Perjury lawyer New Jersey, NJ

Federal perjury charges in New Jersey are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and can arise from grand jury testimony, trial testimony, sworn statements, or any proceeding where an oath is administered. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 can carry up to five years in federal prison per count, and related charges such as subornation of perjury or obstruction of justice may expose you to even longer sentences. Because federal investigators—including the FBI, IRS-CI, and other agencies—often build perjury cases in parallel with broader white-collar or public-corruption investigations, early engagement of experienced defense counsel is critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing perjury allegations before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, including its Newark, Trenton, and Camden divisions. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Federal Perjury Charges Mean in New Jersey

A federal perjury charge in New Jersey means the government is alleging that you knowingly made a material false statement under oath in a federal proceeding. The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey is the forum for these cases, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines apply. Unlike state-court false-swearing charges, federal perjury carries no parole, and a conviction can affect professional licenses, security clearances, and immigration status. The federal perjury statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1621, criminalizes willfully and contrary to the oath stating or subscribing any material matter which the person does not believe to be true. “Materiality” means the statement could have influenced or misled the tribunal or federal agency that received it. Because federal prosecutors often charge perjury alongside obstruction, false statements to federal agents, or witness tampering, a single interview or testimony can quickly escalate into a multi-count indictment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey brings these cases after referral from a federal grand jury. Our firm represents clients from all 21 New Jersey counties who are contacted by federal agents, receive target letters, or have been indicted. Whether the alleged perjury occurred in a civil deposition, a regulatory hearing, or a criminal investigation, the procedural posture matters: perjury committed during a criminal trial may be handled differently than perjury during a bankruptcy proceeding or an SEC deposition. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in federal criminal practice and understand how the New Jersey federal courts apply the sentencing guidelines and the Speedy Trial Act to these matters.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Perjury Cases

When we engage a perjury matter, we first analyze the alleged false statement, its context, and the evidence the government claims supports the charge. Because perjury requires proof of materiality and willfulness, a strong defense often centers on the ambiguity of the question asked, the defendant’s honest belief at the time, or the government’s inability to prove that the statement was false rather than mistaken. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, brings extensive courtroom experience to evaluating the government’s case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work collaboratively to scrutinize the grand jury transcripts, deposition excerpts, and any audio or video recordings that form the basis of the charge.

Early representation is especially important in perjury cases because the government may already possess the sworn testimony and is often reluctant to dismiss once an indictment is returned. We may seek to present exculpatory evidence to the prosecutor before charges are filed, negotiate for a misdemeanor false-statement resolution when appropriate, or prepare a thorough pretrial motion strategy challenging the sufficiency of the evidence. In the District of New Jersey, the odds of success improve dramatically when defense counsel understands the local practice before the assigned district judge and magistrate judge. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have appeared in federal courts throughout the state and are familiar with the local rules and pretrial procedures that govern these proceedings.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and concentrates his practice on criminal defense, including federal criminal matters. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris has handled federal cases in multiple jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in federal courts throughout New Jersey, including the Newark, Trenton, and Camden divisions of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Results may vary. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621?

Federal perjury is the crime of knowingly making a material false statement under oath in a federal proceeding. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1621, the government must prove the statement was false, the defendant knew it was false, and the statement was material to the proceeding. A statement is material if it could influence or mislead the court or agency. The statute covers oral testimony as well as written declarations made under penalty of perjury. A conviction under this section does not require the prosecution to show that the false statement actually affected the outcome—only that it had the potential to do so.

What are the potential penalties for a perjury conviction in New Jersey federal court?

A person convicted of perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. The actual sentence is determined under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors such as the offense’s base offense level, the extent of any obstruction, and whether the perjury was committed during a felony prosecution. There is no parole in the federal system. A perjury conviction may also lead to supervised release, restitution if the perjury caused financial harm, and collateral consequences including loss of professional licenses or security clearances.

How does the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecute perjury cases in New Jersey?

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes perjury cases through its Criminal Division, often in conjunction with fraud, obstruction, or public-corruption investigations. Prosecutors will typically present the grand jury with the sworn testimony, the questions posed, and evidence that the statement was knowingly false. Federal agents may interview the defendant before indictment. If you are contacted by the FBI, IRS-CI, or another agency about any sworn statement you made, you should request to speak with an attorney immediately and decline to answer questions outside the presence of counsel.

What should I do if I am under investigation for perjury in New Jersey?

If you are under investigation or have been charged with perjury, you should request to speak with an attorney right away and not discuss the matter with anyone except your lawyer. Do not attempt to explain your testimony to investigators without counsel present—any statements you make could become additional perjury or obstruction charges. Preserve all documents, recordings, and communications that relate to the proceeding where the testimony was given. Early representation by defense counsel experienced in federal practice can help protect your rights before an indictment is returned. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a perjury charge be defended?

Yes, perjury charges are defensible on multiple grounds, including lack of materiality, honest mistake, or ambiguity in the question asked. A defense may also challenge the government’s ability to prove the statement was false rather than simply incorrect or based on a misunderstanding. In some cases, the passage of time between the oath and the investigation weakens the government’s evidence. An experienced defense attorney will review the transcript, the context of the proceeding, and the evidence the government intends to present to build a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate each case individually to determine the strong $1.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal perjury case in New Jersey?

Yes, you need an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense as soon as you learn you are a target or suspect in a perjury investigation. Federal perjury cases are complex and often involve intersecting investigations. Without skilled counsel, you risk making incriminating statements, waiving important procedural rights, or failing to preserve evidence that could demonstrate the truthfulness of your earlier testimony. The government will be represented by experienced federal prosecutors; you should have equally experienced defense counsel. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

For additional statutory information, review 18 U.S.C. § 1621 on the Legal Information Institute. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey publishes local rules and court procedures.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.