DC Perjury Lawyer
The legal process can be intimidating and confusing. Most people rarely have the opportunity to experience any interactions with the court system outside of evening television programs.
There may be misunderstandings and miscommunications during the legal process, which could lead to negative consequences. This may include the possibility of a criminal charge.
Perjury is a crime that could occur when a person makes a false statement after already promising to tell the truth under oath. A person could commit perjury both in writing and during oral testimony.
If you or a loved one were accused of perjury by the government, consider enlisting the services of a DC perjury lawyer who is familiar with the local court rules and laws in Washington DC. It may be vital to speak with an aggressive defense attorney who may be able to explain to your rights and defenses if the government charges you with perjury.
Perjury Laws
The government has codified the laws of Washington DC in the Code of the District of Columbia. The law defines various acts which the government can punish as an act of perjury. These may include:
- Lying or saying something that the speaker does not believe is true after taking an oath to tell the truth
- Making a false statement in a document that the writer declared to be true
- Notarizing a document falsely (CDC Section 22-2402)
Whenever an officer of the court asks a person to testify or certify that some writing or statement is true to an officer of the court, and that person does not believe the statement to be true or knows that the statement is false, the court can find that person guilty of lying to the court.
Elements of Perjury
The government must prove all the elements of perjury in order to convict a person of that crime. These may include:
- The person was speaking while under oath
- The oath was taken in front of a person or court able to take an oath
- The law must have allowed the taking of the oath
- The person must have actually made the statement
- The statement must have been important to the case or issue at hand
- The statement was not true
If the government fails to prove one of the above-listed elements, the court cannot punish the suspected person of perjury. A Washington DC lawyer could help fight against the perjury charges by using lack of proof of these elements as the defense.
Consequences for a Conviction
If a person commits an act of perjury, the government could punish that person for up to 10 years in jail. The government may also impose a fine of up to $5,000. An act of perjury committed to protecting a person or that person’s loved one may typically result in the same punishment. Therefore, it may be essential for a defendant to reach out to a dedicated DC perjury attorney as soon as possible.
How a Perjury Defense Attorney Could Help
When facing perjury charges in Washington, D.C., having an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney is crucial. Our lead attorney has extensive expertise in defending clients accused of perjury, a serious offense that involves knowingly making false statements under oath. With a deep understanding of both federal and local laws, we ensure a robust defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Our attorney has successfully represented numerous clients, meticulously scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence and cross-examining witnesses to uncover inconsistencies and establish reasonable doubt. This comprehensive approach is vital, as perjury convictions can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
With a proven track record in complex litigation and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes, our defense attorney stands ready to protect your rights and reputation.
Let a Washington DC Perjury Attorney Assist You
Even if a person is already involved in a legal matter before the government accused you of committing perjury, they may be able to acquire help.
If the government has accused you of lying under oath, it may be vital to find an attorney who could answer your questions. There may be defenses available to you that may reduce or even avoid any possible punishments from the court.
Reach out a representative to get their help in strategizing your case and approaching the prosecutor. Call a Washington DC perjury lawyer today.