Consequences of Perjury Charges in New Jersey
Perjury is when someone knowingly makes false statements while under oath. This is a serious offense that may be prosecuted at the state or the federal level. Perjury charges in New Jersey can result in incarceration, as well as a damaged reputation that can hurt the defendant, both socially and professionally. Anyone charged with this “white collar crime” would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney with experience handling perjury cases in New Jersey right away.
Most New Jersey perjury cases involve an alleged lie or untruth that is uttered in court under oath, but the courthouse is not the only location that an act of perjury can take place. Someone who lies to a law enforcement authorities or who gives false information during a criminal investigation may be charged with perjury. It is also a crime to lie on an official document, such as a handgun application or driver's license application. In cases involving other criminal charges, a perjury offense may be added on top of the penalties the defendant may already face.
Perjury in New Jersey can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the circumstances. Fighting perjury charges to avoid the heavy penalties that may result from a conviction is not easy. Did the defendant knowingly give a false answer? Did the accused understand what it meant to be under oath? Was the statement false at the time it was made? A knowledgeable lawyer will make sure that the appropriate and important questions are asked, while protecting the legal rights of the defendant.
The Princeton perjury attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein have successfully defended the rights of those accused of perjury in New Jersey. We provide free consultations at 609-240-0040 to anyone facing perjury charges. Talk to us before discussing the specifics of your case with the authorities.
