KRS 523.020: Perjury in the First Degree

What Is KRS 523.020?

KRS 523.020 is Kentucky’s first-degree perjury statute. It criminalizes lying under oath about material matters. People in Lexington and Louisville face these felony charges in cases involving false sworn testimony in court, depositions, and other official proceedings.

What the Statute Prohibits

A person commits first-degree perjury when they make a material false statement under oath, knowing the statement is false.

Penalties Under KRS 523.020

Class D felony: 1 to 5 years in prison
Substantial fines
Permanent felony record
Loss of professional licenses

Key Elements

Material: The statement must matter to the proceeding
False: The statement must be untrue
Under oath: The defendant must have been sworn
Knowingly: The defendant must have known the statement was false

Common Settings

Court testimony
Sworn depositions
Grand jury testimony
Sworn affidavits
Sworn statements to investigators

Defenses Available

Statement wasn’t actually false
Statement wasn’t material
You weren’t actually under oath
Honest mistake or memory lapse
Retraction (in some cases)

Don’t Take Perjury Lightly

Perjury convictions follow you forever and can affect employment in many fields. Call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 — 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

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