What happens when a person falsely testifies in the court?
The person commits the offense of perjury which is a felony under California’s penal code.
Since perjury is a major crime punishable by a prison sentence, you should not ignore the case and neither you should drag it. The best way to handle the situation and turn it in your favor is to hire a professional criminal defense attorney with experience in a perjury case. Our lawyers have more than 30 years of courtroom experience and more than 50 years of collective insights from the legal system including firsthand experience as law enforcement officers, judges and prosecutors. We understand the seriousness of charges in perjury cases and aim for the best outcome in every case. From minimum sentences to getting charges dismissed, we have successfully fought hundreds of perjury cases in courts across California.
According to the Penal Code 118 in California, any person who has taken an oath or has signed a declaration to provide true information, lies or present information as true even when he or she knows it to be false commits the offense of perjury. The person can be held responsible for perjury for providing false information on documents, forms, or certificates. There are five elements of perjury, and all of them must meet to establish the charges i) The defendant intentionally took an oath or signed declaration to state truth. ii) The defendant provided false information or stated information as true even when he or she knew it to be false. iii) The information was a material matter in the case. iv) The defendant willingly or knew providing information under oath. v) The defendant intentionally lied or testify falsely under oath. For example, a person with child molestation record is applying for a post of teacher in a primary school. To avoid rejection, the person writes the wrong date of birth and criminal history on the application and then sign the document under the declaration paragraph, the person will face criminal charges. If a person misstates his habit of drinking on the DMV form for a license, the person can be charged with perjury.
The offense of perjury is a felony with permanent criminal record and prison term. While people in first offense can avoid a prison sentence, they have to undergo mandatory probation and monetary fines. We understand the risks associated with perjury offenses and work on eliminating them by representing you in the court.