Perjury Lawyer in Rappahannock County, Virginia
A perjury charge in Rappahannock County is a serious offense under Virginia law, classified as a Class 5 felony carrying 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals accused of lying under oath in Rappahannock County General District and Circuit Courts. Our team understands the local procedures and the severe consequences you face.
Last verified: March 2026 | Rappahannock County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Perjury Law and Penalties
In Virginia, perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-434. The statute makes it a crime to willfully give false testimony under oath in any official proceeding after having taken an oath to tell the truth. The law applies to sworn statements in court, depositions, affidavits, and other formal settings. The prosecution must prove you knowingly made a false statement, that the statement was material to the proceeding, and that you did so under oath. Defenses often challenge the element of intent or the materiality of the alleged falsehood.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Virginia perjury statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-434 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information for Rappahannock County can be found at the Rappahannock County Courts website.
Defending a Perjury Charge in Rappahannock County
Facing a perjury charge requires immediate action. In Rappahannock County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard in Circuit Court. A key local procedural fact is that perjury is a felony, so your case will begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court for trial. The prosecution’s case often hinges on proving your intent to deceive, which can be challenged.
- Secure legal representation immediately after being charged or informed you are under investigation.
- Your attorney will file for discovery to review all evidence, including transcripts of the alleged false statement.
- Your lawyer may file pre-trial motions to challenge the charge’s validity or suppress evidence.
- If the case proceeds, your defense will be presented at a jury trial in Rappahannock County Circuit Court.
- If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the most favorable sentencing outcome under the guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Perjury in Virginia
In Rappahannock County, 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 fine of up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | 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 | None directly, but a felony record affects professional licenses | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty obtaining employment, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
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 attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the Commonwealth builds its cases. We have handled complex cases where the truthfulness of testimony is central. We approach each perjury charge by dissecting the prosecution’s evidence on intent and materiality.
Building a Defense Strategy
We analyze every detail when building a defense against a perjury charge. This includes examining the context of the alleged false statement, your understanding of the question, and whether the statement was truly material to the proceeding. We also explore potential procedural defenses. In complex cases, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, may collaborate on strategy, particularly when financial records or technical testimony are involved.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
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 Rappahannock County courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve clients in Washington, Sperryville, and Flint Hill.
Perjury Defense FAQs for Rappahannock County
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 mistake?
No, a key element the prosecution must prove is that you willfully and knowingly gave false testimony. An honest mistake, a faulty memory, or a misunderstanding does not constitute perjury. A strong defense often focuses on challenging the proof of intent.
What is the difference between perjury and lying under oath?
In legal terms, they are essentially the same. “Lying under oath” is the common description for the crime of perjury. A lying under oath defense lawyer in Rappahannock County would defend against the formal charge of perjury under Va. Code § 18.2-434.
What should I do if I’m investigated for perjury?
It depends. You should immediately consult with a perjury charge lawyer in Rappahannock County before speaking with investigators. Anything you say can be used to establish intent. An attorney can advise you on your rights and guide your interactions with law enforcement or prosecutors.
Where are perjury cases heard in Rappahannock County?
Perjury cases are felonies, so they are heard in Rappahannock County Circuit Court. The process typically starts with a preliminary hearing in Rappahannock County General District Court to determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to Circuit Court for trial.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles general criminal defense in Rappahannock County. For charges originating in federal court, see our federal criminal defense page. Learn more about our statewide practice on our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.