Mexico City toughens penalties for false testimony, jail time up to 10 years

Mexico City is toughening penalties for individuals who provide false testimony in criminal cases, aiming to ensure greater justice and deter perjury. The government recently published a reform to Article 312 of the Penal Code for the Federal District, significantly increasing prison sentences for those who falsely testify to incriminate or improperly exonerate someone.

Under the new regulations, individuals convicted of false testimony will face prison sentences ranging from three to seven years if the underlying crime in question is not considered serious. This is in addition to established fines.

However, the penalties become more severe if the false accusation pertains to a grave offense. In such cases, the prison sentence will range from five to ten years. The reform specifically targets individuals who, before the Public Prosecutor or judicial authorities, "falsely declare as a witness or as a complainant" with the intent to improperly influence a legal proceeding.

This legislative update underscores the city's commitment to upholding the integrity of its justice system. By imposing stricter consequences, authorities hope to prevent the misuse of legal processes and ensure that testimonies are truthful and reliable.

“

A quien con el propósito de inculpar o exculpar a alguien indebidamente en un procedimiento penal, ante el Ministerio Público o ante la autoridad judicial, declare falsamente en calidad de testigo o como denunciante, además de la multa a que se refiere el primer párrafo del artículo 311, será sancionado con pena de tres a siete años de prisión si el delito materia de la carpeta de investigación, la indagatoria o del proceso no es grave. Si el delito es grave, se impondrá de cinco a diez años de prisión.