{"id":377131,"date":"2018-06-18T16:18:46","date_gmt":"2018-06-18T21:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-perjury-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-06-19T11:43:27","modified_gmt":"2018-06-19T16:43:27","slug":"washington-perjury-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-perjury-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Perjury Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington 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

Being deceptive can damage your personal and professional reputation, but it can also lead to charges filed against you if you lie under certain circumstances. The offense of perjury<\/a>, for example, criminalizes false statements made under oath.<\/p>\r\n

Perjury, a crime against justice<\/a>, is a serious offense in Washington. A person commits perjury in the first degree if, in any official proceeding, they make a materially false statement under oath and they know that the statement is false. Perjury in the second degree occurs if a person knowingly makes a materially false statement under oath under the terms of a contract of insurance or with the intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of their duties.<\/p>\r\n

False Swearing<\/h2>\r\n

Another lesser offense (gross misdemeanor) recognized in Washington is false swearing which is committed if an individual makes a false statement which they know is false under oath or authorized by law.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Perjury Laws: A Summary<\/h2>\r\n

While it's significant to be aware of every word in each statute, it can't hurt to have an explanation of the law written in relatable terms and common phrases. The chart below provides you with a helpful summary of perjury laws in Washington.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Washington Revised Code:<\/p>\r\n

Elements of the Crime<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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Materially False Statement<\/i><\/b><\/p>\r\n

An individual makes a false statement<\/a> when they intended to deceive and know that the statement is untrue; if the statement is untrue due to memory lapse or mistake, then it's not perjury. The statement must be regarding a material issue that can affect the outcome of the proceeding. For example, if the statement tends to prove or disprove a significant fact.<\/p>\r\n

Under Oath<\/i><\/b><\/p>\r\n

An oath that is taken prior to court testimony is the quintessential example of the oath sufficient to meet this requirement. However, other examples include statements made under oath in a deposition or statements made in conjunction with an affidavit.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Possible Penalties and Sentencing<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Possible Defenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Common defenses to perjury include:<\/p>\r\n