Publication date: 06.06.2024
False evidence: why it is a crime and how to protect yourself
Making false statements is a serious criminal offense that can have serious consequences for both the person making the false statements and the entire legal process. The legislation provides for punishment for this up to imprisonment for several years. Let's look at this problem in more detail.
According to Article 384 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, knowingly false testimony of a witness or victim or knowingly false conclusion of an expert during an investigation or in court is punishable by a fine of up to 50 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens or restriction of freedom of up to 3 years. In case of aggravating circumstances, the punishment can reach imprisonment for up to 7 years.
As we can see, even the most false story or giving an expert opinion during a proceeding can lead to arrest or severe punishment if criminal intent is proven. Therefore, if a case has been filed against you for false statements, it is recommended that you immediately contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
A specialist in the field of criminal law will be able to study the circumstances of the case, evaluate the available evidence and prepare a competent line of defense. A criminal lawyer will try to prove the absence of criminal intent on your part, technical errors or inaccuracies in words, or the fallacy of the prosecution’s evidence.
The cost of a lawyer’s services in a criminal case is determined individually depending on the region, the lawyer’s experience, and the complexity of the proceedings. However, hiring an experienced specialist will protect you from much greater financial, reputational and legal losses due to a criminal record.
During the trial, a criminal defense lawyer can ask for the most lenient sentence or an outright acquittal. He will use all legal levers to prove the absence of intent and serious consequences, the presence of mitigating circumstances (age, health, marital status).
It should be remembered that criminal liability for false testimony is more lenient than, for example, for murder, robbery or rape. However, it can still have a significant impact on a person’s destiny. This is why it is important not to neglect such charges and to involve a qualified criminal defense lawyer in your defense.
An experienced criminal law lawyer will be an invaluable assistant at all stages of the proceedings. He will help to lift the seizure of property (if one has been imposed), appeal against illegal actions of the investigation, develop the most advantageous defense tactics in the courtroom, etc.
In general, if you are charged with perjury, you should not leave things to chance. Instead, you need to engage a criminal lawyer as soon as possible, who will take on legal support and act as your reliable defender. Only a qualified criminal lawyer can professionally prove your innocence or at least achieve the most favorable verdict.
