False Statements
False statements (1001 violations) are our number one most handled Federal Court cases–giving us vast experience as South Carolina 1001 Defense Attorneys. False statements are defined as:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully-
(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;
(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331), imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a party to a judicial proceeding, or that party’s counsel, for statements, representations, writings or documents submitted by such party or counsel to a judge or magistrate in that proceeding.
(c) With respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the legislative branch, subsection (a) shall apply only to-
(1) administrative matters, including a claim for payment, a matter related to the procurement of property or services, personnel or employment practices, or support services, or a document required by law, rule, or regulation to be submitted to the Congress or any office or officer within the legislative branch; or
(2) any investigation or review, conducted pursuant to the authority of any committee, subcommittee, commission or office of the Congress, consistent with applicable rules of the House or Senate.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer BEFORE Speaking to an Investigator
Even if you are talking to an investigator in an informal way and were:
- Not under oath,
- Not advised that any statement made could result in criminal prosecution,
- Lying or misspeaking about something small and inconsequential to the agent or government,
- Telling a white lie
it doesn’t matter. If you speak to the Feds, ANY false statement can result in an arrest or indictment for making a false and material misrepresentation to a federal law enforcement officer. That is why we suggest you contact a federal criminal defense attorney if you are contacted by a federal agent, even if you do not have any reason to fear that you are personally under investigation. Make sure that your rights are protected. If you have been charged with making a false statement, it is highly important that you hire an experienced 1001 criminal defense attorney that knows what the Government must establish in order to convict you. We will fight for you to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
