Subornation of Perjury Lawyer Hunterdon County — What Are Your Defenses?
Subornation of perjury is a serious criminal offense in New Jersey, involving the inducement of false testimony. In Hunterdon County, this charge is prosecuted in the Superior Court and can lead to severe penalties, including significant prison time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Subornation of Perjury Charges in New Jersey
Subornation of perjury, defined under New Jersey law, is the crime of procuring or inducing another person to commit perjury. It is not merely lying yourself, but actively causing someone else to lie under oath in an official proceeding. This offense is treated with extreme seriousness by New Jersey courts because it strikes at the heart of the judicial system’s integrity. A conviction can result in penalties comparable to, or even exceeding, those for perjury itself, including years of incarceration and substantial fines.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official New Jersey statutes on perjury and related offenses, refer to the New Jersey Legislature website (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-1 et seq.). For local court procedures and rules in Hunterdon County, visit the Hunterdon Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court.
Local Court Process for Subornation of Perjury Cases in Hunterdon County
Subornation of perjury cases in Hunterdon County are heard in the Criminal Division of the Superior Court in Flemington. The process is complex, beginning with an indictment by a grand jury. Prosecutors in the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office vigorously pursue these charges due to their impact on legal proceedings. The defense must meticulously examine the evidence of inducement and the witness’s intent.
- Initial Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) at the Flemington courthouse.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all prosecution materials, focusing on communications and witness statements.
- Negotiation & Potential Plea Deal: Your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutor, potentially seeking a reduction to a lesser charge if the evidence of inducing false testimony is weak.
- Trial Preparation: If no agreement is reached, a rigorous defense is built, often challenging the witness’s credibility and the proof of inducement.
- Superior Court Trial: The case proceeds to a jury trial in the Hunterdon County Superior Court, where the state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible and evaluate grounds for an appeal.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in NJ
In Hunterdon County, subornation of perjury is typically a third-degree crime in New Jersey, carrying a potential prison sentence of 3 to 5 years and fines up to $15,000.
| Offense | Classification (NJ) | Incarceration | Fine | Collateral Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, damage to reputation, potential civil liability. |
| Subornation of Perjury (in certain official matters) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | All of the above, with more severe long-term impacts on employment and civic rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a charge of inducing false testimony requires a defense that meticulously dissects the evidence of communication and intent. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you.
Our Approach to Subornation of Perjury Defense
When defending against a subornation of perjury charge, our strategy is multi-faceted. We immediately work to secure all evidence, including any recordings, emails, texts, or witness statements. A core defense often involves challenging whether you actually induced the false testimony, or if the witness acted independently. We also scrutinize the underlying testimony for ambiguity or lack of materiality. In Hunterdon County, we use our knowledge of local court procedures to advocate effectively at every stage, from pre-indictment investigations through trial.
Contact Our Hunterdon County Subornation of Perjury Defense Lawyers
If you are under investigation or charged with subornation of perjury in Hunterdon County, immediate action is critical. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout the county, including Flemington, Clinton, and Lambertville.
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) 651-9900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Subornation of Perjury in Hunterdon County
What is the difference between perjury and subornation of perjury?
Yes, there is a key difference. Perjury is the act of lying under oath yourself. Subornation of perjury is the separate crime of inducing, persuading, or procuring another person to commit that act of perjury. You can be charged with subornation even if you never took the oath yourself.
What must the prosecution prove for a subornation of perjury conviction?
The state must prove you knowingly and purposely induced another person to make a false statement under oath, that the person then made that false statement, and that the statement was material to the proceeding. A strong defense against an inducing false testimony charge often attacks one of these specific elements.
Can I be charged if the person I allegedly influenced never actually testified?
It depends. New Jersey law generally requires that the suborned perjury actually occur. However, you could potentially face charges for conspiracy or attempt if there is clear evidence of an agreement or substantial step toward inducing the false testimony, even if the witness never took the stand.
What are common defenses to a subornation of perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you did not knowingly induce false testimony), that the statement was not material to the case, that the witness acted on their own, or that the alleged false statement was actually truthful or a matter of opinion. An experienced suborning perjury charge lawyer in Hunterdon County can identify the best defense for your situation.
Should I speak to investigators if I’m suspected of subornation of perjury?
No. You should politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a defense attorney. Anything you say can be used to establish your intent and knowledge, which are central elements of the crime. Let your lawyer communicate on your behalf.
Related Pages: For other legal challenges, see our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Hunterdon County and Business Law in Hunterdon County. For an overview of our New Jersey practice, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding subornation of perjury charges.