Perjury Lawyer in Weld County

Because of the importance honesty plays in court proceedings, interferes with the truth finding process and a potential injustice may be served. Perjury charges may result if a witness or defendant is accused of lying during official proceedings or in a statement while under oath. Depending on the situation, Perjury can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County.

What is the Definition of First Degree Perjury?

Colorado law defines Perjury in the First Degree – C.R.S. 18-8-502 – as:

A person commits perjury in the first degree if in any official proceeding he knowingly makes a materially false statement, which he does not believe to be true, under an oath required or authorized by law.

In Greeley, Windsor, and Evans, 1st Degree Perjury is a felony offense. It is commonly charged when a person is accused of lying under oath during a trial. The basis of the U.S. Judicial System is about getting to the truth of matters. If a person is dishonest after swearing to tell the truth, it can disrupt the court proceedings, which is the reason this offense is treated so harshly. As a class 4 felony, 1st Degree Perjury is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. A judge can also impose up to 90 days in the Weld County Jail as a condition of probation.

What is the Definition of Second Degree Perjury?

Colorado’s legal definition of Perjury in the Second Degree – C.R.S. 18-8-503 –is:

A person commits perjury in the second degree if, other than in an official proceeding, with an intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his duty, he makes a materially false statement, which he does not believe to be true, under an oath required or authorized by law.

2nd Degree Perjury is a misdemeanor offense and is very similar to 1st Degree Perjury. The only difference between the two is that First Degree Perjury occurs during official proceedings whereas Second Degree Perjury happens outside of any court dealings. Usually this crime is charged when a person makes a false statement on an official document, like a tax form. At the end of many government forms, there is a statement: “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” By signing the form, you are basically taking an oath and can therefore be charged for any false statements provided. Second Degree Perjury is a class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by 6 to 18 months in the Weld County Jail.

How a Perjury Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help With Your Charges

There are valid defenses for Perjury crimes. Remember, the government must prove you knew the statements to be false. The experienced criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office will meet with you to get the specifics of your charge and discuss any defense strategies that may work for you. Not only is the potential prison or jail time a cause for concern, but also the effect this type of conviction will have on your criminal record is important to consider. We want to protect you and your future.

CHARGED WITH PERJURY IN GREELEY OR WELD COUNTY?

Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office.

Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer
in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. 

Together, we can protect your future.

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