Due to the sheer number of instances where United States citizens have to take oaths, testify, and communicate through documents, it’s tough to estimate exactly how many people commit perjury each year. However, perjury is a common occurrence in America today, and one of the easiest crimes to let slip through the cracks.

In most states, it is a crime to knowingly lie after taking an oath to tell the truth. Additionally, committing perjury can be as simple signing a document knowing that it contains false statements and information. The technical definition of perjury is: The telling of a lie after having taking an oath to tell the truth, usually in a court of law or simply “to lie under oath.”

Perjury is a common-law crime governed by both state and federal laws, and under federal law, the punishment for perjury in most states, is the imposition of a fine, imprisonment, or both. Federal law also imposes sentencing enhancements when the court determines that a defendant has falsely testified on his own behalf and is convicted. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the court is required to automatically increase the defendant's sentence.

If you have been accused of perjury, whether you are guilty or not, you should hire a criminal lawyer or attorney. If you are suing a convicted criminal for damages resulting from perjury, you should hire a civil lawyer or attorney. If the person was not convicted and you want to sue for damages, you should still hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you have been arrested for perjury, you must request an attorney at the time you are arrested or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. A criminal attorney will be familiar with important Perjury laws of the state in which the crime took place, they will be familiar with local court customs and procedures, and they will also have a clear understanding of the "hidden costs" of pleading guilty.

If you are ready to contact a criminal lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association website offers free access to their lawyer locator to help you find a criminal lawyer or attorney in your area.

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