Bethesda Perjury Lawyer
Whether you swear verbally inside a courtroom or in writing on an official government document, any promise you make “under oath” to be telling the truth is punishable by law if you intentionally lie. Even if your alleged act of perjury was completely inadvertent, establishing that fact and avoiding serious criminal sanctions will be far from a simple process, especially if you try to fight your charges alone.
Fortunately, you have help available from a seasoned defense attorney with experience handling situations like yours effectively. Whether you are facing state or federal charges, your dedicated Bethesda perjury lawyer could tenaciously protect your best interests and work to secure the best possible resolution to your case. Reach out today to begin reviewing the details of your case.
Fighting State-Level Perjury Charges
According to Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 9-101, it is a crime for someone to make any “oath or affirmation” about a “material fact” in any of the following situations:
- In an affidavit required by any local, state, or federal law
- In an affidavit seeking a claim or account of something from a court or officer
- In an affidavit submitted to any lawful government authority seeking issuance of another affidavit
- Any affidavit or issuance made under the Maryland Rules
- Any false swearing considered by common law to constitute perjury
In this context, a “material fact” is one which is directly relevant to the proceeding in question and which is likely to have a significant effect on the proceeding’s outcome. It should also be noted that someone who makes two contradictory statements about material facts may still face prosecution for and conviction of perjury even if prosecuting authorities cannot conclusively prove which statement is false.
As a Bethesda attorney could affirm, perjury is a misdemeanor offense in Maryland punishable upon conviction by a maximum 10-year term of incarceration. As per MD Code, Crim. Law § 9-102, anyone who requests, compels, or otherwise influences someone else to commit perjury on their behalf has committed subornation of perjury and may be subject to equivalent punishment as if they had committed perjury themselves.
Perjury as a Federal Criminal Offense
Anyone who perjures themselves or commits subornation of perjury during or in relation to a federal government proceeding in Maryland may face perjury charges and prosecution at the federal level rather than the state level. These two offenses are respectively criminalized under 18 U.S. Code §§ 1621 and 1622.
A conviction under either section of federal law could be punishable by a maximum term in federal prison of five years as well as a maximum fine of $250,000. Support from a dedicated attorney in Bethesda with experience handling federal perjury cases could be vital to fighting charges like this in the most proactive way possible.
Seek Help from a Bethesda Perjury Attorney
Being truthful in front of a court or other government body after swearing under oath to do so is a matter that is taken incredibly seriously. Unfortunately, this means perjury allegations are often prosecuted harshly, making them particularly challenging to contest effectively and achieve a favorable final result to.
Representation from a Bethesda perjury lawyer could make a dramatic difference in how your case plays out and whether its conclusion is a positive one for you. Call today to schedule a consultation.