A false statement is a statement that is not true. Although the word fallacy is sometimes used as a synonym for false statement, that is not how the word is used in philosophy, mathematics, logic and most formal contexts. A lie is a statement that is known to be untrue and is used to mislead.

Penalties Providing False Identification to a Police Officer is a misdemeanor offense that can be punished by up to six months in jail and substantial court fines. In addition, this offense is considered a crime of dishonesty that could haunt a person for the rest of their lives.

And while these tactics may be common, the penalties are serious: a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, for either charge. You probably already know what perjury is—lying under oath.

Anyone convicted of making false statements in violation of federal statute faces a prison term of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. If the offense involves terrorism, anyone convicted of making false statements faces up to eight years in prison.

Perjury is considered a crime against justice, since lying under oath compromises the authority of courts, grand juries, governing bodies, and public officials. Other crimes against justice include criminal contempt of court, probation violation, and tampering with evidence.

The crime of false accusation or denunciation is committed by falsely imputing to any person acts which, if they were true, would constitute a crime that would give rise to proceedings ex officio if the imputation were made before an administrative or judicial official who would be obliged to proceed to its …

A person who deliberately makes a false allegation of a crime in the knowledge that there is a risk that the police will conduct an investigation would have committed one of the relevant offences and is liable to be prosecuted subject to public interest considerations.

Most jurisdictions (California Penal Code Section 148.5, for example) charge an individual who knowingly files a false police report with a misdemeanor. Under California law, a conviction can land you in a county jail for up to six months, in addition to fines, possible probation, counseling, and/or community service.

Dealing with False Accusations from a Desperate Co-Parent

1. Understand the Motivation. When a person resorts to false accusations in a family law case, it is almost always a sign of desperation on their part.
2. Gather Your Evidence. To properly defend yourself against false allegations, find all the proof you can in your favor.
3. Speak to Your Attorney.

Call a Lawyer. If you believe you have been a victim of slander, then you can file a defamation suit and get special damages. But slander claims can be complicated and very detailed. An attorney experienced in defamation can help you with your legal issue and determine whether you can bring a defamation suit.

Written defamation is called “libel,” while spoken defamation is called “slander.” Defamation is not a crime, but it is a “tort” (a civil wrong, rather than a criminal wrong). A person who has been defamed can sue the person who did the defaming for damages.

Ask the Lawyer: Can you sue someone for adultery? A: Adultery is illegal in some states, but not in California. Although it may not be moral, your friend cannot be sued for adultery, or so-called alienation of affection (in other words, causing the marital break-up).