Perjury Defense Lawyer St. Louis

Why You Need a St. Louis Perjury Defense Lawyer Immediately

• Prosecutors must prove you knowingly lied under oath—we fight to expose weaknesses in their case.
• Perjury charges often stem from misunderstandings, memory lapses, or pressure from others.
• If convicted, you could face felony penalties, and a conviction that cannot be expunged from your record.

What Is Perjury in Missouri?

Perjury is a serious felony offense under Missouri law (RSMo §575.040). Perjury happens when someone knowingly lies under oath in a legal setting, such as in court, before a notary, or in an official government hearing, with the intent to deceive.

When Does a False Statement Become Perjury?

Not every lie or mistake qualifies as perjury. For a perjury charge to hold up in court, the prosecution must prove:

• The statement was made under oath – The individual was legally required to tell the truth, such as in:
  • Testimony during a civil or criminal trial.
  • Depositions or sworn statements in legal proceedings.
  • Affidavits, written declarations, or official forms submitted to courts or government agencies.
  • Grand jury investigations or sworn testimony before government bodies.
• The statement was knowingly false – The person must have intentionally lied, not just made a mistake, misremembered, or misunderstood a question.
• The false statement was material to the case – The lie must have affected the outcome of the case or had the potential to influence the decision.
  • Example: Lying about your location at the time of a crime is perjury if it helps a defendant get acquitted.
  • Not Perjury: Making a false statement about what you had for lunch during testimony in a murder trial, because it's not relevant to the case.

Different Forms of Perjury in Missouri

Perjury is not limited to just testimony in court—there are multiple ways a person can commit perjury, including:

• Testimonial Perjury – Lying under oath while testifying in a criminal or civil trial, deposition, or grand jury proceeding.
• False Affidavits & Sworn Documents – Signing written statements or official documents that contain knowingly false information.
• False Statements to Government Officials – Providing false testimony in administrative hearings, regulatory filings, or sworn law enforcement reports.
• Suborning Perjury (Encouraging Someone Else to Lie Under Oath) – Pressuring or influencing another person to commit perjury is a separate offense that also carries felony penalties.

What Perjury Is NOT

• Mistakes or Misremembering Events – If someone genuinely forgets a detail or unintentionally provides incorrect information, it does not qualify as perjury.
• Lying Outside of Legal Proceedings – Perjury only applies to statements made under oath. Lying in everyday conversation, even if it’s unethical, is not perjury.
• Contradictory Testimony Without Intent to Deceive – If a witness gives inconsistent answers due to confusion or misunderstanding, it may not meet the legal threshold for perjury.

Defenses Against Perjury in St. Louis

Being accused of perjury does not automatically mean you are guilty. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly lied under oath about a material fact. A skilled defense attorney can challenge the case in several ways:

• Lack of Intent
  • Perjury requires intentional deception. If you believed the statement was true at the time you made it, you are not guilty of perjury, even if the statement later turns out to be false.
  • Example: If you misremembered an event or mixed up details but did not mean to lie, that is not perjury.
• The Statement Was Not "Material"
  • The false statement must be important to the case outcome. If the alleged lie had no impact on the legal proceeding, it does not qualify as perjury.
  • Example: If someone lies about their age in court, but their age has no relevance to the case, that is not perjury.
• The Statement Was Corrected in Time (Retraction Defense)
  • Missouri law allows a person to retract a false statement if they do so before it is exposed as a lie in the same legal proceeding.
  • Example: If you correct a false statement before it influences a trial, deposition, or investigation, you may avoid perjury charges.
• Coercion or Duress
  • If someone was forced, pressured, or threatened into making a false statement, it may serve as a valid defense against perjury charges.
  • Example: A witness threatened with harm if they don’t lie under oath may not be criminally liable.
• Insufficient Evidence
  • The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly made a false statement.
  • If there is no clear proof that you lied on purpose, the charges may not hold up in court.

Charged with perjury in St. Louis? You need an aggressive defense team that understands Missouri law. Call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP for immediate representation.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Perjury in St. Louis

A perjury charge is serious, and how you handle the situation can determine the outcome of your case. If you are accused of lying under oath, follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Do NOT Speak to Investigators Without a Lawyer
  • Prosecutors and investigators will try to get you to admit guilt or make conflicting statements.
  • Anything you say can be used against you, so remain silent and request legal counsel.
• Preserve Any Evidence That Supports Your Statement
  • If you have documents, emails, text messages, or other proof that back up your testimony, save them.
  • Witnesses who can confirm you did not knowingly lie may be crucial to your defense.
• Avoid Making Additional Statements
  • Do not attempt to "clarify" your testimony without consulting an attorney.
  • Any additional statements could contradict your previous testimony and make things worse.
• Understand the Retraction Rule
  • If your statement was false, but you corrected it before it was discovered, you may be protected under Missouri law.
  • An attorney can help determine if this defense applies to your case.
• Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
  • Perjury is a felony, and prosecutors take it seriously. A conviction can result in prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
  • A skilled attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or get the case dismissed.

If you're facing perjury charges in St. Louis, don't wait—call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP for a confidential consultation.