Perjury
Federal perjury charges involve allegations that a person knowingly made a false statement under oath in a matter within federal jurisdiction. These cases commonly arise from testimony given in court, statements made before a grand jury, or sworn declarations submitted in official proceedings.
Unlike informal misstatements, federal perjury statutes apply when an individual is legally required to tell the truth under oath and the alleged false statement is material to the proceeding. The seriousness of the charge often depends on the context of the testimony, the significance of the alleged falsehood, and the forum in which it was made.
The statutes below outline how federal law addresses perjury, subornation of perjury, and false declarations in judicial proceedings.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1621 – General Perjury
- 18 U.S.C. § 1622 – Subornation of Perjury
- 18 U.S.C. § 1623 – False Declarations Before Grand Jury or Court
Understanding Federal Perjury Charges
Federal perjury statutes distinguish between general false statements under oath and more specific false declarations made in court or before a grand jury. Prosecutors must establish that the statement was made knowingly, under oath, and was material to the proceeding.
Federal Defense for Perjury Allegations
Perjury charges can carry significant penalties and may arise in high-stakes federal investigations or trials. Early legal representation allows a defense attorney to evaluate materiality, intent, and the context of the alleged statement. Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with a federal criminal defense attorney.
