Arlington County Perjury Lawyer — What Are Your Defenses Against Lying Under Oath?
Perjury in Arlington County is a serious felony under Virginia law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in a court proceeding or official investigation, securing a skilled perjury lawyer Arlington County is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Perjury Charges in Virginia
Perjury is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-434. The statute makes it a crime to willfully and falsely swear or affirm under oath regarding a material matter in any official proceeding. This includes testimony in court, depositions, affidavits, and sworn statements to government agencies. The key elements the prosecution must prove are: (1) you made a false statement, (2) under oath or affirmation, (3) in an official proceeding, (4) the statement was material to the proceeding, and (5) you acted willfully with knowledge of the statement’s falsity.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court & General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the official Virginia Code § 18.2-434 (Perjury). For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
Local Court Procedures for Perjury Cases
Perjury charges in Arlington County are typically initiated in the Circuit Court, as it is a felony. The process often begins with a special grand jury investigation or a direct indictment. Prosecutors in Arlington take allegations of lying under oath very seriously, especially in high-stakes civil litigation or criminal cases. A perjury charge lawyer Arlington County must be prepared to challenge the materiality of the alleged false statement and the evidence of willful intent from the outset.
- Initial Charge & Arraignment: You will be formally charged via indictment or information and arraigned in Arlington County Circuit Court, where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to dismiss if the statement was immaterial or not made under a legally sufficient oath, or to suppress evidence.
- Discovery & Investigation: The defense reviews all evidence, including transcripts, recordings, and prior statements, to find inconsistencies or lack of intent.
- Plea Negotiations: Your lawyer may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a misdemeanor (like false statement to a law enforcement officer) or case dismissal.
- Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial where the prosecution must prove all elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing arguments focus on lack of criminal history, context of the statement, and mitigating factors to argue for probation or a reduced sentence.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Arlington
In Arlington County, perjury is a Class 5 felony carrying 1-10 years in prison, a fine up to $2,500, and a permanent felony record that can affect professional licenses and employment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, impeachment as a witness in future cases. |
| Subornation of Perjury (Procuring another to commit perjury) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Same as perjury, plus potential conspiracy charges. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Defending Perjury Allegations
Founded in 1997, the 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%. Our defense strategy for a lying under oath defense lawyer Arlington County focuses on attacking the core elements of the charge: demonstrating that any misstatement was not material to the proceeding, was the result of confusion, mistake, or faulty memory, and not a willful intent to deceive. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex perjury defenses.
Case Results & Defense Approach
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against perjury allegations by meticulously reviewing transcripts and prior statements to expose inconsistencies in the prosecution’s theory. Defenses we employ include lack of materiality, absence of willful intent (arguing mistake or ambiguity), recantation, and challenging the validity of the oath. In one case, we secured a dismissal by proving the alleged false statement was not material to the outcome of the underlying proceeding. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Presence & Contact Information
Our Arlington location is strategically positioned to serve clients facing charges in the Arlington County Courthouse. We are accessible via Route 50 and I-66. If you need a perjury lawyer near Arlington County or near the Courthouse, we are here to help. We serve all Arlington communities, including Clarendon, Ballston, and Pentagon City.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
2001 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite 301
Arlington, VA 22202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions (Perjury Charges)
Is perjury always a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-434, perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. There is no misdemeanor perjury charge for lying under oath in an official proceeding.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
It depends on the context. 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 Class 1 misdemeanor that does not require a formal oath or occur in a court setting.
Can I be charged with perjury based on a written affidavit?
Yes. Perjury applies to any false statement made under oath or affirmation, which includes signed affidavits, depositions, and written declarations submitted to a court or government agency, not just live courtroom testimony.
What if I recant my false statement?
Virginia law does not have a formal “recantation defense” that automatically bars prosecution. However, voluntarily recanting a false statement before it affects the proceeding can be a powerful mitigating factor that a skilled perjury lawyer Arlington County can use to seek dismissal or a favorable plea agreement.
How can a lawyer defend against a perjury charge?
A defense lawyer for a perjury charge in Arlington County may argue: the statement was literally true, it was not material to the proceeding, you lacked willful intent to lie (e.g., mistake, confusion), the oath was improperly administered, or the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Related Pages: If you are facing other criminal charges, see our pages for Criminal Defense Lawyer Fairfax County and Felony Lawyer Alexandria. For an overview of our Virginia practice, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.