Perjury

The crime of Perjury is committed when one who is lawfully required to depose the truth in a judicial proceeding and who offers false testimony or affirmations in a matter material to the issue in question.

The penalties in Massachusetts for the crime of Perjury vary, depending largely on the type of proceeding in which the false testimony was offered, for example:
  • Perjury committed on the trial of an indictment for a capital crime is punishable by commitment to state prison for any term of years or for life;
  • Perjury committed on the trial of an indictment for a non-capital crime is punishable by commitment to the House of Corrections for up to 2.5 years, or to State Prison for up to 20 years.
To be proven guilty of the crime of Perjury in Massachusetts, the prosecutor is required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:
  1. The defendant made a statement under oath in a judicial proceeding (or when required by law to take an oath or affirmation to tell the truth);
  2. That the statement was false;
  3. The defendant knew the statement was false at the time he/she made the statement and that he/she made the statement willfully; and
  4. The statement was material to the issue or point in question.
If you have been charge with the crime of Perjury, Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 to help explain and defend your legal rights.

To schedule a Free Consultation and to discuss your criminal case with Attorney Lefteris K. Travayiakis, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.