White Collar Crime – False Statements
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a false statement charge may be incurred on anyone who makes a “false, fraudulent, or misleading” statement to any public servant in any department or agency in the United States.
Inherent in this kind of charge is the notion that such a false statement would prevent the public servant from fulfilling their duty to the best of their abilities.
What Is Considered A False Statement?
Federal laws regarding false statements paint with broad strokes, meaning we need to look at specific cases to see situations in which a “false statement,” as detailed in 18 §1001, may be applied to a Department of Justice case.
If, in the course of an investigation, an individual intentionally leads investigators astray for whatever reason (whether through affirmation or denial), they may receive a charge for making a false statement.
False Statement Penalty
In most cases, when a false police statement gets made, these are state crimes, and as such, the penalties (including jail times and fines) are subject to wide variation.
When making a false statement to a federal agent, like an FBI officer, more severe penalties may or may not be applied than in state courts.
A false statement to an FBI officer can incur a maximum jail time of five years and a fine. In a case two years ago in which a Birmingham woman made a false statement to federal officials, the Justice Department clarified the maximum false statement fine of $250,000.
Are All False Statements Liable To Jail Time and Fines?
As per the Department of Justice website, a false penalty charge is applied more narrowly than generally giving incorrect information to FBI investigators or other federal parties.
For example, the Department of Justice tends to disregard individual denials of guilt to FBI agents investigating cases. This is because, in a wide variety of courts and cases, courts have overwhelmingly ruled that mere false denials of guilt do not seriously impair the department’s ability to exact justice.
However, in the case of affirmation intended to “mislead” federal investigators, an individual may be charged with 18 §1001 false “statements or entries generally.”
False Statement To Police
If making a false statement to state police, fines and charges will vary on a state-by-state basis. You can find information about your particular state in listings by jurisdiction.
What To Do If You Face A False Statement Charge
If you or someone you know faces a false statement charge, there are steps you can take to ensure justice remains on your side.
At the Zoukis Consulting Group, we have years of experience with criminal defense. Having a defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of federal law and who is willing to fight with you through the court system is essential if you’re to have success in court.
With our many years of experience, we know precisely which defense attorneys are suitable for and knowledgeable of various crimes. If you contact us, we can prepare a comprehensive report of various defense attorneys with the expertise required, availability needed, and cost desired.
What To Do If You Are In Jail For A False Statement Charge
At your Zoukis Consulting Group, we have many clients who we’ve seen from their first day in prison to their day of freedom. We have experience helping prisoners adjust to their time in prison even as they’re fighting to get freed.
We can help you with compassionate release petitions, advocacy letters, elderly offender release petitions, and even habeas corpus appeals.
When hiring a prison advocate, it is critical to find someone with a comprehensive knowledge of Bureau of Prisons policies and experience advocating for incarcerated persons.
This experience is exactly what Zoukis Consulting Group brings to the table. We can bring our years of experience to you or your loved one, helping you or your loved one make time in prison as easy as possible while advocating for the soonest possible release.
How Our Prison Advocates Work
At Zoukis Consulting Group, we understand that the journey from a criminal charge to incarceration to release is a long one. After incarceration, the work continues. If you choose to work with us, you will meet dedicated advocates with a comprehensive knowledge of Bureau of Prisons policies and prisoners’ rights therein.
We typically start by educating our clients on the laws and policies governing their lives, too, as we say, allow prisoners to help themselves. Afterward, we become fierce advocates on the outside, fighting for your human rights every step of the way.
Schedule an initial consultation with Zoukis Consulting Group today.
Published Feb 15, 2022 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Jul 17, 2023 at 2:22 am
