A person commits the crime of perjury in its most basic form when an individual "swears falsely." Therefore, if you perjure yourself, you knowingly make a false or misleading statement either under oath or in a signed legal document. While people lie all the time without legal consequence, perjury is taken very seriously because trust and credibility are paramount to a fair and functioning legal system. Each state has its own perjury law, but they're relatively similar to one another.
New York Perjury Laws: Overview
In New York, the seriousness of a perjury offense may increase depending on such factors as the materiality of the statement to the action, proceeding or matter involved; the setting where the statement is made; and whether the law required that such statement be made under oath.
Statute | New York Penal Code Article 210, et seq. |
Statutory Definition of Perjury | The act of swearing falsely (or "perjury") occurs when a person makes a false statement which he or she does not believe to be true while either giving testimony or under oath in a subscribed written instrument (such as an affidavit or deposition). |
Defenses to Perjury Charges |
The following are NOT defenses to perjury pursuant to Section 210.30 of the Penal Code:
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Types of Perjury Charges |
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Penalties and Sentences |
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Note: State laws are constantly changing, usually through the passage of new legislation but also through court rulings and other means. Please contact a New York criminal attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
The Meaning of 'Material' in a Perjury Case
A statement "material " to a particular action or proceeding is one that could tend to affect the resolution of an issue therein. The materiality of a statement is a question of fact for a jury to decide.
New York Perjury Laws: Related Resources
Charged Under New York Perjury Laws? Get Legal Help
It may not seem like a huge deal, but courts are dead serious when it comes to telling the truth under oath or in legal documents. Without that trust, it calls the legitimacy of such proceedings into question. If you've been charged with perjury in New York, it's a good idea to contact a local criminal defense attorney who can explain the penalties you're facing based on the specific facts of your case and the defenses available to you.
Contact a qualified attorney.