The crime of perjury is a serious offense in Florida. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 837, perjury is said to have been committed when the following apply:
- The individual in question appears before a person who is authorized to administer affirmations and/or oaths;
- The individual makes an oath by solemnly swearing or affirming to speak the truth;
- And, while under oath, knowingly makes a false statement regarding a material matter;
- And this statement was believed by that individual to be untrue at the time the statement was made
The penalties for perjury charges (if convicted) range widely based on several factors including whether or not a false statement was made in an official or unofficial proceeding, or in an official capital prosecution proceeding.
Penalties for Perjury
If Made In An Unofficial Proceeding:
- 1st degree misdemeanor
- Punishable by up to 1 year in jail
- Up to 1-year probation; and
- Up to $1000 in fines
If Made In An Official Proceeding:
- 3rd degree felony
- Punishable by up to 5 years in prison
- Up to 5 years probation; and
- Up to $5000 in fines
If Made In An Official Capital Prosecution Proceeding:
- 2nd degree felony
- Punishable by up to 15 years in prison
- Up to 15 years probation; and
- Up to $10,000 in fines
