Arlington Perjury Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Perjury in Arlington, Virginia, is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in Arlington County Circuit Court or General District Court, you need an experienced perjury lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
In Virginia, perjury is defined as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434, classifies it as a Class 5 felony. This is not a minor offense; it is a direct attack on the judicial system’s integrity. A conviction can derail your life, affecting employment, professional licenses, and personal reputation. The law requires the prosecution to prove you knowingly made a false statement, that the statement was material to the proceeding, and that you were under a lawful oath.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly website). For local court procedures and filing information, visit the Arlington County Circuit Court website.
The Arlington Court Process for Perjury Charges
Perjury charges in Arlington typically originate from a grand jury indictment or a direct indictment, moving the case to Arlington County Circuit Court. Prosecutors take these cases seriously due to their impact on legal proceedings. An experienced criminal attorney knows that early intervention is key. In this court, judges expect precise legal arguments, and prosecutors often seek substantial penalties to deter others.
- Case Initiation: You will be served with a felony warrant or indictment, formally charging you with perjury.
- Arraignment: You will appear in Circuit Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if the oath was unlawful or the statement was immaterial.
- Negotiation & Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines, which can include active prison time.
Potential Penalties for a Perjury Conviction
In Arlington, a perjury conviction as a Class 5 felony carries 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the judge’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights, professional licenses, permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Arlington Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have a documented record of defending clients against serious felony charges like perjury in Northern Virginia. We understand that an accusation does not equal guilt, and we build a defense focused on the prosecution’s burden of proof.
Case Results for Perjury and Felony Charges
Our criminal court lawyers have achieved favorable outcomes in numerous felony cases. While we cannot aim for specific results, our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In perjury and related obstruction of justice matters, defenses often involve challenging the materiality of the statement, proving a lack of willful intent, or demonstrating that the oath was not properly administered.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Arlington Perjury Defense Lawyers
Our Arlington location is centrally accessible for appointments at the Arlington County Courthouse. We serve clients throughout Arlington and nearby communities like Clarendon, Ballston, and Crystal City. If you are searching for a “perjury lawyer near Arlington,” we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 273-4104
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Perjury in Arlington, VA)
Is perjury always a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-434, perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony, whether it occurs in a civil or criminal proceeding. There is no misdemeanor perjury charge in Virginia state law.
What is the main defense against a perjury charge?
It depends. Common defenses include proving you did not willfully lie, that the statement was not material to the proceeding, that you misunderstood the question, or that the oath was not lawfully administered. A skilled criminal attorney will analyze the transcript and context to find the strongest argument.
Can I be charged with perjury based on a written statement?
Yes. Virginia’s perjury statute applies to false statements made under oath in a “written declaration.” This includes affidavits, depositions, and signed responses to interrogatories in both civil and criminal cases.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false report to police?
Perjury requires a false statement made under a lawful oath in an official proceeding. Making a false report to law enforcement (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate crime that does not require an oath and is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, though it can be a felony under certain circumstances.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of perjury?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used to prove willful intent. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a perjury lawyer in Arlington Virginia for guidance.