Articles Posted in What is Perjury

Here are some common examples of what perjury might look like:

• Lying under oath
• Providing misleading information in an affidavit

First of all, those convicted of perjury in Mississippi can never be called upon as a witness ever again. The exact penalties depend on the circumstances of the crime. If you committed perjury during a trial or indictment for a capital offense or a felony, you face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. For all other matters, the penalties are relatively less severe, but you still could face up to 10 years behind bars. 

In Mississippi, you are guilty of perjury if you lie under oath. You are also guilty of perjury if you make false declarations in any legal matter, in any court of law, or before any officer of the law. Essentially, you are guilty of this offense if you lie in any situation where an oath or affirmation is required by law. Finally, you may also be charged with perjury if you lie to a tribunal officer, a judicial officer, an executive officer, or an administrative officer. The exact law in Mississippi states that you must “wilfully and corruptly swear” under oath, which means there must be some degree of intent. In other words, you need to be aware that what you are saying is false. 

While many people are aware on a deep level that lying is wrong, some might not be aware that this is actually a crime in Mississippi. Perjury is a very serious offense in the Magnolia State, and those who commit this offense can face strict penalties. But how exactly is perjury defined in Mississippi? More importantly, when might you be charged with perjury, and what kind of penalties could you face if found guilty?

If you have been charged with perjury or any other crime in Mississippi, it makes sense to get in touch with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Reach out to one of these legal experts, and you can approach this situation in a confident, efficient manner. Many people commit perjury by accident, and there is no reason to face overly severe consequences if you are innocent for all intents and purposes.