Bill > HB152

This bill amends Delaware's criminal code to expand the definition of criminal impersonation and increase potential penalties. Specifically, the bill broadens the existing law by introducing the term "law-enforcement official," which now includes not only local emergency personnel like police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, but also federal officers. The bill upgrades the classification of criminal impersonation from a class E felony to a class D felony, with the possibility of escalating to a class C felony if the impersonation is used to cause physical injury to a non-participant or to commit another serious felony or sexual offense. The legislation adds a new definition clarifying that a "federal officer" is an individual with federal arrest powers, and provides explicit language about what constitutes impersonation, such as intentionally pretending to be a law enforcement official or taking actions to create a false impression of official status. The bill maintains the provision that this offense does not prevent additional criminal charges from being filed, ensuring comprehensive legal accountability for such actions.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142297