District of Columbia Perjury Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed August 29, 2018
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As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is often viewed cynically as a place of corruption, teeming with liars. Being dishonest is always viewed negatively, but depending on the circumstances, it can also cross the line into criminal territory.
One of the most common laws addressing lying is perjury, which involves making false statements or lying under oath. Perjury is a crime against justice that punishes perpetrators harshly because the offense corrupts one of the main functions of the legal system -- to reveal the truth. If you're charged with perjury in D.C., then you could face fines of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
A Guide to the District of Columbia's Perjury Laws
Understanding the true meaning in a statute is a necessary but often difficult task. Getting the legal content without all the legalese usually found in statutes can help to better understand the law and save you time in the process. The chart below is such an example. Read on for a concise guide to the District of Columbia's perjury laws.
Statutes |
District of Columbia Division IV. Title 22: |
Elements and Penalties -Perjury and Subornation of Perjury
|
Perjury An individual commits perjury if all of the following elements apply:
Penalty: A fine not to exceed $5,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Subornation of Perjury An individual commits subornation of perjury if they willfully convince another person to commit perjury. Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment. |
Elements and Penalties - False Swearing and False Statements |
False Swearing An individual commits false swearing if all of the following elements apply:
Penalty: Imprisonment of up to 3 years. False Statement An individual commits false statements if the following elements apply:
Penalty: Fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for not more than 180 days, or both. |
The Two-Witness Rule |
The uncorroborated oath of one witness is not enough to establish that the accused's statement is false; there must be at least two witnesses to show the falsity of the statement. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
District of Columbia Perjury Laws: Related Resources
Got Questions About Perjury in D.C.? Get Answers from an Attorney
Although violating the District of Columbia's perjury laws is a major crime, proving perjury can be challenging for prosecutors. Whether your charges stem from a misunderstanding, faulty memory, or other factor, you can work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to put up a strong and persuasive defense.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many District of Columbia attorneys offer free consultations.
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