Perjury Lawyer in King George County, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Perjury in King George County is a serious felony under Va. Code § 18.2-434, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath in the King George County General District or Circuit Court, you need a strong defense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal defense for perjury charges.
Virginia Law on Perjury and False Statements
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 1 to 10 years in prison, or in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 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 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the perjury statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information and procedures can be found on the King George County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Perjury Charges in King George
Perjury cases in King George County typically originate from testimony given in local courts like the King George County General District Court or Circuit Court. Because perjury is a felony, the case will be presented to a grand jury for indictment before proceeding to a jury trial in the King George County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King George County prosecutes these cases aggressively, given their impact on judicial integrity.
- Initial Accusation: An allegation of perjury is made, often by a prosecutor or opposing counsel, based on conflicting statements under oath.
- Investigation: Law enforcement or the Commonwealth’s Attorney investigates the claim, reviewing transcripts and recordings.
- Grand Jury Indictment: If probable cause is found, the case is presented to a grand jury in the Circuit Court for a felony indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, advised by your defense lawyer.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all prosecution materials.
- Trial: The case proceeds to a jury trial in King George County Circuit Court, where the state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Potential Penalties for a Perjury Conviction
In King George 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.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional 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, damage to credibility in any future legal proceeding. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, the 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 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a perjury charge attacks your credibility and can have devastating long-term effects. Our approach is to scrutinize the state’s evidence, challenge the element of intent, and protect your rights throughout the King George County court process.
Building a Defense Against Perjury Allegations
An effective defense against perjury charges often hinges on proving a lack of criminal intent. A skilled criminal court lawyer can argue that any false statement was a result of confusion, mistake, or a faulty memory, not a willful intent to deceive. Other defenses may include challenging the materiality of the statement or the lawfulness of the oath itself. Our team, including secondary attorney Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems—meticulously analyzes the context of your statements to identify the strongest defense strategy for your criminal charges defense.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We are a perjury lawyer near King George, Dahlgren, and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 under Va. Code § 18.2-434.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on the witness stand?
It depends. To convict for perjury, the prosecution must prove you willfully gave false testimony. An honest mistake, confusion, or a lapse in memory is not a crime. A strong defense focuses on challenging the intent element.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. Perjury is a felony with severe penalties. A criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and work to have charges reduced or dismissed before a damaging trial.
What’s the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
In Virginia law, 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 lesser, offense.
Where are perjury cases heard in King George County?
As a felony, perjury cases are indicted by a grand jury and tried before a jury in the King George County Circuit Court, located at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105, King George, VA 22485.
Related Legal Services in King George County
If you are facing other legal challenges, our firm also assists with DUI defense and reckless driving charges. For a full overview of our Virginia practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Fairfax County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your perjury case in King George, Virginia.