Perjury Lawyer Louisa Virginia — Defending Against False Statement Charges
Perjury in Louisa County is a serious felony under Virginia law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. As a perjury lawyer Louisa Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients against charges of making false statements under oath in court or official proceedings.
Last verified: April 2026 | Louisa County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
Perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-434 as willfully giving false testimony under oath in any official proceeding, after being lawfully sworn. The prosecution must prove you made a false statement, that you knew it was false, and that the statement was material to the proceeding. A conviction is a Class 5 felony, carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500 at the jury’s discretion. Subornation of perjury (inducing another to commit perjury) under § 18.2-436 carries the same penalties.
In Louisa County, a perjury conviction is a Class 5 felony with a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years.
| 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) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, loss of right to vote/firearms. |
| Subornation of Perjury (§ 18.2-436) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Same as perjury; charged as a separate, equally serious offense. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Building a Defense with a Perjury Lawyer Louisa Virginia
A strong defense often hinges on the elements the Commonwealth must prove. A skilled perjury lawyer Louisa Virginia will scrutinize whether the alleged false statement was truly “material” to the proceeding’s outcome. Even an untrue statement is not perjury if it was irrelevant. Defense lawyers also attack the element of intent, arguing you believed the statement was true or that it was a mistake, not a willful lie. Recantation—correcting a false statement before it substantially affects the proceeding—can be a complete defense under § 18.2-435.
- Case Assessment: Your perjury lawyer Louisa Virginia will review all transcripts, affidavits, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case regarding materiality and intent.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer may file motions to dismiss if the statement was immaterial or if your recantation qualifies as a defense.
- Negotiation: Your criminal attorney may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor like obstruction of justice, or seek a diversion program.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds to trial in Louisa County Circuit Court, your lawyer will prepare a defense focusing on your lack of intent to deceive.
Our Firm’s Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a documented record of handling complex felony cases. Our approach to criminal charges defense is thorough and case-specific.
Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys like Mr. Sris, who bring direct insight into how the other side builds cases. For perjury and other felony allegations, this experience is invaluable in developing an effective defense strategy.
Local Legal Resources for Louisa County
Understanding the official statutes and local court procedures is essential. You can review the Virginia perjury law directly on the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-434). For local court information, including forms and procedures, visit the Louisa County General District Court website.
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) 201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Louisa, Mineral, and Zion Crossroads who have matters at the Louisa County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment.
Perjury Defense FAQs in Louisa, VA
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.
Can I be charged with perjury for lying on a written form?
It depends. If the form includes a sworn affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury, and you willfully provide false material information, you can be charged. A criminal defense lawyer can review the specific form and circumstances.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement?
Perjury 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 that does not require an oath.
Is a recantation a valid defense to perjury?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-435, if you voluntarily retract your false statement in the same proceeding before it becomes manifest that the falsity will be exposed, it is a complete defense.
What should I do if I’m investigated for perjury?
Immediately contact a perjury lawyer Louisa Virginia. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used to establish the “willful” intent required for a conviction.
If you are facing perjury allegations in Louisa County, securing experienced legal counsel is the most critical step. A dedicated perjury lawyer Louisa Virginia from our firm can protect your rights and future. For a criminal charges defense consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Related Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Louisa VA | Federal Criminal Lawyer Louisa County
Nearby Locations: Criminal Defense Lawyer Henrico VA | Criminal Defense Lawyer Chesterfield VA
State Hub: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.