Criminal Defense Lawyers

Perjury Lawyer In New Jersey

Finding the Right Perjury Lawyer in New Jersey

Getting charged with perjury can be scary. I mean, who wants to face potential jail time and fines? But having the right lawyer by your side can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about finding the best perjury lawyer in New Jersey.

What is Perjury?

First things first – let’s quickly go over what perjury actually is. Perjury is the crime of lying under oath. So if you make a false statement after swearing to tell the truth (like during a trial or deposition), you could be charged with perjury.

The elements of perjury in New Jersey are:

• You were lawfully sworn in. This means you took an oath to tell the truth.
• You made a false statement. This statement has to be factual, not an opinion.
• You knew the statement was false at the time. If you honestly believed your statement was true when you said it, it’s not perjury.
• Your false statement was material. This means it was relevant to the case or investigation. Little white lies don’t count.

Perjury is a very serious crime. If convicted, you could face 5-10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000 in New Jersey. So you definitely want an experienced lawyer on your side.

Finding the Right Perjury Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming. But here are the key factors to look for:

Specialized Experience

You want a lawyer who regularly handles perjury and false statement cases. Perjury has specific elements prosecutors must prove. An experienced lawyer will understand the intricacies and be ready to craft the best defense.

A great place to start is the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Their directory lets you search for lawyers by practice area and location.

Strong Investigation Skills

The best perjury lawyers dig deep into the facts. They’ll scrutinize every statement you made to identify inaccuracies or ambiguities. This allows them to undermine the prosecution’s case.

Look for lawyers who highlight their investigation process on their website or in reviews. Meeting with them for a consultation can also give you a feel for their skills.

Courtroom Advocacy

Since perjury trials often come down to your word against another’s, you need a lawyer who can persuasively argue your case. Look for litigators who are confident speaking in court and have a track record of winning tough cases.

Relationship Building

A strong relationship with local prosecutors can help during plea negotiations. Look for a lawyer who has existing connections in the legal community. Their relationships could make the difference in getting charges reduced or dismissed.

Questions to Ask a Potential Perjury Lawyer

Speaking with lawyers before hiring one is a must. Here are some key questions to ask during your consultation:

• How much experience do you have with perjury and false statement charges? How many of these cases have you taken to trial?
• What will your investigation process look like? How will you analyze my statements and the prosecution’s evidence?
• How do you plan to fight the charges at trial? What potential defenses could apply in my case?
• Are you willing to take this case to trial if necessary? What is your track record of winning these types of cases?
• Do you have good working relationships with the local prosecutors? How could this help resolve my case?
• What are the risks if I lose at trial? Be honest about the potential penalties I’m facing.
• What are your fees and how do you bill for your services? Get a clear understanding upfront.

Finding the Right Fit

The lawyer-client relationship is deeply personal, especially for criminal matters. You need someone you feel comfortable opening up to and trusting with the intimate details of your case.

Schedule consultations with a few top choices. Pay attention to how they speak to you and if you feel heard and understood. Don’t ignore your gut feeling – it’s usually right!

Hiring the right perjury lawyer in New Jersey takes research and care. But it’s worth taking the time to find someone truly skilled in this area of law. With an experienced litigator on your side, you can feel confident your case is in good hands.