Perjury Lawyer in Augusta County, Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Augusta County, Virginia, is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable as a Class 5 felony with 1-10 years in prison. As a criminal attorney, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges, which are prosecuted in Augusta County Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined under Virginia law as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding after having taken an oath to tell the truth. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-434, classifies perjury as a Class 5 felony. This classification carries a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in state prison, or at the jury’s discretion, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. Subornation of perjury, which is procuring another person to commit perjury, is also a Class 5 felony under § 18.2-436. The prosecution must prove the statement was false, material to the proceeding, and made willfully with the intent to deceive.
In Augusta County, a perjury conviction as a Class 5 felony can result in 1-10 years in prison and creates a permanent felony record.
| 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 in jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty securing employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Augusta County Perjury Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, 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. We understand that a perjury charge often arises from high-stakes situations like divorce proceedings, contract disputes, or other criminal investigations, and we build defenses focused on intent, materiality, and the validity of the oath.
Our defense lawyer team, including former prosecutor Mr. Sris, approaches each case by meticulously reviewing all transcripts, witness statements, and the context of the alleged false statement. We look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof of willful intent or the materiality of the statement to the proceeding. In complex cases, our criminal court lawyer may collaborate with Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides an edge in cases involving financial documents or technical testimony.
Local Court Process for Perjury Charges in Augusta County
Perjury cases in Augusta County originate from statements made in proceedings at the Augusta County General District Court or Circuit Court. The Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office prosecutes these felony charges. A key local procedural fact is that while misdemeanors are handled in General District Court, perjury as a felony will be certified to the Augusta County Circuit Court for trial. The court is located at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401.
- Investigation & Charge: A complaint is filed, often by a party to a proceeding or the presiding judge. Law enforcement investigates and a warrant or indictment is sought.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally advised of the felony perjury charge and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or no contest) in Augusta County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense attorney will file motions, challenge evidence, and obtain all discovery from the prosecution to build your defense.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a potential reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if convicted): If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence within the statutory range, considering state sentencing guidelines.
Contact Our Augusta County Perjury Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — Serving Augusta County
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (540) 459-4524
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing perjury charges at the Augusta County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Augusta County Perjury Lawyer FAQ
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-434. The penalty range is 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 statement?
It depends. Perjury requires the prosecution to prove you willfully and intentionally gave false testimony under oath. A genuine mistake, misunderstanding, or faulty memory is not a criminal act. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the proof of criminal intent.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. Perjury is a felony with severe, life-altering penalties. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will vigorously prosecute. A skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What court handles perjury cases in Augusta County?
Felony perjury cases are heard in the Augusta County Circuit Court. The local court website for information is the Virginia Courts site for Augusta Circuit Court.
What defenses are available against a perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of willful intent (it was a mistake), the statement was not material to the proceeding, the oath was not properly administered, recantation (withdrawing the false statement before it affects the proceeding), or that the statement was literally true. A defense lawyer will analyze the specifics of your case.
Useful Resources: For more on Virginia criminal law, visit the Virginia Code. To understand the local court, see the Augusta County Circuit Court website. If you are facing other charges, consider our Augusta County criminal defense lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.