Southern California Defense Blog

Federal prosecutors are going forward with their perjury case against former MLB star Barry Bonds. This may be a surprise move by the prosecutors after the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a San Francisco federal judge’s ruling excluding crucial evidence to the prosecution’s case on hearsay grounds. The excluded evidence included certain blood and urine test results that the government could not link to Bonds. The government’s best chance of linking the test results to Bonds is to have Bonds’ friend and personal trainer, Greg Anderson, testify. Anderson has refused to testify and is serving jail time for that decision. Both sides stated the earliest a trial date can be set would be in March 2011. Prosecutors must prove that Bonds lied when he told a grand jury that he did not knowingly use anabolic steroids and human growth hormone.

Under 18 U.S.C. Section 1623 of the United States Code, it is a federal crime to make false statements before any court or grand jury of the United States while under oath. A perjury conviction shall be punished by up to five years in federal prison.

This case illustrates the importance of having an experienced attorney at your side. Although some may say that it was obvious that Barry Bonds used performance enhancing drugs, it is the prosecution’s duty to prove the crime was committed beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution can only use admissible evidence, which includes evidence that is legally obtained. It will be tough for the prosecution to prove that Bonds lied to the grand jury when crucial evidence is not admissible.

If you or a loved one is facing a perjury charge, the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich can help you. Our Southern California perjury attorneys have over 30 years of experience. We will fight for your rights and provide the best possible perjury defense. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or contact us through our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.