Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts
My friend just recently got in trouble with the law for selling drugs. And she wants me to go to court and lie for her. I'm not really comfortable with lying But, I've known her since childhood and I don't want to see her lose her kids or spend time in jail. She does not sell or keep any of the drugs around the children. I don't agree with her lifestyle but, Who Am I to judge.She wants me to go to court and say that the confidential informant that came to her house and purchased drugs told me personally..... that he had the drugs on him before he got there. Now another thing, We both really don't know for sure who the confidential informant is... we are just assuming because, from what the police report says. So, it seems to be a person that we both know. I myself have for children and work in the nursing field and do not want to jeopardize my job or going to jail for lying for her.
1 Answer from Attorneys
DO NOT LIE FOR YOUR FRIEND (or anybody else). It is a crime to lie in court. The crime is called perjury. The maximum penalty for perjury is 20 years in jail. You could lose your nursing license, your job, your family, and your freedom. Usually a confidential informant is searched by the police before the CI is sent to buy drugs. They do this so that there is no other explanation for the drugs. If you lie for your friend, there is a very good chance that you will be caught.
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