If you have been charged with perjury in Florida, then you may have a defense. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your perjury case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Perjury in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 837.02. A person commits the crime of perjury when they:
- Appear before a person authorized to administer oaths or affirmations; and
- Make an oath by swearing or affirming to speak the truth; and
- while under oath, make a false statement regarding a material matter; and
- it was a statement that they did not believe was true when they made it.
Perjury in an unofficial proceeding is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail, or up to one year on probation and up to $1,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 1 year).
Perjury in an official proceeding is a third-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison, or up to 5 years on probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 5 years).
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for obstruction-related offenses, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record, even if the conviction is for a misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with perjury in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.