NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

New Jersey Federal False Statements Lawyers

Federal False Statements Lawyers: What You Need to Know

There are strict federal laws that prohibit individuals from providing false statements when cooperating with federal investigators. People are not only prohibited from making false statements during interviews, but also when testifying and in various other situations. The creation of these laws empowers federal agents to prosecute individuals who knowingly and intentionally lie to investigators or use fake documentation and written statements to defraud the government.

However, many people are unaware that they can face criminal charges for lying to a federal agent during a criminal investigation. The same charges can apply if they deliberately lied to members of any of the branches of the government such as judicial, executive, or legislative branches.

If you find yourself charged with making false statements, it is critical to reach out to a defense attorney immediately. Once contacted, they will assess your situation and communicate with law enforcement representatives on your behalf. It’s important to note that conviction on this offense carries significant prison time.

Instances Where False Statements Charges are Levied

False statement charges arise when individuals agree to cooperate during a federal criminal investigation but later provide false information during their interview(s). Typically conducted in pairs, one agent asks questions while the other writes down all dialogue exchanged. This setup can easily make the interviewee feel disoriented or powerless.

If an individual is suspected of committing a crime, agents might use intimidation tactics or try making them lie or incriminate themselves while being interviewed. These scenarios have seen instances where the government resorting to pressing phony evidence or documents upon suspects.

By engaging a seasoned defense attorney, you ascertain protection from any such intimidation tactics employed by law enforcement agencies and ensure safeguarding of your rights throughout the entire investigation process.

Types of Offense Covered by Federal Laws

Several types of false statement offenses exist under U.S Federal Laws. For instance, most often people get charged with making false statements when they misspeak or misrepresent facts during interviews with Federal agents. Even the minutest and seemingly most inconsequential lie is enough to lead to a Federal court.

In another scenario, you can face false statement charges when testifying before Congress or having received grand jury testimony subpoenas. When faced with either, any lies or misrepresented facts put forth albeit under no oath can land perpetrators in jail. Intentional misleading of authorities can result in a trial at the federal court level, and misrepresentation during interrogations can invite charges.

Lastly, another form of false statement offense that attracts liability involves making intentional dishonest declarations aimed at defrauding banks or other financial institutions. This encompasses everything from verbally lying to providing inaccurate, incomplete or wholly untrue statements while applying for loans or mortgages.

The foregoing type of false statement charge is typically coupled with fraud investigations involving cases of mortgage fraud and fraudulent insurance policies. Similarly, if caught making false statements when seeking healthcare coverage or other healthcare benefits, individuals may also face Federal charges.

Penalties for Conviction

Most times, false statement charges are part of a more extensive prosecution scheme. However, getting charged by itself isn’t unheard of as some law enforcement agencies use such accusations as an intimidation tactic. At its core, lying to government officials (or agents) is criminal irrespective of whether it implicates one in any other crimes or not.

An offender who’s convicted solely on the grounds of making a false statement faces a maximum prison sentence ranging from five up to eight years in prison depending on the severity of their specific offense(s). Members or entities engaging in white-collar crimes (nonviolent financially motivated offenses) like embezzlement money laundering, corruption schemes like bribery could receive sentences exceeding decades including life imprisonment.

Available Defense Options

False Statement laws are broad but subject to prosecution only where sufficient evidence exists warranting that an individual made material falsehoods knowingly and willingly during contextual engagements with government representatives. Therefore individuals cannot be prosecuted if they may have mistakenly stated untruths in statements or provided false information based on what they believed to be genuine at the time.

Prosecutors carry the burden of proving three key elements during trial. Firstly, that the statement made was indeed false. Secondly, the response related to some matter with Federal jurisdiction’s involvement. Lastly, that the defendant was aware that their statement(s) were lies when giving them – this point requires proof beyond misleading, evasive or incomplete responses.

Engage experienced counsel to assist in navigating your defense strategies in a Federal court setting.