PC 132 and PC 134: Offering False Evidence

Legal Definition:

PC 132: ”Every person who upon any trial, proceeding, inquiry, or investigation whatever, authorized or permitted by law, offers in evidence, as genuine or true, any book, paper, document, record, or other instruments in writing, knowing the same to have been forged or fraudulently altered or ante-dated, is guilty…”

PC 134: ”Every person guilty of preparing any false or ante-dated book, paper, record, an instrument in writing, or other matter or thing, with intent to produce it, or allow it to be produced for any fraudulent or deceitful purpose, as genuine or true, upon any trial, proceeding, or inquiry whatever, authorized by law, is guilty…”

For a person to be convicted of a violation of PC 132, the prosecution must show that:

1. You offered or presented false written evidence;
2. It was presented in a legal proceeding;

AND

3. You knew the evidence was false when you presented it.

For a person to be convicted of a violation of PC 134, the prosecution must show that:

1. You prepared a false or forged matter or thing;
2. You did this with the intent to produce it as evidence in a legal proceeding;

AND

3. You did so with the intent to deceive.

What does this mean?

PC 132 only deals in written evidence, with things such as wills, receipts, or contracts. Under PC 132, in order to offer the evidence, it means presenting that evidence in front of a Judge or jury, but it also expands to your own attorney, if you were to offer false evidence that you knew was false, in order for your attorney to present the evidence in front of a Judge or jury. So long as you are the person that offered the false written evidence, you would be charged here. Offering false written evidence extends to investigations, legal inquiries, and administrative hearings. It also is required that the written evidence you offer is done with your knowledge that the evidence is false but you offer it anyway.

Under PC 134, a matter or thing could include things other than writings, such as photos, weapons, and clothing items. It is more expansive than the limited items that are “written” under PC 132. The same types of proceedings apply here, so it can be a civil/criminal case, administrative hearing, legal inquiry, or investigation. Another requirement under PC 134 is that you need not actually produce false evidence to be found guilty under this section. The crime is committed once you make the evidence with the intent to produce it, no actual production necessary. So long as you intentionally produce the evidence with the purpose of deceit, you have committed the crime here.

Penalties

For violations under PC 132 and PC 134, you can only be charged with these crimes as felonies. If you are convicted of either charge, you could be sentenced to upwards of 16 months, 2 or 3 years in a State Prison. You would be required to serve at least 50% of that time in custody.

This is not a strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law. It is also not a Sex Offense requiring Sex Registration under PC 290. However, because this crime involves dishonesty and is a crime of moral turpitude, it would likely affect people with Professional Licenses and people in Immigration proceedings.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Insufficient Evidence
3. Violation of Rights
4. Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when police, or their agents, encourage or promote the crime by way of their overbearing conduct. The idea has to be formed in the mind of the police, and not on the Defendant, in order to successfully use this defense. In certain circumstances, police can “lure” a person who would otherwise not have intended to create a false written document or have created a false matter to a proceeding. If the criminal intent started in the mind of the police, and their overbearing conduct forced you into creating a violation under PC 132 or PC 134, you could use this defense in your case.

You can also defend under these two charges if you do not have the intent to deceive another when the evidence was offered or created. For example, under PC 132, a person could argue that the written item they produced was one that they believed was accurate when they produced it in the legal proceeding. Mistakes can happen, and if you mistakenly, and not intentionally, produced false evidence in Court, then you can show there is insufficient evidence to prove you guilty of this charge.

Under PC 134, if you can show that the evidence you produce that was a false matter was not meant to be produced in Court, but rather, for your own enjoyment, but somehow or other made it into Court, then you can show you lacked intent to commit the crime. No intent to produce or create a false matter would act as a defense, showing there is insufficient evidence to prove you guilty of the charge.

Call Today

Facing criminal charges for producing false evidence can have catastrophic consequences on your life and reputation. These offenses, categorized as straight felonies under PC 132 and PC 134, necessitate skilled legal representation to prevent the likelihood of serving time in State Prison.

At Inland Empire Criminal Defense, our PC 132 and PC 134 Ontario attorney specializes in defending cases related to offering false evidence. With a history of successfully navigating such intricate legal waters, we are well-prepared to offer you the defense strategy you deserve.

Understanding the gravity of these charges, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that your side of the story is heard and rigorously defended. The potential implications of a felony conviction are far-reaching, affecting not just your immediate freedom but also your long-term future.

Do not leave your fate to chance. If you or someone you know is implicated in a case involving false evidence production, reach out to us for a comprehensive legal assessment. Our initial consultation is complimentary, and we are available around the clock to answer your questions and provide the support you need.

Contact Inland Empire Criminal Defense today at 909-939-7126 for unparalleled legal representation. Located in Ontario, CA, we are here to safeguard your rights and guide you through this challenging process with expertise and commitment.