College Station Perjury Lawyer

Being accused of perjury can be challenging to navigate. You need to understand the complex legal system in order to exercise your rights and freedoms.

The experienced College Station perjury lawyers at The Greening Law Group could help guide you through the legal process when facing these charges. Call our law office today to speak with a seasoned criminal defense attorney.

Perjury and Aggravated Perjury

The Texas Penal Code § 37.02 defines perjury as a person who intends to deceive another by making a false statement under oath. Perjury can occur in court, during depositions, or in written statements, including affidavits. It is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one (1) year and a fine not to exceed $4,000.00.

Aggravated perjury is when a false statement is made in connection with an official proceeding, and it is a material statement according to the Texas Penal Code § 37.03.

A material statement is defined as one that could have affected the outcome of the official proceeding. Aggravated perjury is a felony of the third degree, punishable by imprisonment for not less than two (2) years or more than ten (10) years. A fine not exceeding $10,000.00 may also be imposed.

Investigating a Perjury Charge

When it is believed you have lied under oath, an investigation may be conducted. The prosecutor may review evidence to determine if a witness lied on the stand or in a statement. During the investigation, the prosecutor will try to collect evidence that you intentionally provided false information concerning a legal proceeding.

You may be charged with perjury when testimony or signed statements directly conflict with verifiable information. For example, imagine you are called to testify under oath at your friend’s criminal trial. You testify that your friend was with you at the time the crime was committed.

However, the prosecutor can show with video footage you are not being truthful and that your friend was not with you. Knowingly providing this false testimony may result in you being charged with perjury.

Potential Defenses Against Perjury

Texas Penal Code § 37.05 provides a defense for perjury if you retract your false statement before the completion of your testimony at the official proceeding or before it becomes manifest that the statement’s falsity would be exposed.

A College Station attorney could help you develop your case by examining all defenses regarding your perjury charges. One defense may be that you did not understand the question. Another could be that you believed your statement was true but were mistaken. You did not intentionally answer the question incorrectly.

Lastly, the statement may not have been material. With aggravated perjury, the statement must be material. You may have a defense if you can prove that the statement made was not material to the case and did not affect the outcome of the underlying proceeding.

Any possible defense should be discussed with a perjury lawyer in College Station. Your legal counsel could help you determine an appropriate course of action during the criminal process.

Contact Our Diligent Perjury Attorneys in College Station Today

Perjury is a severe crime that may have lasting consequences. A skilled College Station perjury lawyer could complete a full investigation and defend you in court.

If you are charged with making false statements, you need a professional attorney to help defend your case and protect your rights. The Greening Law Group could guide you through the criminal law process. Call today to learn more.