I was talking about a conversation I had with an accused but was confused about the exact content of that conversation and so may have said things which on reflection was not actually said. This was recorded and later presented to me to sign. On reading I realised I had indeed made some errors and refused to sign the statement. Am I guilty of perjury? Can I amend my statement since it is still unsigned? Please help.
2006-12-13 22:22:40 · 11 answers · asked by phobos 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
They will try to hold you up to it but it is not any good with out you signing it and it being notarized.
2006-12-13 22:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by desk49 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you cannot be prosecuted for perjury as you have not perjured yourself, if you have realised that you have made a mistake on a statement you should have been given the opportunity to correct the mistake, or make a further statement to say that you were mistaken. The declaration at the top of statemtns states that if you wilfully make a false statement you are guilty, but if you did not intend to make a false statement and it was an honest mistake thereshould be not issue.
If the statement and declaration are unsigned it is very very unlikley that the statement would be admissable evidence.
2006-12-14 12:51:14 · answer #2 · answered by rick_wenham 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phobos, you can change your statement but this will more than likely lead the police/CPS to think of you as an unreliable witness if the case goes to court and the accused pleads not guilty.
Also, (if the accused maintains the not guilty plea) the defence are entitled to see both statements as together, they will undermine the case for the Crown and assist the case for the defence. You could be called as a witness by either the Crown or the defence or by neither.
I know that what I have said is probably not of much comfort, but you probably need to know what the worst case scenario is. I have no answers to your predicament but wish you well.
2006-12-14 12:32:15 · answer #3 · answered by overnight celebrity 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wether signed or unsigned, you should have the right to amend or withdraw your statement at any time before a case goes to court. You are not the guilty one. You are doing the police a favour by giving a statement in the first place so don't be afraid to ask to amend it.
2006-12-14 06:32:07 · answer #4 · answered by Amy_Lou 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, you can change your mind and also retract your statement if necessary. I actually think the police will understand totally- it's only really perjury when it gets to court and you have sworn an oath etc. The police want to know the truth- you are admitting you are not happy with your statement- that's fine- get in touch and put it right asap.
2006-12-14 06:31:10 · answer #5 · answered by brainlady 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you mean is you are a bit of a drama queen and its gone too far. Yes you can change an unsigned statement - the police may not be happy with you but you can do it xxxx
2006-12-14 06:26:39 · answer #6 · answered by starlet108 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
At best you've only made a false statement to the police.you perjure in a court of law or before a committee with subpoena powers.if you made a good faith effort to correct your statement but the police refused to give you the opportunity,they can not then turn around to use that statement because they know it not to be truthful.
2006-12-14 06:51:40 · answer #7 · answered by miraclehand2020 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have to agree with Starlet! Even if you have signed a statement of evidence, you can withdraw it at anytime. I would be mighty annoyed with you if I was the I/O!
2006-12-14 06:29:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
you can amend it but you have to inital every change you make in the statement
2006-12-14 06:29:51 · answer #9 · answered by emmamac14 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can (as you have already been told) and depending what policeman you get they may be pissed that you have wasted their time some are just like that
2006-12-14 06:36:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋