18 U.S.C. § 1622 – Subornation of Perjury
Section 1622 criminalizes causing someone else to commit perjury.
What this statute targets.
This provision covers situations where a person induces, persuades, or procures another individual to commit perjury. The focus is not on who gave the false testimony, but on who caused it to happen.
Derivative liability.
Subornation of perjury depends on an underlying act of perjury. The government must prove:
- Another person committed perjury as defined under federal law (typically § 1621)
- The defendant knowingly and willfully procured or induced that false testimony
If the underlying testimony does not qualify as perjury, a § 1622 charge cannot stand.
No oath required for the defendant.
Unlike perjury itself, the defendant charged under § 1622 does not need to have testified under oath. Liability arises from influencing or directing someone else to lie under oath.
Penalties.
A conviction for subornation of perjury carries:
- Up to 5 years in federal prison
- Fines under Title 18
How it shows up in practice.
Section 1622 often appears in cases involving coached testimony, fabricated affidavits, scripted grand jury appearances, or pressure placed on witnesses to provide false sworn statements. It is frequently paired with perjury, obstruction, or conspiracy charges.
If an investigation involves allegations that testimony was coached, directed, or manufactured, exposure can extend beyond the witness. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to discuss how subornation claims are analyzed and challenged.
