Cecil County Subornation of Perjury Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony in Maryland, prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 9-101. If you are accused of inducing false testimony in Cecil County, you face severe penalties, including potential prison time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those charged with subornation of perjury in Cecil County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Cecil County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Subornation of Perjury Charges in Maryland
Subornation of perjury, defined under Maryland law, is the crime of procuring or inducing another person to commit perjury—to lie under oath in a judicial proceeding. It is distinct from perjury itself, focusing on the act of persuasion or coercion. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 9-101, treats this as a felony offense. A conviction can result in imprisonment for up to ten years and significant fines. The charge requires the prosecution to prove you knowingly and willfully caused another to give false testimony that they did not believe to be true. Defending against a subornation of perjury charge in Cecil County requires immediate and skilled legal intervention to challenge the evidence of intent and knowledge.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 9-101. For local court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Cecil County website.
Local Defense Strategy for Cecil County
In Cecil County, subornation of perjury cases are typically prosecuted by the State’s Attorney’s Office and heard in the Circuit Court. The key for a subornation of perjury charge lawyer in Cecil County is to attack the element of intent. Did you knowingly induce false testimony, or was it a misunderstanding? The defense may also challenge the underlying perjury allegation itself. If the witness’s statement was not materially false, or if they believed it to be true, the subornation charge fails.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking to investigators.
- Your attorney will obtain all discovery, including witness statements and any recorded communications.
- A motion to suppress may be filed if evidence was obtained improperly.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the State’s Attorney, potentially for a reduction to a lesser charge like obstruction of justice.
- If the case proceeds to trial, your defense will focus on challenging the proof of your intent to induce false testimony.
- Explore all post-trial options, including appeals, if necessary.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Maryland
In Cecil County, a subornation of perjury conviction is a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury | Felony | Up to 10 years | Court discretion | None directly | Permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, damage to reputation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high stakes of a felony charge like subornation of perjury. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, Kristen Fisher, is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who joined the firm in 2010. She brings insider knowledge of local prosecution tactics to building your defense. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving evidence analysis.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin every case with a thorough investigation. For a subornation of perjury charge, we scrutinize all interactions between you and the alleged witness. We look for alternative explanations and challenge the prosecution’s evidence of criminal intent. Our goal is to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges before trial. If your case goes to trial, we prepare meticulously to defend your rights in Cecil County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Cecil County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Our Maryland office serves clients in Cecil County.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
Available 24/7 for phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
We serve clients in Elkton, North East, Perryville, Rising Sun, Port Deposit, and Chesapeake City.
Need a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County or a DUI lawyer in Cecil County? Explore our related practice areas.
Subornation of Perjury Defense FAQs
What is the difference between perjury and subornation of perjury?
Yes, there is a key difference. Perjury is the act of lying under oath oneself. Subornation of perjury is the separate crime of inducing or persuading another person to commit that perjury. You can be charged with subornation even if you never took the stand.
What must the prosecution prove for a subornation of perjury conviction?
It depends, but generally the state must prove you: (1) knowingly and willfully, (2) induced or procured another person, (3) to make a false statement under oath, (4) in a judicial proceeding, and (5) that the person made such a statement. The defense often challenges the “knowingly and willfully” element.
Can I be charged if the witness I allegedly influenced never actually testified?
Yes. The crime of subornation of perjury is complete upon the inducement. If you successfully persuade someone to lie under oath and they agree, the charge can be filed even if they never take the stand or recant before testifying.
What are common defenses to a subornation of perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t know the testimony was false), absence of inducement (the witness decided to lie independently), or that the statement was not materially false. An inducing false testimony defense lawyer in Cecil County will investigate all these angles.
Should I talk to the police if I’m under investigation for subornation of perjury?
No. You should immediately exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Anything you say can be used to establish your intent and knowledge, which are central to the prosecution’s case. Contact a lawyer first.