If your testimony in court is questioned, it can feel like you have no way to defend yourself. A Greenville perjury lawyer with Ellis Hinton knows how a prosecutor can frame a single answer, a checked box, or even an overlooked phrase as intentional deception. A defense attorney from our firm can study the record line by line, examine how questions were asked, and assess whether the legal requirements for perjury were actually met. They can also take steps to secure messages, collect transcripts, and prepare a defense that takes the setting and the potential penalties into consideration. Private representation allows you to proceed with clarity and informed choices, rather than uncertainty and speculation.
State law treats sworn testimony differently from false information on official forms. Perjury during a court or official proceeding is a felony that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Providing false details on a required record is a misdemeanor punishable by jail time and fines. Encouraging another person to commit perjury is also prohibited and can increase the potential for criminal liability. These differences matter because they shape both how prosecutors charge a case and what defenses may be available.
Our defense lawyers in Greenville focus closely on the elements of perjury that the state must prove. They look for whether the oath was properly given, whether the statement was truly material, and whether the prosecution can show intent beyond a genuine mistake. Ambiguous questions, unclear transcripts, or memory lapses often open the possibility to challenge the prosecution’s case. False swearing before an officer authorized to administer oaths is a separate felony, which makes it even more important to understand the exact statute being applied.
Developing a defense to a perjury accusation often requires examining not only what was said but also the setting in which it was said. Some cases remain entirely within state courts, while others touch federal rules where separate statutes apply. Knowing which jurisdiction applies can prevent mistakes and unnecessary risks. Our attorneys have experience at both the federal and state levels.
Practical steps that help protect a defendant’s position include:
Our attorneys in Greenville handle these details around accusations of lying under oath carefully, because even small points can change the outcome. The phrasing of a question, whether a document was actually required by law, or whether an answer was incomplete rather than false could often decide whether charges proceed. Reviewing the South Carolina Code provisions on perjury, false swearing, and filing false information is a core part of this process, and legal counsel can ensure nothing is overlooked.
If you are accused of perjury, the smartest way to begin is to seek out guidance tailored to your situation. A Greenville perjury lawyer at Ellis Hinton, servicing South Carolina and beyond, can explain the law, review the transcripts, and outline what legal options are available without creating an additional burden.
For a confidential consultation, contact us at Ellis Hinton today. With thoughtful guidance and a careful review of the facts, we can help you respond with confidence and protect your future.
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