{"id":352115,"date":"2023-09-08T13:45:19","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T18:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/perjury.html"},"modified":"2024-11-01T13:45:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T18:45:00","slug":"perjury","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/perjury.html","title":{"rendered":"Perjury: What Happens When You Lie Under Oath"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Perjury: What Happens When You Lie Under Oath<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Perjury means to make a false statement under oath knowingly, or to sign a legal document known to be false or to contain false statements. The false statement must also be related to a material fact. That is, it can affect the course or outcome of the proceeding.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Juries and judges often base verdicts and other important decisions on sworn\u00a0testimony<\/a>\u00a0and signed documents. If you’ve served on a jury, you’ve heard the court ask a witness taking the stand: “Do you swear or affirm that the statements you will make are the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”<\/p>\n

Statements given under oath and certain legal documents carry an expectation of truthfulness. But how can anyone know for sure that witnesses and other parties involved in a legal matter are telling the truth? It is not always possible to be certain. Yet, those who knowingly mislead a court may face serious criminal charges of\u00a0perjury<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article provides a general overview of the crime of perjury. It provides examples of and possible defenses to the offense. It also reviews federal and state perjury statutes.<\/p>\n

If you need more help with a perjury case, talk to a local criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Is Perjury?<\/h2>\n

Perjury means to make a false statement under oath knowingly, or to sign a legal document known to be false or to contain false statements. In trial, a witness perjures themself when they intentionally lie about something important.<\/p>\n

The seriousness of perjury charges derives from its attack on the truth. The foundation of the legal system depends on trust and credibility. After all, one sworn statement has the power to tip the scales of justice and alter a person’s life.<\/p>\n

Perjury qualifies as a crime against justice. Lying under oath compromises the work of an official proceeding. It challenges the authority of courts, grand juries, governing bodies, and public officials throughout government and the legal system. Other crimes against justice include\u00a0criminal contempt of court<\/a>,\u00a0probation violation<\/a>, and\u00a0tampering with evidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Examples of Perjury<\/h2>\n

There are many ways a person could perjure themselves. In its simplest form, a person commits the crime either in statements made under oath or signed documents. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n