Perjury Defense Attorney

Facing a perjury charge in New Jersey can be an overwhelming and life-changing event. Whether you were accused of lying under oath during a trial, deposition, or another official proceeding, the consequences of a perjury conviction are very serious. Not only do these charges carry the risk of prison time and heavy fines, but they can also damage your professional reputation and personal relationships for years to come.

At Nugent Law, our experienced perjury defense attorneys understand what is at stake in these cases. We provide aggressive, strategic, and compassionate representation for individuals accused of perjury and related criminal offenses throughout New Jersey.

What Is Perjury?

Perjury occurs when someone knowingly makes a false statement under oath during an official proceeding with the intent to mislead. In New Jersey, perjury is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1, and it is considered a third-degree crime in most circumstances. This charge is very serious because the integrity of the judicial process depends on people telling the truth under oath.

Some frequent situations where perjury allegations may arise include:

Testifying falsely during a criminal trial.
Giving misleading or untrue testimony in a civil court case.
Lying under oath in a deposition.
Submitting false affidavits.
Making false statements in administrative or government hearings.

The intent to deceive is what separates perjury from a simple mistake or an honest lapse in memory. If you are accused of lying intentionally to influence the outcome of a case, the prosecution will work aggressively to prove that your statement was both false and material to the proceeding.

Penalties for Perjury in New Jersey

A conviction for perjury in New Jersey can have lasting consequences that go beyond the courtroom. New Jersey state law classifies perjury as a third-degree offense. If you are found guilty, you could face:

Up to 5 years in prison
Fines up to $15,000
A permanent felony criminal record
Loss of professional licenses or employment opportunities
Damage to your reputation and standing in the community

Because perjury is considered a crime against the judicial system, prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges. Judges also tend to impose harsh penalties to deter others from lying under oath.

This is why it is essential to work with a knowledgeable perjury defense attorney immediately if you are accused, under investigation, or charged.

How Prosecutors Prove Perjury

To secure a conviction for perjury, the prosecution must be able to prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

The statement was made under oath. A casual falsehood is not perjury. The statement was made during an official legal proceeding where the person was under oath and sworn to tell the truth.
The statement was false. Proof is required to show that what was said was objectively untrue. Honest mistakes, misremembering, or confusion do not meet this standard.
The defendant knew the statement was false. Perjury requires that the defendant knowingly and willfully lied, rather than accidentally providing incorrect information.
The false statement was material. The untruth must have been capable of affecting the outcome of the case. If it were about something minor or irrelevant, it may not rise to the level of perjury.

Because perjury cases can be complex, a perjury defense attorney can closely examine the details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.

Legal Defenses Against Perjury Charges

Just because an individual faces a perjury accusation does not mean they will be convicted. Several strategies are available depending on the facts of your case. Some common defenses include:

Lack of Knowledge or Intent: If you did not realize your statement was false, or did not intend to mislead, you may have a strong defense.
Statement Was Ambiguous or Misunderstood: If the question asked was unclear or your answer could be reasonably interpreted in multiple ways, it may be difficult to prove perjury.
The Falsehood Was Not Material: Minor inaccuracies or irrelevant falsehoods do not usually support a perjury conviction.
Recantation: In some cases, if you correct your false testimony within the same proceeding before it substantially affects the outcome, that may be used as a defense.
Violation of Rights: If your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation, a skilled defense attorney may be able to suppress key evidence.

Every case is unique, so consulting with an experienced perjury defense attorney is the most important step you can take after an accusation.

Why You Need a Perjury Defense Attorney

Trying to handle perjury charges on your own is extremely risky. These cases typically involve detailed evidence, aggressive prosecutors, and the possibility of considerable prison time. A qualified perjury defense attorney brings several advantages, such as:

In-depth knowledge of New Jersey law and the complexities of perjury statutes.
Strategic defenses tailored to your specific situation.
Negotiation skills to reduce charges or penalties.
Courtroom advocacy to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.
Protection of your rights throughout every stage of the legal process.

An attorney can also help limit the long-term impacts of a perjury charge by working to keep your record as clean as possible.

Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Firm

When selecting a perjury defense attorney, it’s important to choose a law firm with both the skill and the experience to handle serious felony cases. At Nugent Law, we have represented countless clients facing life-altering criminal charges in New Jersey. We combine thorough case investigation, aggressive defense strategies, and a client-centered approach to fight for the best possible results.

We understand how frightening it can be to face a criminal charge like perjury. That’s why we are committed to guiding you through the process with honesty, compassion, and determination.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been accused of perjury, you need legal help immediately. The sooner you involve a perjury defense attorney, the stronger your chances of building a successful defense. Prosecutors in New Jersey work hard to prove these cases, and the penalties for a conviction can follow you for life.

At Nugent Law, our attorneys are prepared to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for your future.

Contact Our New Jersey Perjury Defense Attorneys

Facing accusations of perjury is a serious matter that demands immediate legal representation. Contact Nugent Law’s experienced criminal defense team today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced perjury defense attorney. We will review your situation, explain your legal options, and develop a strategy designed to achieve the best outcome possible in your case. We can even schedule an evening or weekend appointment by request.

Call us today at (856) 596-9770 or reach out online to get the defense you deserve.