Perjury Charges & Penalties in Kansas City

Perjury Charges & Penalties

What is considered the crime of perjury in the state of Missouri? Simply stated, when a person makes a statement at an official proceeding while under oath as a witness he or she knows not to be the truth, it is considered perjury. Essentially, a witness tells a lie that has some connection to an investigation, lawsuit, or inquiry related to the official proceeding. If you have been accused of this criminal offense, it is important to know that prosecutors must prove that you intended to mislead the court by lying on the witness stand. If you remain silent or refuse to give a statement, or make a statement that is false without intentionally doing so such as in circumstances where you cannot remember or are legitimately confused, it is not considered perjury. Regardless, it is important to speak with a capable Kansas City criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your legal rights and provide exceptional legal guidance. At The O’Connor Law Firm, our goal is to reach positive results for each client we represent.

Is Perjury a Misdemeanor or Felony in Kansas City, Missouri?

In most cases, particularly when charged at the federal level, a person who is arrested for perjury will face felony charges due to the fact that the offense interferes with a criminal proceeding and can influence the outcome of the case. However, an untrue statement must be “material” to the investigation, lawsuit, or inquiry of the proceeding, as mentioned above. Additionally, you can only be charged with this offense if you have vowed under oath to tell the truth, and oath taken before an official such as a judge or notary public. No doubt you are familiar with the mantra, “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The primary goal of the criminal justice system is to arrive at the truth, so it is understandable that perjury is a serious crime with serious consequences for those convicted.

Penalties for Perjury in Kansas City, Missouri

Depending on whether you lied while under oath as a witness at your own trial, someone else’s, or the level of which telling a lie on the witness stand interfered with a proceeding and other factors, the punishment for those found guilty of perjury in Missouri vary and may include fines, probation, a jail term of one year, or up to five years in prison for a federal conviction. Additionally, someone who perjures at his or her own trial while on the witness stand may face punishment that is even more severe.

Contact The O’Connor Law Firm Now

Perjury is a serious criminal offense, and one that is highly complex as well depending on the situation. It is critical that those arrested or under investigation seek the legal guidance and representation of a skilled Kansas City criminal defense attorney right away in order to determine the strength of the allegations against you, potential legal options, and whether it may be possible to have charges dismissed or reduced through a plea agreement rather than proceeding to trial. We urge you to contact The O’Connor Law Firm immediately for a free consultation at 816-567-MATT.