5 min read
Perjury is one of the most serious fraud-related crimes in California. Under California Penal Code 118, a person who knowingly lies while under oath can be charged with felony perjury—a crime that carries long-lasting and severe legal consequences. For individuals in Tahoe City or anywhere in Placer County, facing a perjury allegation is overwhelming, especially when it leads to an unexpected arrest, a high bail amount, and the need for an experienced Bail Bondsman.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Penal Code 118, including how perjury is defined, how investigations unfold, potential penalties, how the Placer County Sheriff handles arrests, and why securing a Bailbondquickly is important. At the end, we’ll also explain what makes Bail House Bail Bonds the most trusted bail agency serving Tahoe City and Placer County.
California Penal Code 118 defines perjury as intentionally giving false information or statements under oath. Perjury becomes a felony only when the lie is willful, deliberate, and related to a legal matter.
You may commit perjury under Penal Code 118 if you knowingly lie:
During a courtroom testimony
In a written declaration signed under penalty of perjury
In an affidavit
In a deposition
On government forms requiring sworn statements
During official interrogations requiring an oath
In front of a government agency or official
Perjury is considered a type of Fraud, because dishonesty under oath can harm the justice system, influence legal decisions, and even affect the outcome of criminal or civil cases.
Many people mistakenly assume perjury only applies to courtroom testimony, but the law covers much more. Examples include:
If someone knowingly makes false statements on a sworn affidavit, such as a restraining order declaration or financial disclosure form.
If a witness gives a knowingly false answer to influence the outcome of a case.
For example, lying on a sworn DMV form, immigration paperwork, or a notarized statement.
Depositions are sworn testimony, and deliberate lies qualify as perjury.
Such as during a sworn statement or official oath-taking.
Perjury does not include mistakes, misunderstandings, memory lapses, or confusion. The falsehood must be intentional and material to the matter at hand.
Perjury investigations typically begin when:
A judge suspects dishonesty
An attorney flags inconsistencies
Evidence contradicts a sworn statement
A government agency detects suspected fraud
Witnesses report false information
In Tahoe City, these cases often involve local courts, administrative hearings, or paperwork filed with Placer County government offices. Once the allegation is raised, investigators or prosecutors review the evidence to determine whether a crime occurred.
If they conclude that the statement was intentionally false and made under oath, a felony arrest warrant may be issued.
Yes. Under California law, Penal Code 118 is a straight felony, meaning it cannot be reduced to a misdemeanor under normal circumstances.
Penalties for felony perjury include:
Sentence length depends on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
Often ranging up to $10,000.
Includes strict conditions such as regular check-ins with probation officers.
Which can affect employment, licensing, housing, and immigration status.
If the perjury caused financial or legal harm.
Because the consequences are serious and long-term, securing release quickly is essential.
Once the Placer County Sheriff arrests someone for perjury, they go through the full booking process. After that, bail is set based on the Placer County bail schedule.
Perjury typically carries a high felony bail amount due to the severity of the offense and the fraud element involved. Bail may be tens of thousands of dollars or more.
This is where contacting a professional Bail Bondsman becomes extremely important.
A Bailbond allows individuals or families to secure release without paying the full amount upfront. Instead, only a percentage is required, making the process far more affordable.
When someone in Tahoe City is accused of perjury, the Placer County Sheriff may:
Conduct an interview or investigation
Serve an arrest warrant
Arrest the individual at home, work, or during a traffic stop
Transport them to the Placer County Jail
Record booking information, fingerprints, and photographs
Notify them of the felony charge
Perjury-related arrests often surprise individuals because the alleged incident might have occurred months or even years earlier. These cases frequently involve documents or statements that resurface during legal proceedings.
Felony perjury charges are serious, and remaining in jail can harm someone’s ability to prepare a strong defense. Quick release allows the accused to:
Meet with their attorney in private
Prepare necessary paperwork
Keep their job and family responsibilities stable
Avoid being held in jail during long court delays
Begin gathering evidence supporting their side of the story
The sooner bail is posted, the better the outcome tends to be for the defendant.
While Bail House Bail Bonds does not provide legal advice, several defenses are commonly used in perjury cases:
Honest mistakes or misunderstandings are not perjury.
Perjury requires the lie to be relevant to the legal matter.
Ambiguous or confusing questions can lead to incorrect—but not criminal—answers.
A sworn oath must be valid and legally administered.
Because perjury is difficult to prove, prosecutors need solid documentation and witness testimony.
No matter the legal defense strategy, securing release through a Bailbond lets the accused begin preparing immediately.
When facing a serious fraud-related charge like perjury, you need a bail agency that acts quickly, professionally, and confidentially. Bail House Bail Bonds stands out in Tahoe City and across Placer County for several reasons:
Their team knows the Placer County court system and the jail procedures well, allowing them to post bail quickly and efficiently.
Perjury charges often arise unexpectedly. Bail House Bail Bonds is always available—day or night—to take your call.
Perjury involves legal, financial, and emotional stress. Bail House Bail Bonds treats every client with dignity, privacy, and respect.
They offer flexible financing options to help families secure release without overwhelming financial strain.
Their extensive experience with Placer County Sheriff procedures, Tahoe City arrests, and local courts ensures a smooth bail process.
They are known throughout Tahoe City and Placer County for honesty, professionalism, and dependability.
When your freedom and future are on the line, Bail House Bail Bonds is the agency you can count on.
No. Perjury requires a willful and intentional false statement. Forgetfulness or confusion is not a crime.
Bail varies based on the case, but perjury bail amounts are typically high due to the felony nature and fraud element. A Bailbond makes posting bail manageable.
Yes. Any sworn statement under penalty of perjury—including forms, affidavits, and depositions—can lead to a Penal Code 118 charge.
In many cases, release can be achieved within a few hours, depending on Placer County Jail processing times.
Perjury only applies when a lawful oath is administered. However, lying to police can still lead to other charges, even if not perjury.
Being charged with perjury under California Penal Code 118 is a serious and life-changing experience. Whether the case involves courtroom testimony, a sworn declaration, or a signed affidavit, felony perjury carries severe penalties and long-term consequences. If you or a loved one in Tahoe City has been arrested, securing a reliable Bail bondsman is the first and most important step.
Bail House Bail Bonds provides fast, confidential, and professional support to help you navigate the bail process during this stressful time. Their experience throughout Placer County, their 24/7 availability, and their trusted local reputation make them the best choice for securing release after a perjury-related arrest.
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