Lying is generally frowned upon by our society. Sometimes, lying can even lead to criminal charges. California uses California Penal Code Section 118: Perjury to prosecute individuals who break the law by lying.
You can strengthen your understanding of PC 118 with the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Learn more about the penalties for a perjury conviction and criminal defense options here.
Defining Perjury in California
Perjury has a very specific legal definition. An individual cannot be charged with perjury just for telling a lie. Individuals could only be convicted under PC 118 if they take an oath or put themselves under penalty of perjury and then intentionally make a false statement while intending to provide false testimony under oath.
Individuals must be aware that they are under oath to be subject to perjury laws. It is also worth noting that individuals can only perjure themselves when speaking about “material” information. Legally, “material” information includes any information that could impact legal proceedings.
Individuals can face perjury charges for making intentionally false statements while:
- Testifying in court
- Testifying in civil depositions
- Making a sworn affidavit
- Filling out a driver’s license application
- Providing information for official certificates
If an individual lies in a report or through writing, they could be charged under the following:
- California Penal Code §115: Filing False or Forged Documents
- California Penal Code §118.1: Filing a False Police Report
For a free legal consultation with a perjury lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Perjury in California
The state of California treats perjury as a felony. A conviction for any act of perjury could lead to up to four years in prison. Individuals may also be forced to pay hefty fines if convicted of perjury.
Note that several other charges can be tied to acts of perjury. These crimes might lead to additional criminal charges:
- California Penal Code §32: Accessory After The Fact
- California Penal Code §132 & 134: Offering Or Preparing False Evidence
- California Penal Code §135: Destroying Or Concealing Evidence
A professional Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help individuals facing charges of perjury and other serious accusations. When faced with perjury charges, you should never try to represent yourself. Our criminal defense attorney understands the law, has experience representing clients in front of various judges, and knows how to negotiate plea deals with local prosecutors.
California Perjury Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Examples of Perjury in California
There are many ways to commit perjury in California. Go over the following examples to learn more about this legal charge:
- Man A is called a witness in his friend’s trial. He swears to tell the truth while on the witness stand and then lies to provide his friend with an alibi. The prosecution later proved that he was misrepresenting the truth. Man A could be charged with perjury.
- Man B goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get his driver’s license. He does not want anyone to know where he lives, so he provides a false address. Later, this lie is discovered, and he is charged with perjury. He could be convicted because he intentionally provided false information.
- Man C is called to testify in court about the actions of his superiors at work. He provides the court with testimony about acts he believed to be truthful because he was told they were. His leaders lied to him, and he ended up repeating the lies. Because he was unaware that he was lying, he would not be charged with perjury.
Being charged with perjury in California can lead to serious penalties that impact your entire life, including the ability to hold employment. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group today about your case so you can begin building a defense to the charges.
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Building a Defense to Perjury Charges
Beating a perjury charge can be difficult, especially without professional help from a criminal defense lawyer. Individuals who work with a lawyer can increase their chances of defending themselves against a perjury accusation. A lawyer may be able to show the following:
You Did Not Know You Were Lying
Some individuals share false information under oath because they believe it to be true. Individuals should not be convicted of perjury if they reasonably believed they were telling the truth.
You Accidentally Lied Under Oath
Some people slip and make false statements while they are under oath. A perjury conviction requires you to intentionally tell a lie. If you realize you spoke mistakenly and try to correct the error, you may be able to avoid a perjury conviction.
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Get Help Handling Perjury Charges in California
A conviction for perjury can have lasting effects on your life. Make sure you’re ready to take on California Penal Code Section 118: Perjury charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. You can get a FREE consultation with our criminal defense lawyers right now.
Start building your defense by completing our online contact form or calling our office today. A California criminal defense attorney can answer your questions, explain the charges in detail, and build a defense to the perjury charges on your behalf. Fighting for your freedom and protecting your rights are our top priorities for all of our clients.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
