Perjury Lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Perjury in Roanoke County is a serious felony under Virginia law, carrying severe penalties. If you are accused of lying under oath in a court proceeding or official investigation, you need a skilled perjury lawyer in Roanoke County Virginia immediately. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these complex criminal charges.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
In Virginia, perjury is defined as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding, or in a sworn written statement, when the matter is material to the proceeding. The crime is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-434. A conviction is a Class 5 felony, punishable by one to ten years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Subornation of perjury (inducing another to commit perjury) carries the same severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We approach perjury cases with a detailed understanding of the need to dissect testimony and challenge the prosecution’s proof of intent and materiality.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-434 (Perjury statute)
- Roanoke County General District Court
Building a Defense Against Perjury Charges in Roanoke County
The key local procedural fact is that perjury cases in Roanoke County often arise from prior court cases, depositions, or grand jury testimony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you knowingly made a false statement, that it was under oath, and that it was material to the proceeding. Defenses often focus on lack of intent, mistaken belief, or that the statement was not material. In the Roanoke County General District Court, felony charges like perjury begin with a preliminary hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Do not discuss the allegations with anyone. Contact a perjury lawyer in Roanoke County Virginia immediately to invoke your right to counsel.
- Case Analysis: Your criminal attorney will obtain all transcripts, recordings, and prior statements to analyze the alleged falsehood and its materiality.
- Preliminary Hearing Strategy: At the General District Court hearing, your defense lawyer will challenge the probable cause finding, potentially getting the felony charge reduced or dismissed early.
- Circuit Court Defense: If the case proceeds, your criminal court lawyer will file pre-trial motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare a trial defense focusing on witness credibility and the high burden of proof.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Roanoke County, a perjury conviction is a Class 5 felony carrying a potential prison sentence of one to ten years, or up to twelve 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 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.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Choosing the right legal team is crucial for criminal charges defense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a unique combination of perspective to perjury cases. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the other side builds a case and a former Virginia State Trooper, Bryan Block, with 15 years of law enforcement experience investigating statements and testimony. This insider knowledge is invaluable in challenging the evidence and intent required for a perjury conviction.
Our Approach to Perjury Cases
We have a documented record of defending clients against serious charges. In perjury cases, our defense strategy is meticulous. We examine the context of the oath, the alleged falsity, and the materiality requirement. We work with experienced co-counsel like Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state experience, to ensure every angle is explored. Our goal is to protect your future by seeking dismissal, reduction, or an acquittal at trial.
Contact Our Roanoke County Perjury Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (540) 999-2000
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts. We are a perjury lawyer near Roanoke County, accessible via I-81. We serve the communities of Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges in Roanoke County
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, punishable by one to ten years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Can I be charged with perjury for a lie on a written form?
It depends. If the form includes a sworn declaration or verification under penalty of perjury (common in affidavits or certain government forms), and the false statement is material, you can be charged. A simple lie on an unsworn application typically does not constitute perjury under Va. Code § 18.2-434.
What is the main defense against a perjury charge?
The most common defenses are lack of intent to lie (you believed the statement was true), that the statement was not material to the proceeding, or that the statement was literally true. A skilled perjury lawyer in Roanoke County Virginia will investigate all possible defenses based on the specific facts of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. Perjury is a felony with severe consequences. The legal definitions of “materiality” and “intent” are complex. A criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors from the very first stage of your case.
Where are perjury cases heard in Roanoke County?
Perjury, as a felony, begins with a preliminary hearing in the Roanoke County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is sent to the Roanoke County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. Your criminal court lawyer will represent you at both levels.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides defense for DUI, reckless driving, and other criminal charges in Roanoke County.
For other localities: We also serve clients in Shenandoah County, Frederick County, and across Virginia. Visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page for more information.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
If you want to see how a Roanoke County case fits into the wider process, our page on perjury lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.