Perjury Lawyer Hanover Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Hanover County is a serious felony under Virginia law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. As a criminal attorney, we understand that charges often arise from statements made in court, depositions, or sworn affidavits. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of making false statements.
Last verified: April 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-434. It occurs when a person, under oath in any official proceeding, willfully makes a false statement material to the proceeding. The statute requires the prosecution to prove you knew the statement was false and intended to mislead the court or tribunal. This is a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Subornation of perjury, which is procuring another person to commit perjury under Va. Code § 18.2-436, is also a Class 5 felony. Defending these charges requires a detailed analysis of the oath’s administration, the statement’s materiality, and your intent at the time.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the perjury statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for felony charges in Hanover County are handled by the Hanover County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for trials.
The Hanover County Court Process for Perjury Charges
Perjury cases in Hanover County typically begin with a warrant or indictment. Your first appearance will be in Hanover County General District Court for a bond hearing and a preliminary hearing. At the preliminary hearing, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that you committed the felony. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is certified to the Hanover County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Arrest or Summons: You will be arrested or summoned based on a warrant or indictment.
- General District Court Arraignment: You are formally advised of the felony charge and a bond hearing is held.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause for the felony.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you are arraigned in Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer files motions and reviews all evidence, including transcripts or recordings of the alleged false statement.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through negotiation based on the strength of the evidence.
In Hanover County, a perjury conviction is a Class 5 felony with a penalty range of 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| 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, loss of right to vote and possess firearms. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, 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 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We approach each case with a focus on the specific facts and Hanover County court procedures.
Case Results for Hanover County
Our commitment to defense is reflected in our documented results. In Hanover County, we have secured favorable outcomes for clients facing serious allegations. For instance, our team achieved a Not Guilty verdict for a client charged with FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE UCRA in Hanover General District Court. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney for complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is particularly valuable in cases involving detailed financial or technical testimony.
Contact Our Hanover County Perjury Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients in Hanover County. We are near the Hanover County courts, accessible via I-95 and Route 301. We serve Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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 fine of up to $2,500.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on a sworn form?
It depends. Perjury requires the prosecution to prove you willfully and knowingly made a false statement under oath. A genuine mistake, misunderstanding, or faulty memory is not a crime. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the proof of criminal intent.
Do I need a criminal court lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. A felony perjury charge requires a skilled criminal court lawyer to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and handle the complex procedures in Hanover County General District and Circuit Courts.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
In Virginia law, “perjury” specifically refers to 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, usually less severe, offense. The key distinction is the setting and the administration of an oath.
What should I do if I’m accused of perjury?
First, do not discuss the case with anyone except your defense lawyer. Contact a perjury lawyer immediately. Your attorney will obtain all transcripts and evidence, analyze the materiality of the statement, and begin building a defense focused on intent and the facts.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Hanover, consider a DUI defense lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a Hanover County charge, our page explains how Virginia federal courts handle perjury.