What Is Perjury in Tulsa?
The city of Tulsa defines perjury according to Oklahoma state law. In order to be guilty of perjury in Tulsa, you must first make a statement under oath that you assert is true, during “a trial, investigation, deposition, certification or declaration.” The witness must also not believe the statement is actually true. Despite the law’s complicated language, perjury essentially requires that you say something you know is false while under oath. The law also allows a perjury charge in two additional situations: (1) giving contradictory statements under oath, even in different cases or proceedings, and (2) trying to get another witness to lie under oath.
Tulsa courts can charge you with perjury even if you make a false statement about something that does not matter to the case. You should also be aware it is not a defense to a perjury case if the oath was administered incorrectly.
A Perjury Conviction Can Result In Prison
Perjury in Tulsa, which is a felony, carries significant consequences, including jail time, if you are convicted. The length of a sentence depends on the situation in which the perjury was committed. If it takes place during a felony trial, the prison sentence is between two and twenty years. If in another type of trial, the sentence is from one to ten years in prison. All other perjury cases could involve jail time, but no more than five years.
Initial Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing a charge for perjury in Tulsa or would like to know more, it is important to discuss the matter with a Tulsa criminal defense attorney. For a confidential and initial strategy session, call the Seventh Street Tulsa Law Firm today at (918) 932-2777.