Understanding Perjury Charges and Bail Bonds in Placer County

Telling the truth under oath is one of the most important expectations in the legal system. When someone knowingly lies while sworn to provide truthful information, they may be charged with Perjury under California Penal Code 118 — a serious felony offense. Perjury is considered a direct attack on the justice system because it undermines investigations, court proceedings, and legal outcomes.

For residents of Tahoe City and broader Placer County, understanding what Penal Code 118 means, how a perjury arrest unfolds, and what steps must be taken afterward is crucial. Families often feel overwhelmed, especially when facing a sudden arrest for a fraudulent statement given under oath. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about PC 118, including penalties, examples, defenses, and the role of a bail bondsman in securing release through a bailbond.

What Is California Penal Code 118?

California Penal Code 118 defines perjury as:

“Willfully stating as true any material matter which the person knows to be false, while under oath in any of the circumstances in which the law requires or authorizes an oath.”

In simpler terms, a person commits perjury when they intentionally lie or provide misleading information while legally sworn to tell the truth. The statement must be material — meaning it must be relevant and capable of influencing the outcome of the proceeding.

Perjury can occur in many places, including:

• Court hearings

• Depositions

• Written legal documents

• Immigration applications

• DMV forms

• Police interviews (if conducted under oath)

• Any government form requiring sworn, truthful information

Because the offense is inherently fraudulent, prosecutors treat perjury cases aggressively, and courts rarely show leniency.

Examples of Perjury Under Penal Code 118

Perjury is not limited to lying on the witness stand. Here are scenarios commonly seen in Placer County:

1. Lying During Court Testimony

For example, a witness denies seeing a crime despite knowing they did.

2. Submitting False Information on Legal Documents

This could include falsifying:

• Tax documents

• DMV forms

• Loan applications

• Government assistance applications

3. Making False Statements in a Deposition

Depositions require the same level of truthfulness as in-court testimony.

4. Providing False Information in a Sworn Affidavit

This may apply to restraining orders, child custody statements, or sworn declarations.

5. Lying on Immigration or Citizenship Documents

Any false sworn statement during this process is considered perjury.

Perjury is always intentional — simply being mistaken or confused does not qualify as a crime.

Is Penal Code 118 a Felony?

Yes.
California Penal Code 118 is always charged as a felony, regardless of the circumstances. Because the offense involves a deliberate attempt to deceive a legal proceeding, the state treats it as a direct threat to the integrity of the justice system.

Penalties for Perjury in Placer County

Perjury penalties can be severe. A conviction under Penal Code 118 may result in:

State Prison Sentence

• 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison

• In some situations, probation may be available, but it is not common

Fines

• Up to $10,000 in fines

Permanent Felony Record

A perjury conviction can affect:

• Employment opportunities

• Professional licensing

• Voting rights

• Immigration status

Sentence Enhancements

Penalties increase if:

• The false statement caused significant financial loss

• The perjury involved a serious or violent crime

• The lie affected a criminal conviction or resulted in someone being wrongfully punished

In rare and extreme cases, if perjury leads directly to someone’s wrongful execution, the penalties may escalate dramatically.

How Perjury Investigations Happen in Tahoe City

Unlike many felonies that occur suddenly, perjury cases often result from investigations triggered by inconsistencies or contradictions in sworn statements.

In Tahoe City, perjury cases are typically handled by:

• The Placer Count Sheriff

• District Attorney Investigators

• Local law enforcement agencies

Once investigators determine there is evidence a sworn statement was fraudulent, a warrant for arrest is often issued. Many defendants are surprised to discover they are under investigation because perjury cases can take months to develop before an arrest occurs.

After the arrest, the accused is taken to the Placer County Jail for:

1. Booking

2. Fingerprints and photographs

3. Assignment of a bail amount

Since Penal Code 118 is a felony, bail is often substantial. This is where a trusted bail bondsman  becomes essential.

The Role of Bail in a Perjury Arrest

Once arrested for perjury, a judge or the county bail schedule determines bail based on:

• The nature of the fraudulent statement

• Whether the conduct caused harm

• The defendant’s criminal history

• The defendant’s risk of failing to appear in court

Because perjury often involves deliberate falsification, judges may view defendants as a potential flight risk or a risk to interfere with legal proceedings.

A bailbond gives the defendant the chance to return home while awaiting trial, rather than sitting in jail for weeks or months.

How a Bail Bondsman Helps After a Penal Code 118 Arrest

During stressful situations like a felony arrest, families often don’t know where to turn. A professional Bail Bondsmanhelps by:

1. Walking Families Through the Process

The legal system can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with felony charges. A bail agent explains every step.

2. Contacting the Jail for Accurate Information

This includes charges, booking numbers, bail amounts, and upcoming court dates.

3. Filing the Bailbond Quickly

Time matters. The faster the bond is posted, the sooner the defendant can be released.

4. Offering Affordable Options

Many Placer County families cannot afford to pay the full bail upfront. A bondsman makes release possible for a small percentage.

5. Supporting Defendants Throughout the Court Process

From reminding clients about court dates to helping with updates, a bondsman provides ongoing support.

For residents of Tahoe City, having a knowledgeable bail agent is essential during such a stressful moment.

Why Bail House Bail Bonds Stands Out in Tahoe City

When dealing with a serious felony like perjury, families need a bail agency that is professional, reliable, and compassionate. Bail House Bail Bonds is the top choice for many reasons:

1. Deep Experience in Placer County

Bail House understands the nuances of the Placer County Sheriff, court system, and jail procedures. This allows them to secure faster and smoother release times for clients.

2. 24/7 Availability

Arrests don’t wait for business hours — and neither does Bail House. Their team is always available, day or night, including weekends and holidays.

3. Compassionate Service

Facing a felony arrest is overwhelming. Bail House offers judgment-free support, treating every client and family with dignity and respect.

4. Fast Processing

Their strong relationships with jail staff and court clerks often result in faster release processing, which is especially important for felony charges.

5. Transparent, Honest Communication

They explain every step, every cost, and every option. No hidden fees. No misleading promises.

For those in Tahoe City, there is simply no better agency to call during a perjury arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can someone accidentally commit perjury?

No. Perjury requires willful intent. Honest mistakes, misunderstandings, or confusion do not qualify as violations of Penal Code 118.

2. Is lying to police considered perjury?

Only when the statement is made under oath. Otherwise, it may fall under different charges such as filing a false report. For perjury, the lie must be part of a sworn statement.

3. How much is bail for Penal Code 118 in Placer County?

Bail varies, but because it is a felony involving a fraudulent act, bail can range from around $20,000 to over $50,000, depending on circumstances. A bailbond allows release for a small fraction of that amount.

4. Can Bail House Bail Bonds post bail in Tahoe City?

Absolutely. They work throughout all of Placer County, including Tahoe City, providing fast, reliable assistance for felony arrests.

5. Is perjury a strike in California?

Perjury is not considered a strike under the Three Strikes Law unless it leads to a wrongful conviction for a serious or violent felony. However, it still carries harsh penalties.

All Things Considered 

A charge under California Penal Code 118 is not something anyone should face alone. Perjury is a serious fraudulentfelony with the potential for prison time, steep fines, and long-term consequences. If someone is facing an arrest in Tahoe City, acting quickly is essential — beginning with contacting a trusted Bail Bondsman who can help secure release and guide the family through the legal process.

Bail House Bail Bonds remains the most reliable, knowledgeable, and compassionate choice for bail support in Placer County. Their professionalism and dedication ensure that clients receive the help they need during one of the most stressful moments of their lives.