Perjury Lawyer Mercer County — Defending Against Lying Under Oath Charges
Perjury in Mercer County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1, punishable as a crime of the third degree with up to 5 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in Trenton or Princeton, you need a strategic defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for perjury charges in Mercer County Superior Court. Call for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
What Is Perjury Under New Jersey Law?
Perjury, defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1, occurs when a person makes a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation in any official proceeding, knowing the statement is false and believing it to be false. The statement must be material to the proceeding. This statute covers testimony in court, depositions, affidavits, and sworn statements to government agencies. A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant’s knowledge of the falsity and the materiality of the lie.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures, visit the Mercer Vicinage website.
Mercer County Court Procedures for Perjury Cases
Perjury charges in Mercer County are typically prosecuted in the Law Division of the Superior Court. The process begins with an indictment by a grand jury. Prosecutors must prove the false statement was made knowingly and was material to the proceeding’s outcome. In Mercer County, judges and prosecutors scrutinize the context of the alleged falsehood, including whether it was a simple mistake or an intentional deception. The court’s focus is on preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
- Initial Accusation & Investigation: An allegation of false testimony triggers an investigation, often by the prosecutor’s office or a grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If probable cause is found, a formal indictment for perjury is issued, elevating the charge to Superior Court.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest in Mercer County Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney can file motions to dismiss or suppress evidence, challenging the materiality or knowledge elements of the charge.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case proceeds to trial before a judge or jury, or your attorney negotiates for a reduction to a lesser offense like unsworn falsification.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where factors like criminal history and the impact of the falsehood are considered.
Potential Penalties for a Perjury Conviction
In Mercer County, perjury is classified as a crime of the third degree, carrying significant penalties that can impact your freedom, finances, and future.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Collateral Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3 to 5 years in state prison | Up to $15,000 | Permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, damage to credibility in future legal matters, potential immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to serious criminal defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a perjury charge attacks your credibility; we fight to protect your reputation and your future.
Our Approach to Perjury Defense in Mercer County
We approach every perjury charge by meticulously reviewing the transcript or recording of the alleged false statement. We analyze whether the statement was truly false, material to the proceeding, and made with the requisite criminal intent. Common defenses include lack of materiality, mistake or confusion, recantation, and insufficient evidence of intent. We work to demonstrate that any discrepancy was not a willful lie but an error in recollection.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Mercer County Perjury Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Mercer County, including Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, and Ewing. We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike. If you need a perjury lawyer near Mercer County Superior Court, contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges in Mercer County
What is the difference between perjury and lying under oath?
No practical difference in New Jersey. “Lying under oath” is the common description of the crime legally defined as perjury under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1. Both refer to making a material false statement while sworn to tell the truth in an official proceeding.
Can I be charged with perjury in Mercer County for something I said in a deposition?
Yes. Depositions are official proceedings where testimony is given under oath. A knowingly false, material statement made during a deposition in a Mercer County case can lead to a perjury charge prosecuted in the Superior Court.
What should I do if I’m accused of perjury?
It depends. Do not discuss the accusation with anyone except your attorney. Immediately contact a perjury charge lawyer Mercer County. Any statements you make can be used against you. An attorney will review the allegations, advise you on your rights, and begin building a defense focused on intent and materiality.
What are the defenses to a perjury charge?
Common defenses include proving the statement was true, demonstrating it was not material to the proceeding, showing you believed it was true (lack of intent), proving recantation, or challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. A skilled lying under oath defense lawyer Mercer County can identify the strongest defense for your situation.
Is perjury a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Perjury is classified as a crime of the third degree, which is New Jersey’s equivalent of a felony. A conviction results in a permanent felony-level criminal record and carries the potential for state prison time.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Criminal Defense overview. We also assist clients in neighboring counties like Burlington County and Camden County. If you have related legal needs, consider our Mercer County federal criminal defense services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Mercer County, and our page on perjury charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Mercer County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Mercer County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Mercer Vicinage (7th Vicinage), 175 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08650, telephone (609) 571-4200, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Mercer County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Mercer County NJ lawyers directory · Perjury Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Perjury Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Perjury Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.