Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Charles City Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony under Virginia law, involving the inducement of another person to commit perjury. If you are facing these criminal charges in Charles City County, you need a defense lawyer with experience in complex criminal court proceedings. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused representation for individuals accused of subornation of perjury.
Understanding Subornation of Perjury Charges in Virginia
Subornation of perjury is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a Class 5 felony to “induce another to commit perjury,” meaning to knowingly persuade or cause someone else to lie under oath in an official proceeding. This is distinct from perjury itself, which is the act of lying under oath. The charge requires the prosecution to prove you had the specific intent to cause another person to give false testimony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Charles City County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Charles City County General District Court website.
The Charles City Court Process for Felony Charges
As a felony, a subornation of perjury charge begins in the Charles City County General District Court for a preliminary hearing. The key local procedural fact is that this hearing determines if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial. A strong defense at this early stage can be critical.
- Arraignment & Bond Hearing: You will be formally advised of the charges and a bond may be set.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to show probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be re-arraigned in Charles City County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions and review all evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through negotiation.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, with penalties as defined by law.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury
In Virginia, subornation of perjury is a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, difficulty obtaining employment, loss of civil rights (voting, firearm possession). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor whose background provides critical insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious felony charges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. In Charles City County, our team has successfully defended clients in the General District Court. For instance, we secured a dismissal for a client facing a reckless driving charge for failure to maintain proper control. Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, contributes significant prosecutorial insight to our defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Near Charles City County
Our Richmond location serves Charles City and surrounding communities. We are accessible for meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 | Local: (804) 977-0097
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between perjury and subornation of perjury?
Yes, there is a key difference. Perjury is the act of lying under oath yourself. Subornation of perjury is the separate crime of inducing or persuading another person to commit that act of perjury. Both are serious felonies in Virginia.
Can I go to jail for subornation of perjury in Virginia?
Yes. Subornation of perjury is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. Alternatively, a jury can impose a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction results in a permanent felony record.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to induce perjury, that the witness’s statement was actually true, that you did not know the testimony was false, or that the alleged inducement never occurred. A skilled criminal charges defense lawyer will investigate all avenues.
Why do I need a lawyer for a preliminary hearing?
The preliminary hearing is a critical stage where your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence and argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges before the case even reaches trial. Effective advocacy here can significantly alter the case’s trajectory.
Does your firm handle federal perjury-related charges?
Yes. Our defense team, including Mr. Sris and Matthew Greene, has experience with federal criminal proceedings. Federal perjury and subornation charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 and 1622 carry severe penalties and require specialized knowledge.
Related Practice Areas: If you are dealing with other serious allegations, our firm also provides defense for federal crimes and state criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on subornation of perjury charges in Charles City, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
If your case reaches beyond Charles City County, our page on subornation of perjury charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.