Perjury Lawyer Chesterfield Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Chesterfield County is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, carrying 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in Chesterfield County. A perjury lawyer Chesterfield Virginia from our firm can challenge the prosecution’s evidence that a statement was both false and material. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined in Virginia as willfully giving false testimony under oath in an official proceeding, after being administered an oath required by law. 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, confinement in jail for up to twelve months and a fine of up to $2,500. The prosecution must 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 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s perjury statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-434. Court information for Chesterfield County can be found at the Chesterfield County General District Court website.
Defending a Perjury Case in Chesterfield County
Building a defense against perjury charges requires a detailed analysis of the alleged false statement and the context in which it was made. A skilled criminal attorney will examine whether the statement was truly material to the proceeding’s outcome, if you had the specific intent to deceive, or if the statement was a result of confusion, mistake, or a faulty memory. In Chesterfield County General District Court, where felony preliminary hearings are held, the defense can challenge the sufficiency of evidence before the case proceeds to Circuit Court for trial.
- Case Assessment: Your defense lawyer will review all transcripts, recordings, and evidence related to the sworn statement to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Motion to Quash: If procedural errors occurred during the oath administration or the proceeding itself, your attorney may file a motion to dismiss the charge.
- Negotiation: Before a preliminary hearing in GDC or trial in Circuit Court, your criminal court lawyer may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser offense, such as obstruction of justice, which carries lesser penalties.
- Preliminary Hearing: At the General District Court hearing, your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence to try and prevent the case from being certified to the Circuit Court.
- Trial Strategy: If the case proceeds, your defense will focus on creating reasonable doubt about your intent or the materiality of the statement, often using experienced witnesses or contextual evidence.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Chesterfield County, a perjury conviction as a Class 5 felony carries a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | 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 | 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 with Criminal Charges Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Chesterfield County, we have documented results defending clients against serious allegations. Our approach to criminal charges defense is grounded in a deep understanding of Virginia law and local court procedures.
Case Results in Chesterfield County
Our perjury lawyer Chesterfield Virginia team has a track record of advocating for clients in the local courts. We have secured dismissals and favorable resolutions in various matters. For instance, our attorneys have achieved “Not Guilty” verdicts for charges like profane language over public airways and dismissals for alcohol-related offenses in Chesterfield General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near Chesterfield County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Chesterfield County courts (9500 Courthouse Road). We represent individuals from Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
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: (804) 377-7730
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Perjury Charges in Virginia
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can I go to jail for a false statement?
Yes. If the false statement was made under oath in an official proceeding and is proven to be material and willful, it constitutes perjury, a jailable felony. A strong defense often challenges the element of intent or materiality.
What’s the difference between GDC and Circuit Court for a perjury charge?
Perjury is a felony, so the case starts with a preliminary hearing in Chesterfield County General District Court. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is certified to Chesterfield County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Absolutely. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe. A perjury lawyer Chesterfield Virginia can protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work towards dismissal or reduction of the charge from the earliest stages.
What is a “material” statement?
It depends. A statement is material if it could have affected the course or outcome of the proceeding. Even a false statement under oath may not be perjury if it was about an irrelevant detail. Proving immateriality is a common defense strategy.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County. If you are facing other charges, explore our services for DUI defense in Chesterfield.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.