Oklahoma § 21-589 - False reporting of crime - False reporting of missing
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-589 — False reporting of crime - False reporting of missing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-589. False reporting of crime - False reporting of missing
child.
A. It shall be unlawful to willfully, knowingly and without
probable cause make a false report to any person of any crime or
circumstances indicating the possibility of crime having been
committed, including the unlawful taking of personal property, which
report causes or encourages the exercise of police action or
investigation. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of
this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by
imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90) days
or by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by
both such fine and imprisonment.
B. It shall be unlawful to willfully, knowingly, and without
probable cause communicate false information concerning a missing
child to a law enforcement agency that causes or encourages the
activation of an AMBER alert warning system. Any person convicted
of violating the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a
Class D3 felony offense punishable by imprisonment as provided for
in subsections B through F of Section 20P of this title, or by a
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both
such fine and imprisonment.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 227, § 1. Amended by Laws 2005, c. 109, § 1,
eff. Nov. 1, 2005; Laws 2007, c. 189, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2007; Laws
2025, c. 486, § 667, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-589
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-589 cover?
Section 21-589 ("False reporting of crime - False reporting of missing") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Oklahoma § 21-589?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-589" (Oklahoma). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 21-589 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.