What Happens When You Lie Under Oath

Lying under oath can lead to severe consequences. When someone swears to tell the truth in a legal setting and then intentionally lies, they commit a criminal offense known as perjury. This act undermines the justice system and can alter the outcome of trials and important decisions. Knowing what perjury involves and its implications is important, especially if you face such allegations.

Perjury is not a simple matter of lying; it involves specific elements that the law recognizes as harmful to justice. When you lie under oath, you risk not only your own credibility but also the integrity of the legal process.

If the courts find you guilty, this can lead to severe penalties. At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, we defend you against grievous criminal charges. To prove perjury, the prosecution has a number of hoops to jump through. 

Learn more about what happens when a person commits perjury below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation.

Definition of Perjury

Perjury occurs when someone makes a false statement during an official proceeding, knowing that the statement is untrue. This criminal offense is not limited to courtrooms; it can happen in any situation where the law requires you to speak the truth under oath. Federal law classifies perjury as a major crime because it can significantly disrupt the course of justice.

The definition of perjury under federal law is quite strict. It demands more than just lying; the false statement must be material to the matter at hand, which means it could potentially influence the outcome of the proceeding.

Therefore, not every lie under oath constitutes perjury. It must meet specific criteria to be legally considered as such. 

If you are a person convicted of perjury, you could face a long prison sentence. Do not face these charges alone. Let us intervene in the criminal investigation and defend you in federal court.

Legal Requirements for a Statement to Qualify as Perjury

For a statement to constitute perjury, it must fulfill several legal requirements:

1. The person must be under oath, affirming that everything they say is true.
2. The statement must be material, meaning it has the potential to affect the proceeding's outcome.
3. The person must know that the statement is false.

Furthermore, simply making a mistake or incorrectly remembering facts does not qualify as perjury. To meet the threshold of this criminal offense, the individual must have the intent to deceive in their statements.

Awareness of these distinctions is essential in recognizing the seriousness and specifics of a perjury charge.

Is Perjury the Same as a False Statement?

While all perjury involves making false statements, not all false statements are perjury. Perjury specifically refers to lying under oath in an official proceeding. Other false statements, although potentially severe, do not always carry the same legal weight unless they are made under similar solemn circumstances.

This difference is important because it highlights the unique nature of perjury as a breach of the judicial trust. It may still be illegal or unethical when someone lies in less formal circumstances, but it does not necessarily constitute perjury unless it occurs within the defined legal context.

Legal Consequences of Committing Perjury

The consequences of committing perjury are severe. If courts find you guilty of perjury, you could face up to five years in prison under federal law. This sentence reflects the gravity of undermining judicial integrity. Perjury affects individual cases and harms public trust in legal systems.

Potential Penalties and Sentencing

Perjury carries significant penalties. Under federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 1621, anyone found guilty of perjury can face up to five years in prison.

In addition to imprisonment, the court might also impose fines. These penalties aim to deter individuals from lying under oath and maintain the credibility of judicial proceedings.

The exact sentence can vary depending on factors like the perjury's impact on the case and the defendant's previous criminal history. Judges consider these factors when determining the appropriate punishment for someone convicted of perjury.

Impact on Current and Future Legal Proceedings

A perjury conviction can ruin your reputation and affect your life long after serving any sentence. It can damage your credibility in future legal matters and might limit your career opportunities, especially in fields that require high ethical standards.

Furthermore, facing perjury charges during a trial where you are a party could negatively influence the trial's outcome. Future legal proceedings might also be tainted if courts see you as untrustworthy, affecting your ability to defend yourself or assert your rights effectively.

Proving Perjury in Court

Proving perjury in court requires specific evidence. The prosecution must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally lied in an official proceeding while under oath. This standard is high because of the critical implications of a perjury conviction.

Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

• Oath. The defendant was under a legal obligation to tell the truth.
• False statement. The defendant made a statement that was not true.

Challenges in Establishing Intent to Deceive

• Proving knowledge. Establishing that the defendant knew the statement was false at the time can be challenging.
• Intent to mislead. The prosecution must show that the defendant intended to deceive the court.
• Materiality. Demonstrating that the false statement was significant enough to influence the proceeding is vital.
• Distinguishing mistake from deceit. Proving that a false statement was not a simple error or misunderstanding is often difficult.
• Witness credibility. The credibility of witnesses who testify about the defendant's knowledge and intent can be a major factor. We might even be able to prove there was a perjury trap set for you.

Common Situations Involving Perjury

Perjury most commonly occurs in criminal trials, where the stakes are high, and every piece of testimony can influence the verdict.

Witnesses, defendants, and experts might face the temptation to sway the outcome by altering their statements. Being aware of these dynamics is important for anyone involved in such trials.

In civil litigation and other legal proceedings, perjury can also play a critical role. Whether it's during depositions, affidavits, or trials, lying under oath can have severe repercussions. These situations often involve complex facts where the truth is vital for justice to prevail.

Defense Strategies Against Perjury Charges

Challenging perjury charges effectively requires a strong defense strategy. One common approach is to question the evidence of intent to deceive. If the defense can show that there was no intention to lie, the perjury charges might not hold.

Challenging the Evidence of Intent

Attacking the prosecution's evidence regarding the defendant's intent is a common defense strategy. The charges might be reduced or dismissed if the defense can create reasonable doubt about whether the defendant knowingly lied.

Demonstrating Inconsistencies or Misunderstandings

Another defense involves proving that any discrepancies in the defendant's statements were due to misunderstandings or innocent inconsistencies. This can help counter the claim that the defendant intentionally provided false testimony.

Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing perjury charges can be daunting, and the consequences are severe. An experienced criminal defense attorney understands the complexities of these cases.

Your lawyer can provide the guidance and representation needed to traverse them effectively. We know how to challenge prosecutorial evidence and can help protect your rights.

Having a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We can develop a strong defense strategy, manage court proceedings, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. Their experience is invaluable, especially in cases involving tough allegations like perjury.

Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for a Free Case Consultation

Our team is ready to support you through every step of your legal journey. Reach out to us today to learn more about your rights and options. Early legal intervention can be critical in criminal cases, so it's important to act quickly. Let us help you protect your future.

If you face perjury charges or any other criminal allegations, you should seek professional legal help immediately. Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers offers a free case consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help. Don't let perjury charges determine your future without fighting back. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with a member of our team.