Virginia Perjury Lawyer — What Are the Penalties for Lying Under Oath?
Perjury in Virginia is a serious felony offense under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in a court proceeding or official investigation, you need a skilled perjury lawyer in Virginia immediately. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense strategies for those facing criminal charges.
Virginia Perjury Law and Definition
In Virginia, perjury is defined as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding, after being lawfully sworn. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434, requires the prosecution to prove you knowingly made a false statement, that the statement was material to the proceeding, and that you were under a lawful oath to tell the truth. This charge is distinct from making a false statement to a law enforcement officer, which is covered under a different statute. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor with a background in complex case strategy, understands how the state builds these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the Virginia perjury statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly). For procedures related to court filings, visit the Virginia court system website.
Building a Defense Against Perjury Charges
A successful defense against perjury often hinges on challenging the element of intent. The prosecution must prove you knowingly lied, not that you were mistaken or forgot a detail. In many Virginia courts, prosecutors rely heavily on the transcript or recording of the testimony in question. A common defense strategy is to argue that the statement was literally true, or that any falsehood was not material to the outcome of the proceeding.
- Case Assessment: Your attorney will obtain all transcripts, recordings, and related documents from the proceeding where the alleged perjury occurred.
- Intent Analysis: We will work to demonstrate a lack of criminal intent, such as showing you believed your statement was true or that it was a simple mistake.
- Materiality Challenge: Your defense lawyer will argue the false statement did not affect the core issues of the case, which is a required element for conviction.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors can be a critical step.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds, we prepare a clear narrative for the jury that casts doubt on the prosecution’s claims of intentional deceit.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Virginia, perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or, in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but a felony conviction affects many professional licenses. | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty obtaining employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia’s court systems and prosecutorial tactics. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious criminal charges defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. While every case is unique, our team, including experienced attorneys like Mr. Sris who personally handles complex criminal defense, works diligently to protect our clients’ rights and futures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Legal Support for Virginia Residents
If you need a perjury lawyer near Virginia, our firm is accessible for consultations. We serve clients across all Virginia communities. Our Fairfax location is a central point for serving the Northern Virginia region. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perjury Charges
Is perjury always a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-434, perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony, which is a serious criminal charge.
Can I be charged with perjury for lying on a written form?
It depends. If the form includes a verification under oath (like an affidavit) and is submitted to a court or government agency, you could face charges. A criminal attorney can review the specific document and circumstances.
What’s the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
Perjury requires a false statement made under oath in an official proceeding. Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate misdemeanor, even without an oath.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Absolutely. Given the severe felony penalties, you need a defense lawyer who understands the nuances of intent and materiality to protect your rights in criminal court.
What are common defenses to perjury?
Common defenses include lack of willful intent (you believed the statement was true), recantation (you corrected the falsehood before it affected the proceeding), and immateriality (the lie was not relevant to the case).
A perjury case is one part of obstruction, perjury & false statements work, and our page on subornation of perjury lawyer Virginia covers the wider process.