What Is Considered Perjury Under Maryland Law?
To the surprise of no one, Maryland criminal law makes it a crime to knowingly and falsely make an affirmation of material fact under oath, or in affidavit authorized by law. As Attorney Eric T. Kirk will tell you.
This is not a strict liability crime, and involves far more than simply being ‘wrong’. The falsity must be given knowingly, and not be the product of surprise or confusion. Moreover, the misrepresentation must relate to a material subject [‘capable of influencing the outcome of the proceedings’. MPJI-Cr 4:26]. A misstatement of fact or opinion of a peripheral, ancillary tangential, or auxiliary mater is not perjury. or If one makes two contradictory statements, the State only needs to prove “that one of the statements is willfully false without specifying which one”. The crime is a misdemeanor, carrying up to 10 years. Subornation of perjury, i.e. procuring another to commit perjury carries the same penalty.
I extend a no-cost, no-obligation case analysis and personal, confidential conference and strategy session to all prospective clients. If you have been accused of a crime, it is vital that you act quickly to safeguard your freedom. Contact me today. 410 591 2835, or simply complete the online form on the page.
- Baltimore Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Eric T. Kirk
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For over three decades, I have battled against the nation’s largest insurance companies, always endeavoring to ensure my clients receive the compensation they deserve. As lead counsel in thousands of cases across Maryland, New York, and Florida, I have recovered millions for clients whose claims were wrongfully denied and delayed. Whether denying fair compensation for a personal injury victim or denying benefits to a homeowner, Insurance companies employ policy exclusions, technicalities, and lowball offers to deny and defeat claims. They also hire very good lawyers to fight you in court. So should you. When an insurance company unfairly rejects a claim, I stop them.
