Perjury Lawyer Gloucester Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Gloucester County, Virginia, is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in Gloucester County General District or Circuit Court, you need an experienced perjury lawyer Gloucester Virginia 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 perjury as a Class 5 felony. This means a conviction can result in a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, or in the discretion of the jury, 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, carries the same severe penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 deep understanding of courtroom procedure and evidence rules is critical for building a defense against perjury allegations.
Official Resources and Court Information
Perjury cases in Gloucester County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard in the Gloucester County General District Court for preliminary matters and the Gloucester County Circuit Court for felony trials. The official Virginia statute defining the crime is accessible through the state’s legislative portal.
Local Court Process for Perjury Charges in Gloucester
The key local procedural fact is that perjury charges often arise from prior cases. A statement made under oath in a divorce, traffic, or other criminal matter can lead to a separate perjury investigation. In Gloucester County, prosecutors must prove you made a false statement, that you knew it was false, and that it was material to the proceeding. Our defense strategy often involves challenging the materiality of the statement or arguing a lack of willful intent to deceive.
If you are under investigation or charged with perjury, here are the typical steps in the local court process:
- Investigation & Charge: Law enforcement or the Commonwealth’s Attorney investigates the alleged false statement, often reviewing sworn testimony from a previous case.
- Arrest or Summons: You may be arrested or receive a summons to appear in Gloucester County General District Court for an arraignment.
- Preliminary Hearing: As a felony, your case will have a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to certify the charge to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be arraigned in Gloucester County Circuit Court, where you enter a formal plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer will file motions, challenge evidence, and conduct discovery to build your defense strategy.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or may be resolved through negotiation, potentially seeking a reduction to a misdemeanor.
Potential Penalties for a Perjury Conviction
In Gloucester County, a perjury conviction is a Class 5 felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion, plus long-term collateral consequences.
| 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 can affect professional licenses | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty obtaining employment, housing, and loans. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Gloucester County Perjury Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience includes over 120 combined years in practice and more than 4,739 case results. A perjury case requires a defense lawyer who understands both the law and the nuances of testimony. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, giving us unique insight into how the Commonwealth builds its cases. We approach each case with a focus on the specific facts and the high burden of proof the prosecution must meet.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
In Gloucester County and across Virginia, our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious allegations. While we have 9 total documented case results across all practice areas in Gloucester County with a 100% favorable outcome rate, every case is unique. Our senior attorney, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and firm founder, provides strategic oversight on complex matters. We meticulously analyze the circumstances of your alleged statement to identify the strongest defense path.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Gloucester County Perjury Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond Location serves clients at the Gloucester County courts (7400 Justice Drive). We are your local perjury lawyer near Gloucester, accessible via Route 17, Route 14, and Route 3. We serve clients in Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
Available 24/7 | Consultations by Appointment Only
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 423-1382
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges in Virginia
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on a sworn form?
It depends. Perjury requires the prosecution to prove you willfully and knowingly made a false statement under oath. An honest mistake, a misunderstanding, or a lack of intent to deceive can be a complete defense. A skilled criminal court lawyer can argue these points to challenge the charge.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m just under investigation for perjury?
Yes. Consulting a criminal attorney before charges are filed is critical. Early intervention can allow your lawyer to present information to the prosecutor that may clarify the situation and potentially prevent formal charges from being issued.
What’s the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
In Virginia legal terms, perjury specifically refers to false testimony under oath in an official proceeding. Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate, usually lesser, offense. The specific circumstances determine which charge applies.
Where are perjury cases heard in Gloucester County?
Perjury, as a felony, begins with a preliminary hearing in the Gloucester County General District Court. If probable cause is found, the case is certified to the Gloucester County Circuit Court for potential jury trial.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other allegations, our firm also provides defense for DUI charges in Gloucester and reckless driving in Gloucester.
More Virginia Resources: For an overview of our statewide defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Gloucester County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on perjury lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.