What is the penalty for failure to identify oneself to a peace officer?

The penalty for failure to identify oneself to a peace officer is classified as a Class C misdemeanor. This means that when an individual does not provide their name or other identifying information when requested by a peace officer, such behavior does not rise to the level of a more severe offense, such as a felony or higher misdemeanor classification.

Understanding the implications of this classification is important. A Class C misdemeanor typically carries a lighter penalty compared to Class A misdemeanors or felonies, often resulting in a fine rather than jail time. This reflects the legal system's approach to balancing individual rights and the enforcement of compliance with law enforcement procedures.

In contrast, the other classifications mentioned, such as Class A misdemeanors or various levels of felonies, represent more serious offenses with dramatically higher penalties, which are not applicable in this scenario. This distinction highlights the legal system's recognition of the act of failing to identify itself as a relatively minor infraction, thus labeling it as a Class C misdemeanor.