Minnesota Perjury Lawyer

Perjury, or lying under official oath, is a serious criminal offense. Making a perjured statement in court can have drastic legal consequences and result in the loss of personal and professional opportunities. If you have been accused of committing an act of perjury, you may require skilled legal representation to avoid a conviction. A Minnesota perjury lawyer could serve as your advocate throughout the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

Criminal Penalties for Committing Perjury in Minnesota

Under Minnesota Statutes § 609.48, Subdivision 1, a person commits perjury when they make a statement that they know to be false in a court hearing or proceeding, any writing that is made under oath, an unsworn declaration, or a court document. The severity of the penalties that someone may face for this crime will vary depending on the circumstances of the particular situation.

For instance, if a person commits perjury when applying for an explosives permit or license or in a trial for a felony charge, they could face a fine of up to $14,000, a prison sentence of up to seven years, or both. However, in all other cases, the penalties may include up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Due to the extensive penalties that could be levied against a defendant and the limited criminal defense strategies available in these cases, those facing a perjury charge are strongly encouraged to retain legal representation to assist in their defense. To learn more about the benefits legal counsel could provide, reach out to a seasoned Minnesota attorney with experience handling perjury cases.

Unavailable Defenses for Acts Constituting Perjury

There are several legal defenses that criminal defendants may not use in cases that involve a criminal charge or conviction for perjury in Minnesota.

Some examples of legal defenses that are unavailable in perjury cases include the defendant’s incompetency when they made the statement or an irregular administration of the oath at the time of the perjured statement. It can be difficult to build a compelling defense against perjury charges, especially if the perjured statement in question had a significant impact on the outcome of the court case where it was originally made. Because of the complexities surrounding these charges, it can be essential for someone accused of perjury to seek legal counsel in Minnesota as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Case with a Qualified Minnesota Perjury Attorney Today

Perjury, otherwise known as willfully lying while under oath or affirmation, can have harmful ramifications and produce a severe miscarriage of justice. Since this crime involves extensive criminal penalties and provides limited legal defenses available under the state’s laws, those facing perjury charges should seek legal representation who could effectively prepare their case.

You have a right to representation regardless of the nature of your crime, so you should not go through the legal process alone. A Minnesota perjury lawyer could answer any questions you have surrounding your charges and give you peace of mind throughout the course of your case. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more.