Perjury and False Statements
Perjury and false statement offences involve allegations that a person has provided information that is untrue in circumstances where accuracy is legally required, such as in court, statutory declarations or official administrative processes. Many people seek clarity about how these offences are defined, how intent is assessed and what evidence may be relevant when responding to an allegation.
This page outlines the general issues that may arise and explains how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can discuss your circumstances confidentially.
Charged with lying under oath or making a false statement?
Perjury is the criminal offence of deliberately lying under oath or affirmation during a court or tribunal proceeding. False statements or sworn documents made outside court — such as statutory declarations or affidavits — may also lead to criminal charges under both state and Commonwealth laws.
These offences are taken seriously because they affect the integrity of the justice system. A conviction for perjury may carry prison time, even for first-time offenders, and can have long-term consequences on your credibility, employment and freedom.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can assess the evidence, help explain your actions, and advise on possible defences or mitigating circumstances.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with perjury or false statement charges, including:
- Perjury or lying under oath during a court or tribunal hearing
- Making a false statutory declaration or affidavit
- Providing false information to police, government agencies or investigators
- Allegations of misleading sworn documents in civil or family law matters
- Responding to accusations involving miscommunication or misunderstanding
- Defending against charges of making false complaints or reports
- Representing you in court or during interviews with authorities
- Preparing sentencing submissions or supporting early pleas where appropriate
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand perjury and false statement offences
- Confidential platform to outline your situation
- Guidance on what information or documents may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
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Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Criminal charges can carry serious penalties and strict time limits. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible, especially before speaking to police or attending court.
Law Tram does not provide emergency legal support or crisis response services and does not assist in finding legal representation for minors.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in perjury and false statement matters. Whether your situation involves questions about sworn evidence, misunderstandings in official documents or uncertainty about how your statements have been interpreted, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Perjury is knowingly giving false evidence under oath in a legal proceeding. It must be deliberate and relate to something material in the case.
Mistakes, confusion or memory issues are not considered perjury if there was no intent to mislead. A lawyer can help clarify your position.
Yes. False statements in sworn or affirmed documents outside court — like affidavits or declarations — are also criminal offences.
It’s possible. Courts treat these offences seriously, especially where they have impacted the outcome of legal proceedings or misled authorities.
Possibly. If you were misled or didn’t fully understand the statement, a lawyer can help raise these issues in your defence or during sentencing.
Copies of the statements, transcripts, statutory declarations, correspondence and any timeline of events can help a lawyer outline the general issues that may arise.
Yes. A lawyer can outline the general principles used to consider whether a statement was knowingly false, mistaken or the result of misunderstanding.
Yes. A lawyer can explain the differences between various types of statements and the legal weight given to each.