Perjury Lawyer in James City County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Perjury in James City County is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 total documented case results across all practice areas in this jurisdiction.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined under Virginia law as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding, after being lawfully sworn. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434, classifies it as a Class 5 felony. This means a conviction can result in a prison sentence of one to ten years, or, in the discretion of the jury or court, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500. The charge is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney for James City County and cases are heard in the James City County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how the Commonwealth builds its cases. This insight is critical for a perjury defense, which often hinges on the specific intent to deceive.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly) – The state statute defining perjury.
- Williamsburg/James City County General District Court – Official court website for initial proceedings.
Local Court Process for a Perjury Charge
In James City County, a perjury charge typically originates from a grand jury indictment or a direct indictment. The case will proceed in James City County Circuit Court, located at 5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you made a false statement, under oath, in an official proceeding, and that you did so willfully—meaning you knew the statement was false.
- Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the felony perjury charge and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your criminal attorney will obtain all evidence, including transcripts and witness statements. Pre-trial motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed.
- Plea Negotiations: Your defense lawyer may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a misdemeanor (like false statement to police) or case dismissal, depending on the evidence.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court, where the burden is on the Commonwealth to prove every element.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In James City 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 court’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 jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | 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.
Our Experience in James City County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience. In James City County, we have a documented record of handling criminal charges defense. Our approach is informed by former prosecutors on staff who understand how the other side builds a case. For perjury defenses, this includes meticulously comparing testimonies and challenging the element of intent. Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, provides unique insight into investigation protocols that can be key in these cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While we maintain a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have 5 total documented case results across all practice areas specific to James City County. In perjury and related false statement cases, favorable outcomes often involve case dismissals, reductions to lesser offenses, or acquittals at trial by creating reasonable doubt about the defendant’s willful intent to deceive.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near James City County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the James City County courts. We are accessible via I-64, Route 60, Route 5, and Route 199 (Humelsine Pkwy), near landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary. We provide representation for clients in Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Defense
What is the penalty for perjury in James City County, Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434. The penalty is 1 to 10 years in prison, or, at the court’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Cases are prosecuted in James City County Circuit Court.
Can I go to jail for a false statement that wasn’t under oath?
No. Perjury requires a false statement made under oath in an official proceeding. However, making a false report to police is a separate crime (Va. Code § 18.2-461), a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
What are common defenses against a perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you believed the statement was true), the statement was literally true, the oath was not properly administered, or the statement was not material to the proceeding. A skilled criminal court lawyer will analyze the transcript and context to identify the best defense strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. Facing a felony charge without a criminal defense lawyer is extremely risky. The Commonwealth must prove willful intent, and an experienced attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate for a reduction, or defend you at trial to protect your future.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
Perjury specifically involves false testimony under oath in an official proceeding (like court or a deposition). Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a different, typically misdemeanor, charge that does not require an oath.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing perjury charges in James City County, it is crucial to act quickly. For more information on our firm’s broader criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in James City County, consider our services for DUI defense or family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
James City County cases are handled by our Virginia perjury practice, where the whole process is set out.