Perjury and Obstruction of Justice Lawyer in Milwaukee

Perjury and Obstruction of Justice Lawyer in Milwaukee

Perjury occurs when a false statement is made after you have taken an oath to tell the truth. Perjury charges are more serious than most people may think. Consequences of committing perjury include up to 4 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Some documents may be signed “under penalty of perjury”, meaning that you could face charges of perjury if you have lied about anything included in the document. Lying on a driver’s license application, loan application, or on your tax return are examples of this kind of perjury. The judge and jury expect a person to tell the truth after taking an oath and any lie told may sway the court’s ability to make an accurate ruling. Twisting your testimony by making contradictory statements or deliberately lying to the court are also types of perjury.

In order for the prosecution to obtain a perjury conviction, they must prove the following:

  • You knowingly made false statements after taking an oath to tell the truth
  • You signed a document as being true knowing that the information included in the document was false
  • You understood the question that was asked to you in court
  • The statement that you made was false at the time that you made it
  • You willingly lied about or concealed information

Obstruction of justice is considered any corrupt act or threat used to influence the decision of the court or to delay the court proceedings. Examples include:

  • Tampering with or hiding evidence
  • Threatening judges, jury members, witnesses, or other court officials
  • Picketing or using sound amplifying devices outside of a courthouse
  • Paying someone to give a false testimony

If you are facing perjury or obstruction of justice charges, contact an attorney immediately. You deserve the best defense available and the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. are dedicated to working closely with you to build a strong case in your defense. Due to the complexity of these cases and the severe consequences of being convicted, a knowledgeable attorney is needed to ensure the protection of your rights. Contact the Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers today to discuss the details of your case. Call (414) 271-9595 for more information.

 

Written by Michael Hart & Craig Powell

Last Updated : January 17, 2024