One of the most central themes in Christianity is that these folks were lying through their teeth in oder to falsely convict Jesus, and they knew it. That's what makes it the story of the individual who did no wrong being falsely put to death, willingly carrying out His sentence, and in the process absolving mankind of the wrongs they did or ever will do. It wouldn't be all anywhere near that powerful of a gesture if he did something illegal, was caught doing it, and was killed for it.
You can see in the passages directly surrounding what you quote how obvious the Bible makes it. Paraphrasing and injecting context that would have been obvious to the Jewish audiences:
Jews: Should we pay taxes?
Jesus: This item was made by Caesar in the image of Caesar, therefore it's safe to assume it's Caesars property and if he wants it back you should return it to him. But you on the other hand were made in the image of God, you are God's property and you should return to Him.
Jews: Are you the King of the Jews?
Jesus: That is what you have called me.
Jews: This guy says we shouldn't pay taxes and that he's the messiah! Kill him!
Judge: “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”
Jews: But we really really really really want you to kill him! And we'll probably have an uprising and cause a ton of trouble if you don't!
Judge: Screw it fine, I'll let this other murderer and insurrectionist we had previously held captive go free and crucify Jesus instead.