Perjury Lawyer Frederick Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Frederick County, 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 Frederick/Winchester General District Court or Circuit Court, you need an experienced perjury lawyer in Frederick Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these complex charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Frederick/Winchester General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined in Virginia as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding after having taken an oath to tell the truth. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434, classifies perjury as a Class 5 felony. This classification carries a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in state prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The prosecution must prove you knowingly made a false statement, that the statement was material to the proceeding, and that you were under a lawful oath. Defending against these charges requires a detailed understanding of the proceeding’s context and the alleged statement’s materiality. A skilled criminal attorney can challenge the element of intent and the materiality of the statement.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly)
- Frederick/Winchester General District Court Website
Local Court Process for Perjury Charges in Frederick County
Perjury cases in Frederick County typically originate from testimony given in the Frederick/Winchester General District Court or the Frederick County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Frederick County prosecutes these cases. Given the felony classification, the case will begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before potentially moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial. The key local procedural fact is that these charges are often complex, relying on transcripts and the context of prior proceedings. A defense lawyer must meticulously review all related case files and testimony.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty in Frederick/Winchester General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The court will hear evidence to determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be re-arraigned in Frederick County Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including transcripts, and may file motions to dismiss or suppress.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case will proceed to a jury trial or be resolved through negotiation with the prosecutor.
Potential Penalties for a Perjury Conviction
In Frederick County, a perjury conviction as a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, damage to credibility in future legal matters. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a perjury charge attacks your credibility and can have devastating long-term consequences. Our approach involves a forensic analysis of the alleged false statement, the oath administered, and the materiality of the testimony to build a powerful defense.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results in Frederick County courts. In one case, our defense team successfully argued for the dismissal of a false statement charge by demonstrating a lack of materiality to the underlying proceeding. In another, we negotiated an amendment to a lesser offense, avoiding a felony conviction. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near Frederick County, Virginia
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Frederick County courts. We are accessible via I-81, Route 7, and Route 11. We provide representation for individuals in Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Clear Brook, and Gore.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 | Local: (540) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on a legal form?
It depends. Perjury requires proof that you willfully gave false information under oath. An honest mistake or a misunderstanding is not a crime. A criminal court lawyer can argue the lack of criminal intent as a defense.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. A perjury charge is a felony with severe penalties. An experienced criminal charges defense attorney is essential to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
In Virginia, perjury specifically refers to false testimony under oath in an official proceeding. Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate, usually lesser, offense. The specific circumstances determine the charge.
Where are perjury cases heard in Frederick County?
Felony perjury charges begin with a preliminary hearing at the Frederick/Winchester General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Frederick County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense hub, or learn about related issues like DUI defense in Frederick County. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Shenandoah County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Frederick County, our page on perjury cases in Virginia covers the process end to end.