Elements Of Perjury You Need To Be Aware Of

Dec 25, 2022

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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/elements-of-perjury-you-need-to-be-aware-of/

Did you know that you could be charged with perjury if you lie under oath or make any false or misleading statements when testifying as a witness? It’s true, and the consequences of perjury are serious. This is because the courts rely on your honesty when weighing evidence in a criminal or civil trial. In this article, you will learn what constitutes perjury and the four elements that are necessary. We’ll also discuss the possible defenses and penalties for perjury.

What is Perjury?

Perjury is the act of lying under oath in a court of law. It’s considered a serious crime, and it can lead to repercussions such as fines and imprisonment.

A person commits perjury when they make false statements. These false statements must be about a material matter, and the person making them must not believe them to be true.

Perjury is divided into two categories:

Perjury when in an Official Proceeding: Someone who makes a false statement under oath in an official proceeding regarding a material matter commits a third-degree felony. If the statement relates to the prosecution of a capital felony, it is a second-degree felony.

Perjury when not in an Official Proceeding: Someone who makes a false statement that he or she does not believe to be true under oath, not in an official proceeding regarding any material matter, commits a first-degree misdemeanor.

What Are the Elements of Proving Perjury?

Proving perjury is a difficult task. It is not enough to show that a person was wrong or that they lied; you must show that they intended to lie.

The elements of proving perjury are as follows:

1. The defendant made a false statement in a judicial proceeding or before an officer authorized to take a deposition.

2. The defendant knew the statement was false when he made it.

3. The statement was material to the proceedings or deposition.

4. The defendant made the statement willfully and with an intent to deceive, mislead, or lie under oath or affirmation.

To prove perjury, there must be evidence that the statement is false. The false statement must be in writing or speaking, and you must swear to tell the truth when making it.

Furthermore, if you are accused of perjury in an official proceeding, such as a court case or other matters related to the law, it is considered more serious than simply lying under oath in another context.

Penalties for Perjury in Florida

Perjury is a crime that can carry harsh penalties in Florida. Perjury occurs when someone intentionally misrepresents the truth while under oath or affirmation. It is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the judicial system. Perjury has been described as an act of “wilful deception” and is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000 or both.

Perjury charges can be brought against anyone who knowingly and willfully makes false statements under oath or affirmation in an official proceeding. This includes testimony given in courtrooms, depositions, and grand jury proceedings, among other proceedings. However, it does not include statements made during testimony before legislative committees or town meetings held for the purpose of addressing matters of public concern.

If perjury, however, is committed in an official proceeding that involves a capital felony punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty, it will be considered a second-degree felony. This could result in jail time of up to 15 years and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.

On the other hand, in unofficial proceedings or when making statements to the police, committing perjury is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. If caught, one can spend up to a year in prison and be fined $1,000.

Potential Defenses to Perjury

If the accused perjurer recants their statement within a reasonable time before being prosecuted for perjury, it can be used as a defense. In other words, if they publicly retract or disavow their false statement within an appropriate time, they could avoid being charged with perjury. This is known as recantation as a defense.

This defense can only be used if the recantation happens before the accused is prosecuted for perjury, not after they have been convicted. Recantation as a defense should not be used lightly and is often difficult to prove in court due to the need to demonstrate that the accuser was retracting their false statement rather than simply trying to avoid the consequences of their initial statement.

There are also other defenses that may be used. You could argue that (1) the statement was not false, (2) it was not material to the proceedings, or (3) you did not believe that the statement was false when made. If someone else made the false statement and you repeated it without knowing it was false, this could also be a valid defense.

Get Help From an Experienced Attorney

Getting legal advice from an attorney for perjury can be beneficial for a number of reasons. An experienced lawyer can provide legal advice on the nuances of the law, as well as help build a strong defense.

Furthermore, they can work with you to minimize potential penalties if a conviction does occur. With the right legal representation, this serious charge can be defended and minimized.

The violation and punishment for perjury are outlined in the Florida Statutes Chapter 837.01. The legal penalties for perjury vary depending on the circumstances of each case and can range from a fine to prison time.

It’s crucial that you understand your rights and the laws governing perjury, so seeking assistance from an experienced attorney is key. With their help and guidance, you can have the best chance at successfully defending yourself against a perjury charge.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

In order for someone to be convicted of perjury in Florida, there must be proof beyond a reasonable doubt that they committed perjury during an official proceeding (such as at trial) and that they intended to mislead others by doing so. If you have been charged with perjury in Florida, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately so that they may help you build your defense strategy while protecting your rights throughout this process. Our attorneys at Hanlon Law can help.

Hanlon Law
600 Cleveland St #1100
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 897-5413
https://www.criminalattorneyclearwater.net