Perjury and false evidence lawyer in Cairns

Perjury is giving deliberately false evidence under oath in a court or other judicial proceeding. It is a serious charge with some specific protections. Talk to Joseph Rahim about yours.

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The charge

What perjury means

Perjury is an offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld).

The elements

you were lawfully sworn as a witness in a judicial proceeding
you deliberately made a statement
it was false, and you knew it was false
it was material to a question in the proceeding

Protections

A statement made by accident, mistake or misunderstanding is not deliberate. Perjury also requires corroboration, so it cannot rest on one witness’s uncorroborated evidence.

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Where are you at?

Pick the one closest to your situation and a chat opens with it already said. No forms, and you can call instead at any time.

The process

What usually happens after a criminal charge

Every matter is different, but most follow this order.

Police contact

You may be asked to take part in an interview. You have the right to remain silent, but you must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.

The charge and bail

You are charged and given a court date, sometimes on bail with conditions. Read the conditions carefully; breaching them is an offence.

First court date

Charges usually start in the Magistrates Court. For people charged in or around Cairns, that is usually the Cairns Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street.

Resolution

The matter is resolved by a plea of guilty, a hearing or trial, or the charge being withdrawn. More serious charges can be sent to a higher court.

Things to avoid

Two contradictory statements can be enough

Where you made two sworn statements that contradict each other, the prosecution may not have to prove which one is false.

A mistake is not perjury

The statement has to be deliberate and known to be false. An honest error is not perjury.

How Joseph helps

One lawyer, from your first call to the end of your matter

Joseph Rahim, Principal. LLB (First Class Honours), Grad Dip LP. Member, Queensland Law Society. About Joseph

When you call Coral Coast Law, you speak with Joseph Rahim, and he handles your matter himself.

He goes through the police allegations with you and tells you exactly what you are charged with.
He advises you before you speak to police or make any statement.
He gets the evidence reviewed early, and looks at whether the charge fits what is alleged.
He represents you in court, including on bail if it is needed.
He tells you plainly what to expect, and puts your circumstances properly to the court.

Talk to Joseph