Perjury is a serious criminal offense that involves knowingly making false statements under oath. This usually relates to false statements made while testifying in a court hearing or other proceeding, but it can also be seen in signed legal documents.
If you have been accused of perjury, our skilled defense attorneys could help. It could be possible to defend these charges and maintain a clean record, but doing so on your own can be tough. Our Butler perjury lawyer could review your case and fight for your rights.
Perjury is the criminal act of lying under oath. In Pennsylvania, this refers to knowingly making a false statement while being sworn to tell the truth in an official proceeding, such as a court hearing, deposition, or grand jury investigation. The key element is intent. A simple mistake or misunderstanding does not constitute perjury. The person must know the statement is false and deliver it in a setting where the law requires total honesty.
Perjury is treated as a serious offense because the justice system depends on truthful testimony. When someone lies under oath, it can distort outcomes and compromise the integrity of the courts. Because of this, prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and judges often impose harsh penalties.
A perjury charge can also arise when a person makes inconsistent sworn statements in different proceedings. If both statements cannot be true, prosecutors may use the inconsistency itself as the basis for the charge.
Perjury is a felony that can lead to significant fines, probation, or even prison time. Beyond the criminal penalties, there are also collateral consequences to consider, such as loss of employment. If you are facing a perjury charge in Butler, our lawyers could help you understand your options and how to proceed.
There are several ways our defense attorneys in Butler could help you fight back against perjury charges. Finding the right strategy is crucial, but it depends on the facts of your case.
Truth is the ultimate defense in perjury cases, as this criminal charge involves a false statement made under oath. If the statement you made was not false, no perjury has been committed. This is relevant in situations where your answer was technically true, even if it seemed evasive or dishonest, given the context of the question.
It is also possible to be acquitted of perjury even after making a false statement under oath, but only if you can show that it was immaterial. A statement is immaterial if it has no impact on the case. This means the specific statement has no bearing on the outcome of any proceedings before the court, regardless of the answer.
There are also defenses available to people who unknowingly make a false statement. Perjury involves intentionally misleading the court about a fact you know very well. If you were simply mistaken or given false information by another party, you may be able to overcome these charges.
While a perjury arrest is a serious matter, it does not automatically mean you will be convicted. You could beat these charges with the support of our aggressive defense counsel.
Instead of representing yourself and hoping for the best, take steps to improve your chances of winning. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and, therefore, uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Call our Butler perjury lawyer today to learn more.