Most understand that lying before a judge or jury in criminal court can be prosecuted as a criminal offense. However, what counts as “lying” in this context is not as straightforward as you might think. There are also numerous circumstances outside a courtroom where dishonesty could lead to criminal charges for perjury. These offenses are prosecuted harshly under Connecticut state law, requiring legal representation from a defense attorney to avoid severe consequences.

No matter what you are accused of lying about, getting help from a Norwich perjury lawyer should be a priority from the moment you learn of your charges. With assistance from Ruane Attorneys, you could improve your chances of effectively resolving the situation and minimizing the impact on your life.

What Legally Qualifies as Perjury?

The Connecticut Penal Code addresses the criminal offense of perjury under Connecticut General Statute §53a-156. This states that someone commits perjury by intentionally and knowingly making a false statement or by swearing, testifying, or affirming any false material fact during an official government proceeding. Both statements made under oath and in writing may qualify as perjury under this statute.

Importantly, it is not illegal to accidentally say something untrue during an official proceeding or to lie about something unrelated to the proceeding while it is ongoing. To constitute perjury, a statement must have been “material,” meaning directly relevant to and impacting the outcome of the proceeding in question. Additionally, the defendant must have known what they were saying was untrue and intended to mislead others by making that false statement.

If the defendant was coerced into making that statement by someone else whose actions met the definition of criminal coercion outlined in C.G.S. §53a-192, this is an affirmative defense to a perjury charge. A Norwich attorney could further explain how perjury charges work during an initial consultation.

Potential Consequences for a Perjury Conviction in Norwich

Regardless of what government proceeding led to the perjury charges, anyone convicted of this offense under C.G.S. §53a-156 may face penalties for a class D felony. This means that even a first-time offender convicted of this offense could face up to five years in state prison as well as a maximum $5,000 fine.

Although perjury is a felony offense in Connecticut, people without a prior criminal history can sometimes negotiate for participation in an accelerated rehabilitation program as an alternative to criminal prosecution and sentencing. The local perjury lawyers at Ruane Attorneys could provide more information about this program and other potential defense strategies for perjury charges.

Talk to a Norwich Perjury Attorney Today

Knowingly and intentionally misleading a Connecticut state court or government agency can lead to criminal charges. These offenses are taken seriously by state law enforcement. If you were accused of making false statements during a government proceeding, proactively seeking legal counsel and building your defense may be essential to preserving your long-term best interests.

Contacting a Norwich perjury lawyer is the first step in protecting your rights and securing a positive resolution to your case. Call Ruane Attorneys today to learn more.