Perjury Defense Lawyers in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Facing Perjury Charges? Protect Your Freedom Before It’s Too Late. Perjury is a serious criminal offense that involves knowingly making false statements under oath in a legal proceeding. Whether in a courtroom, a deposition, or a sworn affidavit, perjury charges can result in felony convictions, significant fines, and lengthy prison sentences. Federal and state prosecutors aggressively pursue perjury cases, especially when they impact trials, investigations, or official government proceedings.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we specialize in defending individuals accused of perjury in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our firm has a proven track record of fighting false testimony charges, challenging unreliable evidence, and ensuring that our clients receive the best possible defense.

If you are facing perjury charges, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation.

Why You Need an Aggressive Defense for Perjury Charges

Perjury cases are highly complex, as prosecutors must prove that a defendant knowingly and willfully made a false statement under oath. However, many perjury charges stem from misunderstandings, memory lapses, or unclear questioning, making a strong legal defense essential.

Common Perjury Allegations

• False Testimony in Court – Being accused of lying during a trial or hearing.
• Perjury in Depositions – Allegations of false statements made during sworn legal testimony.
• Falsified Affidavits or Declarations – Signing a document that contains inaccurate information.
• False Statements in Government Investigations – Allegations of misleading authorities in official proceedings.
• Grand Jury Perjury – Providing false testimony during grand jury proceedings, leading to severe federal penalties.

How We Fight Back

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we take an aggressive and strategic approach to defending against perjury allegations. We:

• Challenge the Prosecution’s Evidence – We scrutinize testimony, statements, and records for inconsistencies.
• Expose Unreliable Witnesses – Many perjury cases rely on questionable informants or coerced testimony.
• Establish Lack of Intent – A false statement must be knowingly and intentionally made to qualify as perjury.
• Challenge Unclear or Misleading Questions – If a question is ambiguous or misleading, the answer may not meet the legal standard for perjury.
• Invoke the Recantation Defense – In some cases, correcting a false statement before it influences a decision can serve as a defense.

Potential Penalties for Perjury

Perjury convictions carry severe consequences, including:

• Felony Convictions – Perjury is typically classified as a felony, leading to years in prison.
• Federal Sentencing – Federal perjury convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carry up to five years in prison per false statement.
• State-Level Penalties – In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, perjury convictions can result in up to seven years in prison and heavy fines.
• Criminal Record & Career Consequences – A perjury conviction can permanently damage a person’s credibility, professional licenses, and job opportunities.
• Additional Charges – Perjury is often charged alongside obstruction of justice, contempt of court, or fraud, leading to enhanced sentencing.

If you are facing perjury allegations, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Who We Help

• Individuals Accused of Perjury in Criminal or Civil Trials – Defense for false testimony allegations made under oath.
• Defendants Facing Perjury Charges in Depositions or Affidavits – Legal representation for false statements in sworn declarations or recorded testimony.
• Witnesses in Government Investigations – Protecting individuals accused of providing false information to law enforcement, grand juries, or congressional hearings.
• Business Professionals & Public Officials – Defending corporate executives, attorneys, and government officials facing perjury allegations in high-profile cases.

FAQs: Understanding Perjury Charges

What qualifies as perjury under New Jersey & Pennsylvania law?
Perjury occurs when an individual knowingly and willfully makes a false statement under oath in a legal proceeding. This can include court testimony, depositions, affidavits, and sworn declarations.

What are the penalties for perjury?

• Federal perjury convictions can result in up to five years in prison per false statement.
• State-level perjury charges in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can carry sentences of up to seven years in prison.
• Fines, probation, and loss of professional licenses may also apply.

Can I be charged with perjury for making a mistake?
No. A mistake, misunderstanding, or forgotten detail does not constitute perjury. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly lied under oath with the intent to deceive.

How does the prosecution prove perjury?
The prosecution must establish that:

• A statement was made under oath
• The statement was false
• The individual knew it was false
• The false statement was material to the legal proceeding

Can perjury charges be dismissed?
Yes. A skilled perjury defense lawyer can challenge the intent, materiality, and reliability of evidence, leading to dismissal or reduction of charges.

What should I do if I’m accused of perjury?

• Do NOT speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
• Avoid discussing the case with anyone, including family and friends.
• Hire an experienced perjury defense attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Take the First Step to Protect Your Future

Perjury charges can destroy reputations, careers, and personal lives—but with the right defense, you can fight back. These cases are aggressively prosecuted, often relying on unclear testimony, unreliable witnesses, and weak evidence.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we provide aggressive legal representation to challenge perjury accusations, expose prosecutorial overreach, and seek dismissals or reduced penalties. We know what it takes to win complex perjury cases and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense before it’s too late.