Perjury Defense in Lake Charles

Accused of Perjury? Protect Yourself Before Making Another Statement

A perjury allegation requires close attention to the exact question, answer, oath, and proceeding involved. Whether the disputed statement appeared in testimony, a sworn affidavit, or another authorized proceeding, criminal exposure can depend on its wording, context, materiality, and the speaker’s state of mind.

We represent people facing perjury investigations and charges in Lake Charles. Our review focuses on what was said, whether the speaker knew it was false, and whether the evidence points instead to uncertainty, faulty memory, ambiguity, or an incomplete answer. Before discussing the matter further, speak with counsel about your rights and potential exposure.

Call (337) 282-9003 to discuss a perjury allegation, subpoena-related concern, or request for questioning with our criminal defense team.

What Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:123 Requires

Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:123 defines perjury as intentionally making a false written or oral statement under oath, or an equivalent affirmation, in or for use in a qualifying proceeding. The statement must concern a material matter, meaning it relates to the issue or question being decided.

The law also requires knowledge that the statement was false. An unqualified assertion about something a person doesn’t know or definitely believe to be true may be treated as false under the statute. The precise language of the question and answer can therefore be critical.

A perjury analysis generally addresses:

• The oath or affirmation: Whether the statement was made under the legally required oath or its equivalent.
• The type of proceeding: Whether the statement was used in a judicial proceeding or another qualifying proceeding before an authorized board, official, legislative committee, or subcommittee.
• Materiality: Whether the disputed assertion related to an issue in controversy rather than an immaterial detail.
• Knowledge and intent: Whether the person knew the assertion was false and made it intentionally.
• The surrounding context: Whether an unclear question, qualified response, misunderstanding, or incomplete recollection changes the allegation.

Potential Penalties Under Louisiana Law

The potential sentence under Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:123 depends on the proceeding in which the alleged perjury occurred. Perjury during a trial for an offense punishable by death or life imprisonment carries a fine of up to $100,000, five to 40 years at hard labor, or both. During another felony trial involving possible hard-labor imprisonment, the statute authorizes a fine of up to $50,000, one to 20 years at hard labor, or both.

In other legal, civil, administrative, or legislative proceedings, the statute authorizes a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment at hard labor for up to five years, or both. These are statutory ranges and maximums, not a prediction of the sentence in an individual case. The charge, evidence, proceeding type, and other circumstances require case-specific review.

How We Test the Evidence Behind a Perjury Allegation

An answer can appear inconsistent when separated from the question that prompted it or the information available to the speaker at the time. We compare the allegation with transcripts, affidavits, recordings, emails, text messages, witness accounts, notices, case files, and other contemporaneous records.

Our criminal defense work includes gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and using outside resources when necessary. We examine whether the prosecution can establish every statutory element instead of treating each inaccurate or conflicting account as intentional deception.

Our review may consider:

• Whether a complete transcript or recording accurately captures the exchange.
• Whether the question allowed more than one reasonable interpretation.
• Whether the answer was qualified, approximate, or limited by memory.
• Whether the disputed fact was material to the proceeding.
• Whether documents support what the speaker believed when answering.
• Whether later testimony genuinely contradicts the earlier account.
• Whether investigators obtained the response through a clear and lawful process.

We develop an individualized strategy based on the record and the stage of the case, from a criminal investigation and pretrial proceedings through trial when necessary. Our representation covers misdemeanor and felony charges without assuming that one defense fits every accusation.

More Than 100 Years of Collective Legal Experience

Sudduth & Associates, LLC was founded in 2013. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of collective legal experience, and our criminal defense team includes former prosecutors. Our attorneys and paralegals work together to explain the available options as a case progresses.

We provide personalized representation and bilingual consultations. Urgent and same-day appointments may be available when an investigation, subpoena, hearing, or planned questioning creates an immediate need for guidance.

Where a Lake Charles Criminal Case May Proceed

The 14th Judicial District Court serves Calcasieu Parish, and the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal records for cases filed there. Lake Charles City Court handles certain matters within its jurisdiction, including state misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. We represent clients in both courts.

The correct venue, charging authority, and underlying proceeding affect the applicable rules and potential exposure. Grand jury testimony, a felony trial, a civil hearing, and an administrative proceeding don’t carry identical consequences.

What to Do After a Perjury Allegation

Preserve all documents and communications connected to the disputed account. Don’t delete, edit, annotate, or otherwise alter possible evidence. Don’t contact witnesses to coordinate accounts or suggest what they should say.

Gather these materials for counsel when available:

• The allegedly false statement, affidavit, transcript, or recording.
• Any subpoena, notice, charging document, or request for an interview.
• Emails, messages, notes, and documents related to the disputed subject.
• Records showing what information was available when the response was given.
• Correspondence from investigators, prosecutors, opposing parties, or the court.

Avoid offering additional substantive explanations until you understand how they could affect the case. An informal attempt to correct the situation may create another account for investigators to compare with the existing record.

Get Clear Guidance Before Making Another Statement

Contact us to arrange a confidential consultation about a perjury investigation or charge in Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, or a nearby community. We can examine the allegation, identify immediate concerns, and determine which records should be preserved.

We handle both misdemeanor and felony criminal defense matters through an individualized approach informed by the evidence and the circumstances.

Call (337) 282-9003 to speak with Sudduth & Associates, LLC about your next steps.