Perjury Lawyer Hanover County — Defending Against Lying Under Oath Charges
Perjury in Hanover 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 Hanover County General District or Circuit Court, you need a strategic defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for perjury charges.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
In Virginia, perjury is defined as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding, after being administered an oath required by law. The crime is codified under Va. Code § 18.2-434. The statute requires the prosecution to prove you made a false statement, that you knew it was false, and that you made it willfully with the intent to mislead the court or tribunal.
Last verified: March 2026 | Hanover County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a background in evaluating testimony and challenging the evidence required to prove perjury beyond a reasonable doubt.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Virginia Code § 18.2-434 (Perjury). Court procedures and filing information for Hanover County can be found on the Hanover County General District Court website.
Defending a Perjury Charge in Hanover County
A perjury charge lawyer Hanover County must attack the specific elements of the offense. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are typically initiated after a discrepancy is noted in testimony during another case, such as a civil suit, divorce proceeding, or criminal trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove not just a mistake, but a deliberate lie. In Hanover County courts, defenses often focus on lack of intent, ambiguity in the questioned statement, or insufficient evidence of willfulness.
- Case Assessment: Immediately review all transcripts, depositions, and prior testimony related to the alleged false statement.
- Intent Analysis: Work with your attorney to demonstrate any lack of willful intent to deceive, such as confusion, mistake, or faulty memory.
- Motion to Dismiss: File pre-trial motions challenging the sufficiency of the evidence or the materiality of the statement.
- Negotiation: Explore options for case resolution that may avoid a felony conviction, depending on the circumstances.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds, prepare a strong defense focusing on witness credibility and the high burden of proof.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Hanover County, perjury is a Class 5 felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (§ 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | 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.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Perjury Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a documented favorable outcome rate. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of courtroom procedure and testimony, which is critical for a perjury defense. We serve clients with the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.”
For complex federal or cross-jurisdictional perjury matters, our team includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable results for clients facing serious charges. In Hanover County, we have secured dismissals and reductions in cases where the evidence of willful intent was challenged successfully.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near Hanover County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Hanover County courts. We are accessible via I-95, I-295, and Route 301. We provide legal representation to individuals in Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell.
24/7 Phone Consultations — By Appointment Only
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 977-0097
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can I be charged with perjury for a statement made in a divorce case?
Yes. Any false statement made under oath in an official proceeding, including divorce hearings in Hanover County Circuit Court, can lead to a perjury charge under Va. Code § 18.2-434.
What’s the difference between perjury and lying to a police officer?
Perjury specifically involves lying under oath in an official proceeding. Lying to a law enforcement officer is a separate misdemeanor offense under a different statute.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. A perjury charge is a felony with severe consequences. A perjury lawyer Hanover County can challenge the evidence of intent and materiality, which are critical elements the prosecution must prove.
What are common defenses to a perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of willful intent (you believed the statement was true), the statement was not material to the proceeding, ambiguity, insufficient evidence, or recantation before the proceeding ends.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing charges for other criminal offenses in Hanover County, our firm can help. For matters in nearby jurisdictions, see our page for a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico County. Learn more about our Virginia criminal defense practice.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding perjury charges.