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Facing perjury charges in Phoenix, AZ, is a serious matter, carrying the potential for harsh legal and personal consequences. Arizona law treats knowingly making a materially false statement under oath or penalty of perjury as a felony, which means a conviction can cost you a lot. A perjury case can bring significant challenges, as prosecutors aggressively pursue these charges to protect the credibility of the court system.
If you are under investigation or have already been charged, contacting a knowledgeable and experienced defense lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona, is critical for your future. Call Orent Law Offices at (480) 656-7301 to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix perjury attorney today.
Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference in a perjury case in Phoenix, AZ. At Orent Law Offices, you benefit from experience and a strong record of results, even in highly complex criminal matters. Here’s why clients facing perjury charges consistently trust us:
Orent Law Offices provides dedicated representation at every stage when you’re facing charges in Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us to schedule your initial free consultation with a Phoenix perjury attorney.
In Arizona, perjury occurs when a person knowingly makes a false sworn statement about a material matter, or when they sign a declaration, certification, or verification under penalty of perjury, believing it to be untrue. These statements don’t need to be made in a courtroom. A sworn statement can include a notarized statement, even if it was not made in connection with an official proceeding.
Material means the detail could influence the outcome of an official action or transaction. Prosecutors must prove that the individual actually believed the information was false at the time the statement was made, not merely that it turned out to be inaccurate.
For a first-time offender convicted of a non-dangerous Class 4 felony, Arizona’s sentencing ranges are:
Additional penalties may consist of fines reaching $150,000. Prior felony convictions on your criminal record, or aggravating circumstances, can lead to more severe sentences. A perjury conviction also leads to a criminal record, which can limit opportunities in employment significantly. Seeking the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney significantly increases your chances of minimizing the serious consequences of these charges.
Facing a perjury charge in Arizona can threaten your reputation, career, and your freedom. However, the law gives you the chance to challenge the allegations with the right defense. The strategies available will depend on the facts of your case, the evidence, and whether the prosecution can actually meet its high burden of proof. Common ones include:
Perjury requires that the person knowingly made a false statement. If you misunderstood the question, made an honest mistake, or did not believe your statement was false at the time, it may not meet the standard for perjury.
A key requirement for perjury is that the false statement concerned a material issue, which means something that impacts the outcome of the matter at hand. If the information was minor, irrelevant, or would not have affected the process, this can be a valid defense.
For Arizona perjury charges, the false statement must be made under oath, affirmation, or explicitly under penalty of perjury. If the alleged statement was neither sworn nor made under penalty of perjury, it generally does not satisfy this element of Arizona’s perjury statute.
If law enforcement obtained your statements through improper police practices, for example, coercing a statement or violating your constitutional rights, evidence may be excluded from court. This could lead to reduced or dismissed charges or a stronger defense if the case still goes to trial.
Perjury allegations need to be handled appropriately by a lawyer who knows what they’re doing. These cases involve complicated statutes and require the prosecution to prove you made a materially false statement while believing it was false, not simply that you made a mistake or misunderstood a question. If convicted, you could face imprisonment, fines, and barriers to employment, licensing, or professional advancement. The best way to fight back is to work with an attorney as soon as possible after you learn of your arrest or investigation. Reach out to Orent Law Offices today to schedule your free case evaluation.
