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Perjury

Author : Donghoo Sohn, Esq.



Perjury is an accusation that someone knowingly made a false statement under oath which means a conviction can lead to severe penalties, permanent credibility damage, and long lasting legal consequences. 

 

Because courts rely on truthful testimony to determine outcomes prosecutors treat Perjury allegations as attacks on the justice system itself. Individuals may face these charges after misunderstandings, memory gaps, unclear questioning, mistaken assumptions by investigators, or inconsistencies that do not reflect intentional deception.

 

Most people do not realize how easily their words can be interpreted as false. Testimony occurs under pressure. Stress, confusion, poor recollection, or imprecise wording may be misconstrued as intentional dishonesty. SJKP LLP defends clients accused of Perjury by analyzing context, clarifying intent, and demonstrating how statements were misunderstood rather than knowingly false.

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1. Statutory Definitions, Intent Requirements, and Conduct That Constitutes Perjury


Perjury requires proof that the defendant knowingly made a false statement while under an oath to tell the truth which means intent is central to every case. 

 

A witness must intentionally assert something they know to be false at the time of the statement. Honest mistakes, unclear memories, or misunderstood questions do not meet the legal threshold. The prosecution must prove that the false statement was material meaning it had the potential to influence the outcome of a proceeding.

 

Different settings can trigger Perjury liability including court hearings, depositions, administrative proceedings, sworn affidavits, notarized documents, and sworn written statements. SJKP LLP examines whether each element of the statute can be proven and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.



Understanding the Difference Between Intentional Falsehood and Mistaken or Vague Testimony


Memory gaps, confusion, or ambiguous phrasing do not satisfy the intent requirement.



Evaluating Materiality and Whether the Statement Actually Affected the Proceeding


A false statement must be significant enough to influence the outcome.



2. How Perjury Investigations Begin and Why Statements Are Often Misinterpreted


Perjury investigations often start when testimony conflicts with other evidence which means investigators may assume dishonesty even when discrepancies have innocent explanations. 

 

Conflicting accounts are common in fast moving events. Witnesses may recall details differently because of stress, trauma, or the passage of time. Prosecutors sometimes misinterpret inconsistencies as proof of intentional deception.

 

Investigators also compare testimony to documents, surveillance footage, digital messages, or financial records. Differences between these sources do not automatically prove Perjury. SJKP LLP demonstrates how human memory, unclear questioning, and evolving understanding of events can lead to statements that appear inconsistent but were not intentionally false.



Analyzing Questioning Techniques That Produce Confusing or Overly Broad Answers


Leading questions or unclear phrasing often produce statements later viewed as inconsistent.



Demonstrating How Stress, Trauma, or Perception Differences Create Natural Inconsistencies


Physical and psychological factors influence what witnesses remember.



3. Evidence Review, Transcript Analysis, and Reconstruction of Testimony


Effective Perjury defense requires meticulous examination of transcripts, recordings, and contextual evidence because the meaning of a statement depends on how the question was asked and understood which means small details carry significant weight. 

 

Attorneys analyze tone, pacing, interruptions, and clarifying remarks. A single sentence cannot be interpreted without the full conversation.

 

Investigators may overlook portions of testimony where the witness expressed uncertainty. They may also ignore ambiguous or conditional language. SJKP LLP reconstructs testimony to show the defendant acted in good faith and that the alleged falsehood was not deliberate.



Reviewing Full Transcript Context to Identify Ambiguity and Clarifying Language


Statements taken out of context may appear misleading even when they were not.



Comparing Statements to External Evidence to Demonstrate Reasonable Interpretation


Witnesses often testify based on their genuine belief at the time.



4. Defense Strategies, Credibility Assessments, and Proving Lack of Intent


Perjury cases often hinge on whether the defendant intentionally provided false information which means demonstrating lack of intent is a powerful defense. 

 

Attorneys challenge the credibility of contradictory witnesses, point out alternative interpretations, highlight incomplete investigations, and demonstrate how confusion or memory limitations affected the statement.

 

Another strategy focuses on materiality. If the alleged falsehood did not affect the proceeding the Perjury charge may fail. SJKP LLP uses expert testimony, cognitive science research, and forensic comparison to strengthen arguments about memory, perception, and intent.



Demonstrating Honest Mistake, Misunderstanding, or Inconsistent Recall


Human recollection is imperfect and evolves over time especially under stress.



Challenging the Reliability and Motive of Witnesses Who Report Alleged Falsehoods


Conflicting testimony may stem from bias, misinterpretation, or incomplete information.



5. Penalties, Collateral Consequences, and Long Term Impact of a Perjury Conviction


Perjury carries harsh penalties because the justice system views false statements as threats to procedural integrity which means defendants face incarceration, probation, and long term professional damage. 

 

Courts may impose fines, restitution, or community supervision. Professional licenses, employment opportunities, and academic positions may be affected because Perjury implies dishonesty.

 

A conviction may also impair the defendant’s ability to testify in future legal matters and may be used to attack credibility in unrelated cases. Immigration consequences may arise for noncitizens. SJKP LLP works to reduce charges, negotiate favorable outcomes, or seek dismissal when evidence does not support prosecution.



Understanding Sentencing Exposure and Factors That Influence Court Decisions


Judges consider intent, materiality, and the significance of the proceeding involved.



Identifying Professional, Financial, and Immigration Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties


A Perjury conviction affects reputation and long term opportunities.



6. Why Clients Choose SJKP LLP for Perjury Defense


Clients choose SJKP LLP because Perjury allegations require precise analysis, strong evidentiary review, and strategic courtroom advocacy which ensures that the defendant’s rights are protected at every stage. 

 

Our attorneys examine every detail of the testimony, question structure, environmental context, and supporting evidence. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory and develop defenses rooted in clarity, intent assessment, and procedural fairness.

 

We collaborate with experts in linguistics, psychology, and forensic analysis to challenge assumptions about memory and intent. SJKP LLP defends clients aggressively to prevent wrongful convictions, minimize penalties, and preserve long term credibility.

 

SJKP LLP provides assertive defense, methodical investigation, and committed representation for individuals facing Perjury accusations.


10 Dec, 2025


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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