Obstruction of justice, specifically giving false testimony (perjury), is a serious crime that undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the judicial system. Under Georgian law, intentional false testimony given by a witness or victim during an investigation or in court is punishable. This act can involve distorting facts or intentionally concealing information when a person is obligated to tell the truth. Perjury charges often arise in complex and emotional situations where a witness experiences pressure, fear, or confusion. However, the law provides certain defense mechanisms and a "note" that exempts a person from liability if they voluntarily admit to the falsehood before a judgment is rendered. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who can help resolve this delicate legal issue, protect your rights during interrogation, and develop an effective strategy to refute the charges.
What Does Perjury Defense Service Cover?
Defense in perjury cases requires deep analysis of testimonies and consideration of psychological factors. Our platform lawyers offer:
- Comparative Testimony Analysis: Detailed comparison of initial and subsequent testimonies to identify contradictions and their causes (e.g., memory error vs. intentional lie).
- Refuting "Intent": Proving that providing false information was a "bona fide error" and not an intentional crime.
- Identifying Procedural Violations: Checking if the person was properly warned about the liability for perjury before giving testimony. Lack of warning excludes liability.
- Revealing Pressure: If the testimony was given under duress, threat, or blackmail, the lawyer works to prove these circumstances, which exonerates the person.
- Recantation Strategy: Counseling the client on when and how it is appropriate to change testimony to avoid liability (using the legal provision for exemption).
Real-World Scenarios When You Need This Service
Perjury charges can arise in the following cases:
- Creating an Alibi: When a friend or family member tries to create an alibi for the accused stating they were with them, which later turns out to be false.
- Changing Testimony in Court: A witness gives one statement during the investigation and a radically different one in court. Prosecutors often initiate a perjury investigation in such cases.
- Police Pressure: A person claims police forced them to sign a statement that is not true and now wants to tell the truth.
- Covering Up for Someone: When a witness intentionally does not name the perpetrator or misrepresents facts to protect them.
Georgian Legal Framework and Regulations
Perjury is punishable under Article 370 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. This article provides for liability for obstructing justice. The Criminal Procedure Code, which defines the rules for witness interrogation, is also important. A lawyer must know that an accused person (unlike a witness) has the right to silence and is not liable for false testimony given in their own defense, unless they falsely incriminate someone else.
Service Process
Working with a lawyer on Legal.ge involves:
- Analysis: Textual and contextual analysis of given testimonies.
- Risk Assessment: Determining if there is a real threat of criminal prosecution.
- Strategy: Deciding whether to maintain the position or admit a mistake within legal limits.
- Defense: Representation in the prosecutor's office and court.
Why Choose Legal.ge?
A perjury charge can destroy a person's reputation and freedom. Lawyers on Legal.ge are discreet professionals capable of protecting your interests in the most complex legal labyrinths.
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