{"id":373129,"date":"2017-12-28T12:36:33","date_gmt":"2017-12-28T17:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-perjury-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-01-17T18:21:02","modified_gmt":"2018-01-17T23:21:02","slug":"illinois-perjury-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-perjury-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Perjury Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois Perjury Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

Lying is not typically a crime. However, providing a false statement on an official document, lying under oath, or lying to law enforcement officers can be considered perjury. It is not just in the courtroom that a person can be charged with perjury. Depositions taken under oath in civil court matters or statements to an investigator are also subject to perjury. Before you make a sworn statement, take a moment to learn more about Illinois perjury laws.<\/p>\n

Elements of Perjury<\/h2>\n

Not every false statement is a crime. There are specific conditions that must be met for a false statement to be considered perjury<\/a>, as opposed to a statement made in confusion or from a different perspective. The crime of perjury requires proof that the person did the following:<\/p>\n

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  1. Made a false statement;<\/li>\n
  2. Knew the statement is false;<\/li>\n
  3. False statement was material to the issue or point in question;<\/li>\n
  4. The statement was made under oath or affirmation, in a proceeding or in any other matter where by law the oath or affirmation is required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Defenses Against a Perjury Conviction<\/h2>\n

    A charge of perjury has several available defenses. First, when a contradictory statement is made during the same continuous trial — as long as the offender admits to the falsity of the contradictory statement — those making the statement will be protected from prosecution. Other defenses to perjury<\/a> include:<\/p>\n