Telling the truth can be scary, especially if you suspect you or someone else will suffer consequences if the truth is discovered. However, lying under oath is a serious crime under Tulsa, Oklahoma law. Consequently, you may face time behind bars or expensive fines if found guilty of breaking perjury laws in Oklahoma.
Defining Perjury Laws in Oklahoma
Under Oklahoma law, “whoever, in a trial, hearing, investigation, deposition, certification or declaration…makes…a statement under oath, affirmation or other legally binding assertion that the statement is true, when in fact the witness or declarant does not believe that the statement is true…is guilty of perjury.” Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 491
Essentially, anyone who lies after taking an oath can be found guilty of perjury. A defendant’s best defense against an accusation of violating perjury laws in Oklahoma is that the statement was actually true. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 499
Consequences For Violating Perjury Laws in Oklahoma
Penalties for perjury depend on where the defendant committed the crime. A defendant who commits perjury before a grand jury may serve between 2 and 20 years in prison.
Committing perjury before a court of justice can lead to between 1and 10 years in prison. In all other instances, a defendant may face up to five years in prison. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 500
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
When you are facing charges of any kind, it is always better to do it with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Options are available to you. Call for a free consultation with an experienced Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Contact the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm by calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
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