Perjury in Georgia

Honesty is the best policy, and nowhere is that more evident than in the court system. Lying under oath is known as perjury and is punishable in the court of law.

What is Perjury?

Perjury is intentionally lying, making false statements, or certifying a false statement while under oath. Perjury can only be accused while under oath. If you haven’t taken an oath, lying is not necessarily illegal. Perjury specifically includes lying with intent – if you make a simple mistake or can’t remember something, it does not constitute perjury. The statement in question must be relevant to the case, but does not necessarily have to impact the result of the case.

Convincing someone else to lie on your behalf is also considered a form of perjury known as subornation, and both you and the person lying for you could be punished.

What are the punishments for perjury in Georgia?

The penalty for perjury in Georgia could include jail time between one and 10 years and fines up to $1,000. For perjury with more severe consequences, for example if the false statement results in someone else’s conviction, the punishments are equivalent to whatever was sentenced for that conviction. The punishment for perjury that results in the death penalty is a life sentence.

What to do if you’ve been charged with perjury in Georgia

If you’ve been accused of perjury in Georgia, a qualified lawyer can help you build a defense. Common defenses to perjury charges include proving that you made an honest mistake, that you believed your words to be true, or that your statements were not relevant or “material” to the case. Contact the attorneys at The Turner Firm to discuss the details of the perjury charges against you.