Perjury Lawyer Isle of Wight County — Defending Against Charges of Lying Under Oath
Perjury in Isle of Wight County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can bar you from certain jobs and professional licenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of lying under oath.
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 is precise, requiring the prosecution to prove you knew the statement was false and intended to mislead the court or tribunal.
Last verified: March 2026 | Isle of Wight County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving complex testimony or financial records.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures and filing information for Isle of Wight County can be found at the Isle of Wight County General District Court website.
Defending a Perjury Charge in Isle of Wight County
A charge of lying under oath in Isle of Wight County is prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard in the Circuit Court. The key local procedural fact is that the prosecution must prove not just that the statement was untrue, but that you willfully and corruptly swore falsely. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistake, misunderstanding of the question, or that the statement was not material to the proceeding. The court at 17122 Monument Circle, Suite A, handles these serious felony matters.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Immediately contact a defense attorney to review the charges, the specific testimony in question, and the context of the official proceeding.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will obtain all transcripts, recordings, and prior statements to identify inconsistencies, ambiguities, or potential defenses like lack of intent.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or the materiality of the alleged false statement before trial.
- Trial Strategy: If the case proceeds to trial in Isle of Wight County Circuit Court, present a defense focused on your state of mind and the specific legal requirements the prosecution must meet.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If convicted, advocate for a sentence below the guideline range, emphasizing factors like lack of prior record, community ties, and restitution if applicable.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Isle of Wight 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 of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Collateral Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail) | Up to $2,500 | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, loss of voting rights, difficulty securing employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to building defenses against complex charges like perjury. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in challenging cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally amended Virginia state law (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep understanding of legal statutes and procedure that benefits every client.
Case Results
In Isle of Wight County, our firm has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our approach is thorough and strategic. For instance, our team has successfully defended clients against charges where the prosecution’s case relied heavily on witness testimony, skilled to dismissals or reduced charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Perjury Lawyer Near Isle of Wight County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Isle of Wight County courts. We are accessible via Route 10, Route 258, Route 17, and Route 460, serving the communities of Smithfield, Windsor, and Carrollton.
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) 288-1661
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Perjury Defense FAQs
What is the penalty for perjury in Virginia?
Perjury is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. A jury can alternatively impose a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
What must the prosecution prove for a perjury charge?
It depends. The prosecution must prove you willfully and corruptly gave a false statement, under oath, in an official proceeding, and that the statement was material to the proceeding. A defense often focuses on challenging intent or materiality.
Can I be charged with perjury for a statement made outside of court?
Yes. Virginia law covers false statements under oath in any official proceeding, which includes depositions, affidavits submitted to the court, and testimony before grand juries or administrative tribunals.
What’s the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
Perjury specifically requires a false statement made under oath in an official proceeding. Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate, usually less severe, offense that does not require an oath.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. Given the felony penalties and complex nature of proving intent, having a skilled perjury lawyer in Isle of Wight County is critical. An attorney can analyze the testimony, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and protect your rights throughout the process.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing a perjury charge, you may also want to learn about Virginia criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, see our pages for a Henrico County criminal defense lawyer and a Chesterfield County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Isle of Wight County, we also assist with DUI defense and reckless driving charges.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a perjury charge in Isle of Wight County.