detained?

Yes, you can be charged even if you were only lawfully detained and not formally arrested. Florida Statute 901.36(1) makes it illegal to give false information during both arrest and detention. Routine traffic stops or investigative stops are examples where detention occurs. It’s important to understand that lying in these situations can still lead to criminal charges.

What are the penalties for a conviction?

A conviction for giving a false name to law enforcement is a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. It carries penalties of up to one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine. A conviction also creates a permanent criminal record. That can impact your future employment, housing, and education opportunities.

Are there defenses to a COPS2060 charge?

Yes, there are several defenses to a COPS2060 charge depending on the facts of your case. Common defenses include lack of intent, illegal detention or arrest, and mistaken identity. Challenging the circumstances of the detention or the clarity of communication with the officer can also be effective. A skilled attorney can investigate and present these defenses on your behalf.

Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?

Hiring an attorney gives you the best chance to protect your rights and possibly avoid a conviction. An experienced criminal lawyer can evaluate your case, find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate for a dismissal or reduction. In some cases, alternative sentencing like pre-trial diversion may be available. Don’t risk facing jail or a permanent record without professional help.

Original Post from 2010

“unlawful for a person who has been arrested or lawfully detained by a law enforcement officer to give a false name, or otherwise falsely identify himself”

False Name to Law Enforcement Officer

If you have been charged with COPS2060 FALSE NAME TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER you can call a Defense Attorney in  Tampa at (813) 222-2220.

Form Code: COPS2060
Florida Statute: 901.36.1
Level: Misd (Misdemeanor)
Degree: 1st
Description: FALSE NAME TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

COPS2060 FALSE NAME TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER one of the most commonly charged offenses in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Title XLVII CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CORRECTIONS

Chapter 901 ARRESTS

901.36 Prohibition against giving false name or false identification by person arrested or lawfully detained; penalties; court orders.

(1) It is unlawful for a person who has been arrested or lawfully detained by a law enforcement officer to give a false name, or otherwise falsely identify himself or herself in any way, to the law enforcement officer or any county jail personnel. Except as provided in subsection (2), any person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.