Federal False Declarations 18 U.S.C. §1623 Defense Attorney in Alexandria, VA
Defending Clients Accused of Making False Statements in Federal Court or Grand Jury Proceedings
If you’ve been accused of making a false statement under oath in a federal proceeding, you may be facing prosecution under 18 U.S.C. §1623. This is a serious federal felony commonly known as false declarations before a grand jury or court.
At Moore, Christoff & Siddiqui, our federal defense attorneys in Alexandria, Virginia represent individuals charged with perjury, obstruction, and related offenses in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA).
Understanding 18 U.S.C. §1623
Under 18 U.S.C. §1623, it is a federal crime to knowingly make a false material declaration while under oath in any proceeding before or ancillary to a federal court or grand jury. The statute provides, in part:
Whoever under oath (or in any declaration, certificate, verification, or statement under penalty of perjury) in any false proceeding before or ancillary to any court or grand jury of the United States knowingly makes any false material declaration…shall be fined or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
Key Elements the Government Must Prove
The Government must prove that
- The defendant made a statement under oath in a proceeding before a federal grand jury or court;
- The statement was false;
- The false material was material, meaning it could influence the proceeding; and
- The defendant knew the statement was false when made.
How 18 U.S.C. §1623 Differs from Traditional Perjury (18 U.S.C. §1621)
While both laws deal with lying under oath, § 1623 is specifically designed for federal judicial and grand jury proceedings. It allows the government to prove falsity through “irreconcilably inconsistent” statements. It provides a “recantation defense” which means a defendant may avoid conviction if they admit the falsehood before it substantially affects the proceeding.
Penalties for a 18 U.S.C. §1623 Conviction
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1623 carries significant consequences, including:
- Up to 5 years in federal prison
- Fines of up to $250,000 for individuals
- Loss of professional licenses or security clearances
- Collateral consequences affecting employment, reputation, and credibility.
Moreover, even an allegation of perjury can damage your standing as a witness or co-defendant, making early legal representation essential.
How Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You
Our attorneys have experience defending clients against federal charges in Washington, DC and Virginia. We assist clients in the US District Court for the District of Columbia and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation regarding your federal false declaration charges.
