What is a perjury charge?

A perjury charge is a criminal offense that is brought against someone in Pennsylvania who has given false testimony in a court of law. When a person takes the stand in court to give evidence, they swear or affirm to tell the truth. When they give false information or statements, it is known as perjury. Perjury comes in two forms; firstly, it can be made willfully, where the person knows they are giving false information, and secondly, it can be unintentional, where someone gives incorrect information without realizing it. In both cases, if a person is charged with perjury they can face serious legal consequences. If you are convicted of perjury in Pennsylvania, you could be sentenced to a jail term of up to seven years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Cases of perjury that involve officers of the court, such as lawyers, may have even harsher sentences. Therefore, it is important to be careful when speaking in court and to make sure you are giving accurate information. Perjury is a serious offense and if you are accused of it, you should seek legal advice immediately.

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