Perjury in Gloucester County is a serious indictable offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1, prosecuted in the Gloucester County Superior Court. A conviction can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 is not a simple mistake; the prosecution must prove you knowingly lied about a fact important to the case. Defending against a perjury charge requires a lawyer who understands the nuances of the statute and can challenge the state’s evidence on knowledge, materiality, and the validity of the oath.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester 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 local court procedures, visit the Gloucester Vicinage website.
The Gloucester County Court Process for a Perjury Charge
Perjury is an indictable crime (felony equivalent) in New Jersey, handled by the Gloucester County Superior Court Criminal Division at 70 Hunter Street in Woodbury. The process begins with a complaint, followed by a pre-indictment conference. A grand jury then decides whether to issue an indictment. New Jersey’s bail reform means your release pre-trial is based on a Public Safety Assessment risk score, not your ability to pay cash bail. A skilled perjury charge lawyer Gloucester County can advocate for your release and work to challenge the indictment or negotiate a favorable resolution, such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) for eligible first-time offenders.
- Initial Arrest/Summons: You may be arrested or receive a summons to appear in Superior Court.
- First Appearance & Detention Hearing: The court will advise you of the charges. A detention hearing may be held to determine if you will be released pre-trial under New Jersey’s bail reform system.
- Grand Jury Presentation: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, your case proceeds in Superior Court.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney will engage in discovery, review evidence, file motions, and discuss potential resolutions with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, potentially including PTI.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing will be based on the degree of the crime and your prior record.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in New Jersey
In Gloucester County, perjury is typically a third-degree crime, punishable by 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Material False Statement) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, damage to credibility in future legal matters. |
| False Swearing (Less Material) | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, collateral consequences. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for 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 complex criminal defense. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results. We understand that a perjury accusation attacks your credibility, and we build defenses that challenge the state’s case at every point, from the materiality of the statement to the requisite intent.
Our Approach to Perjury Cases
Our defense strategy for a lying under oath defense lawyer Gloucester County case involves a meticulous review of the transcript or recording of the alleged false statement. We examine the context, the exact questions asked, and the administration of the oath. We then develop a defense that may focus on lack of materiality, mistaken belief, ambiguity, or insufficient evidence of willful intent. In Gloucester County, we have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Gloucester County Perjury Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Gloucester County. We are accessible from I-295, Route 55, and Route 322. We represent individuals in Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, Mantua, West Deptford, Glassboro, Woolwich, Harrison Township, and Pitman.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
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Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges in NJ
What is the difference between perjury and false swearing in New Jersey?
Yes, there is a difference. Perjury (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1a) requires a false statement under oath in an official proceeding that is material to the proceeding. False swearing (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-2a) involves a false statement under oath required or authorized by law, but the materiality requirement is less strict, often making it a fourth-degree crime.
Can I go to jail for a first-time perjury offense?
It depends. Perjury is a third-degree crime with a presumption of imprisonment, meaning jail time is a real possibility. However, for eligible first-time offenders, a skilled attorney may secure admission into Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI). Successful completion of PTI results in dismissal of the charges, allowing you to avoid jail and a conviction.
What does “materiality” mean in a perjury case?
Materiality means the false statement could have affected the course or outcome of the proceeding. It doesn’t need to have actually changed the result, only that it had the potential to do so. A key defense strategy is to argue the alleged lie was about an unimportant detail and therefore not material.
What are common defenses against a perjury charge?
Common defenses include: lack of intent (you believed the statement was true), ambiguity in the question asked, immateriality of the statement, recantation (you corrected the false statement before it affected the proceeding), and insufficient evidence that you actually made the false statement.
Should I talk to investigators if I’m accused of lying under oath?
No. You should immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Anything you say can be used to build a case against you, especially regarding your knowledge and intent. Contact a perjury lawyer Gloucester County before speaking to anyone about the accusation.
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Camden County and Burlington County. If you have other legal needs in Gloucester County, we handle matters such as DUI defense and family law.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.