[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas\/","headline":"What\u2019s the Penalty for Perjury in Texas?","name":"What\u2019s the Penalty for Perjury in Texas?","description":"Perjury is a serious criminal offense in Texas, and a conviction can carry lasting consequences. Did you know that you can be sentenced to jail time for perjury? Whether you\u2019re involved in a civil case or a criminal proceeding, knowingly making a false statement under oath can lead to severe legal penalties. What Is Perjury...","datePublished":"2025-06-09","dateModified":"2025-06-09","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/kissprblog\/#Person","name":"Broden & Mickelsen, LLP","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/author\/kissprblog\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bd70e3cfe21ebfb97a169f95da73c8b9fdb6accce8b9ecb2173146feb882a8ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bd70e3cfe21ebfb97a169f95da73c8b9fdb6accce8b9ecb2173146feb882a8ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Broden, Mickelsen LLP","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Broden-and-Mickelsen-Logo.png","width":378,"height":77}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas\/","about":["Federal Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":502,"articleBody":"Perjury is a serious criminal offense in Texas, and a conviction can carry lasting consequences. Did you know that you can be sentenced to jail time for perjury?Whether you\u2019re involved in a civil case or a criminal proceeding, knowingly making a false statement under oath can lead to severe legal penalties.What Is Perjury and What Are the Penalties for Perjury?You\u2019ve likely seen \u201cunder penalty of perjury\u201d on legal forms or documents. The phrase is common\u2014but what does under penalty of perjury mean?Under Texas Penal Code \u00a7 37.02, a person commits perjury when they:Make a false statement under oath, orSwear to the truth of a false statement under oath, andThey know the statement is false, andThey made the statement with the intent to deceive.Someone can also commit perjury if they make a false unsworn declaration under Chapter 132 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This statute pertains to unsworn declarations used in place of affidavits in civil cases.Aggravated perjury is a materially false statement made during or in connection with an official proceeding. The penalties for perjury include jail time and thousands of dollars in fines.Aggravated Perjury ExamplePerjury can become aggravated perjury in certain situations. For example, someone could lie under oath during an official proceeding, such as a trial. If that lie is material to the outcome\u2014that is, it directly affects the outcome of the case\u2014that\u2019s aggravated perjury.Imagine a witness in a criminal case testifies that they saw the defendant at the scene of a crime, but they\u2019re lying. That lie could lead to an aggravated perjury charge. The idea is that there\u2019s great potential for harm when false testimony directly affects a court or jury\u2019s decision.Maximum Sentence for PerjurySo, what are the consequences of perjury in Texas? Regular perjury is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. On the other hand, aggravated perjury is a third-degree felony. If convicted, you could be sentenced to two to ten years in prison and be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.In either case, the penalties can have profound implications for your future, including a criminal record. Convictions affect employment, housing, voting and firearm rights, and immigration status.Contact a State and Federal Crime Lawyer in Dallas If You Are Facing Charges for PerjuryIf you\u2019re under investigation for perjury or have already been charged, you need a knowledgeable Dallas federal criminal defense lawyer in your corner. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP can help.Our attorneys are board-certified in criminal law and criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With over 60 years of combined experience, we provide skilled defense for clients in both state and federal courts.From trial strategy to appellate advocacy and post-conviction relief, we offer comprehensive representation for those accused of serious crimes. Call us today for a consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What\u2019s the Penalty for Perjury in Texas?","item":"https:\/\/www.brodenmickelsen.com\/blog\/penalty-for-perjury-in-texas\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]