Perjury Lawyer in Manassas, Virginia — Defending Against Lying Under Oath Charges
Perjury in Manassas is a serious criminal offense under Virginia law, defined as willfully lying under oath in a judicial proceeding. A Class 5 felony perjury charge can result in 1-10 years in prison. If you are accused of lying under oath, securing a skilled perjury lawyer Manassas is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
In Virginia, perjury is governed by Va. Code § 18.2-434. The statute defines the crime as willfully and falsely swearing or affirming under oath in a judicial proceeding or in any matter where an oath is required by law. The essence of the offense is the intentional act of lying under oath after having taken an oath to tell the truth.
Last verified: March 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a deep understanding of the intent requirements prosecutors must prove in perjury cases. A successful defense often hinges on challenging the element of willfulness or the materiality of the false statement.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for perjury cases in Manassas are handled by the Manassas General District Court for preliminary matters and Manassas Circuit Court for felony trials.
Defending a Perjury Charge in Manassas Courts
A perjury charge lawyer Manassas must handle specific local procedures. In Manassas General District Court, a felony perjury charge begins with a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause. The case then moves to Manassas Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office must prove you knowingly made a false, material statement under oath.
- Case Assessment: Immediately consult with a perjury defense attorney to review the charges, the alleged false statement, and the context of the oath.
- Evidence Review: Your lawyer will scrutinize transcripts, recordings, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case regarding intent and materiality.
- Motion Strategy: File pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or to suppress improperly obtained statements.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will either negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of charges or prepare a vigorous defense for trial, arguing lack of willful intent.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Manassas, perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony, carrying severe penalties including prison time and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison (or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail) | 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.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with decades of combined experience handling complex criminal cases where witness credibility and intent are central. We understand the high stakes of a perjury accusation and build defenses focused on the specific facts of your case.
Our firm-wide practice has resulted in over 4,739 documented case results. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, including those involving allegations of lying under oath.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Perjury Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Manassas courts (9311 Lee Avenue), accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We represent individuals in Manassas and surrounding communities.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Perjury Charges in Manassas
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 at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Can I be charged with perjury for a false statement made outside of court?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-434, perjury applies to false statements made under oath in any official proceeding or in any matter where an oath is required by law, which can include depositions, affidavits, or sworn statements to government agencies.
What is the difference between perjury and making a false statement to a law enforcement officer?
Perjury requires a false statement made under a formal oath. Making a false statement to a law enforcement officer (Va. Code § 18.2-461) is a separate Class 1 misdemeanor that does not require a sworn oath, only the intent to mislead.
Do I need a lawyer for a perjury charge?
Yes. A perjury charge is a felony with severe consequences. A skilled perjury lawyer Manassas can challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent and materiality, which are difficult elements for the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
What defenses are available against a perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of willful intent (you believed the statement was true), the statement was not material to the proceeding, recantation of the false statement before it affects the proceeding, or that the oath was not lawfully administered.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing criminal charges in Manassas, you may also need a Manassas criminal defense lawyer. For charges originating in federal court, consult a Manassas federal criminal lawyer. Learn more about Virginia criminal law on our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.