What is a perjury charge?

A perjury charge is a crime that occurs when someone lies or makes a false statement while under oath in court. Perjury is a serious offense and can have severe penalties. In the state of Florida, perjury is classified as a third-degree felony and can result in up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. In order for a person to be charged with perjury, they must have knowingly lied or knowingly withheld relevant information during a judicial proceeding. Judges will look into a variety of factors to determine if a person has committed perjury, such as the person’s intent to deceive, their prior history with perjury, and the type of testimony given. It is important to note that perjury is not just limited to what is said in court. Any false statement made under oath, including in writing or a deposition, is also considered perjury. Additionally, perjury cases can take on different forms. For instance, someone can be charged with perjury if they help another person to lie or if they are present when someone else is lying under oath. Perjury is a serious offense and even a minor case can have serious consequences. If someone is suspected of perjury, they should immediately contact a criminal attorney to help protect their rights and their future.

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