Perjury is a serious crime that can leave lasting damage on your life and reputation. If a state accuses you of lying under oath, whether in a courtroom, deposition, or sworn statement, you could face felony penalties, including jail time and heavy fines. A conviction could also permanently damage your credibility and professional opportunities, in addition to the criminal consequences.
We at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., know how frightening and confusing this situation can be. Our criminal defense attorneys have a lot of courtroom experience and a strong record of defending clients against complex criminal allegations. They know how to protect your future when so much is at stake. Contact us today to find out what a Jacksonville perjury lawyer from our team could do to help you.
Legal Overview of Perjury Charges
Under Florida Statutes § 837.02, perjury occurs when someone knowingly makes a false statement under oath in an official proceeding. To convict, the prosecution must prove that the statement was both false and material to the outcome of the case. Even minor inaccuracies can be heavily scrutinized if they seem to influence the outcome of a case.
State prosecutors typically charge perjury as a third-degree felony, punished by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, if the false statement was part of capital felony proceedings, prosecutors can charge second-degree felony, punished by up to 15 years in prison. Working with an experienced Jacksonville perjury attorney is essential to preventing statements made in confusion or misunderstanding from being treated as crimes, because these cases often depend on interpretation and context.
Common Scenarios Leading to Perjury Accusations
Perjury can occur in many legal settings. These include:
- Criminal or civil trial court testimony
- Sworn depositions in family or injury cases
- Written affidavits or declarations
- Administrative hearings or professional board investigations
Sometimes, individuals face accusations of perjury based on misunderstandings, memory errors, or unclear questioning. A well-practiced lawyer from our Jacksonville team could thoroughly review your perjury case to ensure an understanding of your words in context and also protect your constitutional rights.
Building a Strong Defense Against Perjury Charges
Our Jacksonville legal team develops customized defense strategies for every perjury case. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may raise such defenses as:
- Lack of intent: The statement was not made knowingly or willfully
- Immateriality: The statement had no impact on the proceedings
- Recantation: You corrected the false statement before it influenced the outcome
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement was false
Our attorneys could also challenge the accuracy of witness statements or the context of questioning in which the alleged perjury occurred. Our role is to ensure the court understands the full situation before making any judgment, because every detail matters.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A.?
You need representation from attorneys with real courtroom experience when your reputation and liberty are at risk. Our attorneys are respected in Jacksonville and throughout the county for providing strategic, results-driven defenses in difficult criminal cases, including those involving perjury. We are deeply familiar with local prosecutors, judges, and courtroom procedures and have handled cases before the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.
We approach every defense with a proactive, evidence-based strategy. From the first consultation, you may expect our team to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and protect your rights by pursuing every possible legal option.
Contact a Jacksonville Perjury Attorney Today
Perjury allegations can place your career, reputation, and future at risk, but you do not have to face this experience alone. At the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we provide experienced, confidential representation to clients throughout the area.
Call today to speak with a Jacksonville perjury lawyer who could protect your rights and guide you every step of the way. Problems? Pick Porter!™