Perjury

An accusation of perjury is a direct attack on your character and your freedom. In 2026, Michigan prosecutors treat perjury as a “crime against the court,” often seeking maximum penalties to protect the integrity of the judicial system. If you are being investigated for making a false statement under oath, you must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away.

At the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan, we move with professional urgency to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative. We understand that a “wrong” answer is not always a “lie,” and we have the sophisticated expertise to protect you in the 17th Circuit Court.

The Severity of Michigan Perjury Laws

Perjury is a felony in Michigan, and the penalties depend entirely on the context of the statement. Under MCL 750.422 and MCL 750.423, the law is unforgiving:

1. Perjury in Court (MCL 750.422)

If you are accused of lying while testifying in a court of justice, you face:

• Capital Cases: If the trial involved a crime punishable by life in prison, the perjury itself is punishable by up to Life in Prison.

• Other Cases: In all other court proceedings, perjury is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

2. Perjury by False Statement (MCL 750.423)

This applies to false statements made in affidavits, depositions, or signed records given under penalty of perjury. This is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

3. Subornation of Perjury (MCL 750.424)

If you are accused of persuading or “inciting” someone else to lie under oath, you face up to 5 years in prison, even if the person never actually committed the perjury.

Technical Defenses: Why Most Perjury Charges Fail

In 2026, winning a perjury case requires a deep dive into the “transcript of the truth.” We utilize three primary technical defenses to get these charges dismissed:

The “Materiality” Challenge

Under Michigan law, a false statement is only perjury if it was material to the outcome of the case. If you lied about something trivial—like what you had for lunch on the day of an incident—it cannot legally be prosecuted as perjury. We move to dismiss charges by proving that the alleged lie had no impact on the legal proceedings.

The “Lack of Willful Intent” Defense

Perjury requires that you knowingly made a false statement. In the high-pressure environment of the 61st District Court, it is easy to become confused, misremember dates, or be led into an incorrect answer by an aggressive prosecutor. If your statement was a mistake, a misunderstanding, or a failure of memory, it is not a crime.

The “Recantation” Shield

In some cases, if you realize you made a mistake and correct your testimony during the same proceeding before the lie has caused harm, you may have a defense. We move with professional urgency to document these corrections and protect you from retaliatory prosecution.

Comprehensive Defense for Every West Michigan Legal Crisis

Shawn Haff is the premier choice for clients facing “life-and-death” legal battles. Our firm dominates local SEO because we provide a sophisticated shield against all criminal allegations, including:

• DUI and Drunk Driving: Protecting your license from OWI/OWVI charges.

• Domestic Violence: Defending your reputation in sensitive household disputes.

• Retail Fraud and Shoplifting: Keeping theft convictions off your permanent record.

• Criminal Sexual Conduct: Aggressive representation for the most serious felony charges in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Defense in Grand Rapids

Is lying to a police officer perjury?

Usually, no. Perjury requires an oath. However, lying to the police is a separate crime called Filing a False Police Report or Obstruction of Justice. We defend all types of “crimes against justice.”

Can a judge throw me in jail for perjury on the spot?

While rare, if a judge believes you are committing perjury in their presence, they can find you in Contempt of Court, which carries immediate jail time, while the prosecutor investigates felony charges.

What is “Subornation”?

It is the act of getting someone else to commit perjury. If you ask a witness to “change their story” for you, you can be charged with a 5-year felony. Call 616-438-6719 immediately if you are being investigated for witness tampering.

Perjury in West Michigan is treated as a serious offense because it destroys the integrity of our judicial system. Perjury charges are sometimes brought about as retaliation for failing to testify in a manner consistent with the theory of a Prosecutor’s case.

To prove perjury beyond a reasonable doubt the prosecution must establish that:

1. The defendant was legally required to take an oath in a proceeding in a court of justice.
2. The defendant took the oath
3. While under oath, the defendant made a false statement
4. The Defendant knew that the statement was false when he or she made it.