Perjury Lawyer Bergen County — Defending Against Lying Under Oath Charges
A perjury charge in Bergen County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1, punishable by up to five years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath, you need a strategic defense. A perjury lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides that defense, drawing on extensive experience in the Bergen County Superior Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
What Is Perjury Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, perjury is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1. A person commits perjury if, with the purpose to deceive, they make a false statement under oath or equivalent affirmation in any official proceeding. The statement must be material to the proceeding, meaning it could affect the course or outcome. The law also covers false swearing, which involves making a false written statement that you do not believe to be true, required or authorized by law.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures, visit the Bergen Vicinage website.
handling a Perjury Case in Bergen County Court
Perjury cases in Bergen County are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. The prosecution must prove you knowingly made a false, material statement under oath. A common defense involves challenging the materiality of the statement or arguing a lack of intent to deceive—you may have been confused or mistaken. The court’s Early Settlement Panel may be involved in plea discussions.
- Initial Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery Phase: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including transcripts and recordings of the alleged false statement.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to dismiss or suppress evidence based on procedural flaws.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney will engage with the prosecutor, potentially through the Early Settlement Program, to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial: If no plea is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial where the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and mitigating factors.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in New Jersey
In Bergen County, perjury is a third-degree crime carrying a prison sentence of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (False Statement Under Oath) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, damage to credibility. |
| False Swearing (False Written Statement) | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, collateral consequences for immigration or employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a perjury charge can stem from high-stakes litigation, divorce proceedings, or government investigations. We meticulously analyze the context of the alleged false statement, the evidence of intent, and the materiality requirement to build a strong defense.
Our Approach to Perjury Charges
We approach every perjury charge by first securing all transcripts, recordings, and related documents from the underlying proceeding. We then work to demonstrate a lack of specific intent to deceive, often showing our client was mistaken, confused, or that the statement was not material. In Bergen County, we have successfully advocated for clients facing accusations of lying under oath.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are accessible from Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, and surrounding communities via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need a perjury lawyer Bergen County, contact us for a consultation.
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
What is the difference between perjury and lying under oath?
No difference in common usage. “Lying under oath” is the layman’s term for the crime of perjury, which is formally defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1. Both refer to making a false, material statement while sworn to tell the truth in an official proceeding.
Can I be charged with perjury for a statement made in a divorce case?
Yes. Testimony in a divorce or child custody hearing in Family Court is an official proceeding. If you knowingly make a false, material statement under oath about assets, income, or parenting matters, you can be charged with perjury. A perjury charge lawyer Bergen County can defend against such allegations.
What does the prosecution need to prove for a perjury conviction?
The state must prove four elements beyond a reasonable doubt: 1) You were under oath or affirmation, 2) The proceeding was official, 3) You made a false statement, 4) You did so with the purpose to deceive and the statement was material. Defeating any one of these elements can lead to an acquittal.
Is a mistake considered perjury?
No. Perjury requires a specific intent to deceive. If you made an honest mistake, were confused, or misremembered a detail, you lack the necessary criminal intent. Demonstrating this lack of intent is a core part of a perjury defense.
What should I do if I am accused of lying under oath?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a perjury lawyer Bergen County as early as possible. Your lawyer will secure the records of your testimony and begin building a defense focused on intent, materiality, or the truthfulness of the statement itself.
Related Legal Services in Bergen County
If you are facing related charges or need other legal assistance, our firm also handles federal criminal defense, business litigation, and contract disputes. For more information on our statewide practice, see our New Jersey civil litigation hub. We also serve neighboring areas like Essex County and Hudson County.
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 Bergen County, and our page on perjury charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Perjury Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Perjury Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.