Providing False Statements
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You might have had good reasons for not telling the truth while you were under oath. But if you do make false statements when you have been sworn in, you can be charged with perjury or false swearing and you will risk years in prison and heavy fines. If you are arrested, you will need to retain an experienced defense attorney.
What You Need To Know About Perjury And False Swearing
In Pennsylvania, you commit perjury and can face a felony of the third degree if, during an official proceeding like a trial, you are under oath to tell the truth and instead you make a statement you do not believe is true and that is material – in other words, relevant to a case and that could affect the outcome.
Similar to perjury, false swearing means that you made a statement you do not believe to be true to mislead a public servant during an official proceeding. This includes making a false statement before a notary or someone authorized to administer oaths. False swearing is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
What Your Lawyer Can Do
Your attorney will carefully review every aspect of your case to determine if there is evidence for all you have been accused of.
- Your lawyer will make every effort to discredit any evidence not in your favor.
- Much of what your lawyer can do to help you will depend on the exact circumstances of your case.
- If might have believed what you testified to was true. If so, your lawyer will gather the evidence or witnesses to prove it.
Your lawyer will be looking at every avenue that can help you, so it’s important that you give them all of the information that can support your case.
How A Lawyer Will Help
When you are up against a perjury or false swearing charge, even before your first hearing you will be facing a determined prosecutor. You need an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way, work hard to discredit any evidence – and work with you to determine your best course of action.
Pennsylvania Perjury And False Swearing Law
Perjury and false swearing are described and defined under The Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18, Chapter 49. Read the code here.
Questions? Contact us today.
Based on the evidence, Fienman Defense will try to show that the charges should be dismissed. If it’s in your best interest, we will work to negotiate a lesser sentence. Should the case go to trial, we will fight to present the strongest defense possible for your situation.