Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Charlotte Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony under Virginia law, involving the inducement of another person to commit perjury. In Charlotte County, such charges are prosecuted in the Charlotte County Circuit Court and can lead to severe penalties. If you are facing these criminal charges, securing a skilled defense lawyer is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Subornation of Perjury Under Virginia Law
Subornation of perjury is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a felony for any person to “procure or induce” another to commit perjury, which is the act of willfully giving false testimony under oath in an official proceeding. The crime is complete when the inducement is made, regardless of whether the other person actually commits perjury. This charge is distinct from perjury itself and focuses on the corrupt influence over a witness. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has extensive experience defending complex criminal charges like subornation of perjury. Our defense lawyer team understands the nuances of proving intent and the specific elements the Commonwealth must establish.
Last verified: April 2026 | Charlotte County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the Charlotte County Circuit Court website.
handling a Subornation of Perjury Case in Charlotte County
Charlotte County General District Court handles criminal matters for Charlotte and surrounding areas. Contact the clerk for local scheduling requirements. A subornation of perjury case typically originates with an investigation, often involving witness interviews and communication records. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally urged another person to lie under oath. Defenses often center on lack of intent, absence of inducement, or that the alleged false statement was not material to the proceeding. Early intervention by a criminal attorney is vital to control the narrative and protect against self-incrimination during investigations.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Discuss all details of the accusation, including any communications with the alleged witness.
- Investigation & Evidence Review: Your attorney will subpoena records, interview potential witnesses, and scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or violations of your rights.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges if the prosecution fails to establish probable cause for the specific elements of subornation.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial Preparation: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will engage in negotiations for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare a strong trial defense focusing on intent and witness credibility.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Virginia
In Charlotte, Virginia, subornation of 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-437) | 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 reputation, ineligibility for certain government benefits, and potential immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Criminal Charges Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, our team brings a depth of knowledge to every case. We understand that a subornation charge is as much about the credibility of witnesses as it is about the law. Our approach involves meticulous investigation to challenge the prosecution’s narrative at its foundation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a firm-wide track record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC of 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In complex felony cases like subornation of perjury, our defense strategy is built on attacking the element of intent and the reliability of witness testimony. We work collaboratively; for instance, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on intricate criminal defense matters, ensuring every angle is explored.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Charlotte County Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Near Me
Our Richmond location serves Charlotte County and is accessible for case consultations. We provide legal support to Charlotte and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between perjury and subornation of perjury?
Yes, there is a key difference. Perjury is the act of lying under oath oneself. Subornation of perjury is the separate felony of inducing or persuading another person to commit that act of perjury.
Can I be charged if the person I talked to didn’t actually lie under oath?
It depends. Under Va. Code § 18.2-437, the crime of subornation is focused on the procurement or inducement. The Commonwealth must prove you attempted to get someone to lie under oath. The completion of the perjury by the other person is not a required element for your charge.
What are common defenses to a subornation of perjury charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you did not knowingly induce false testimony), absence of an official proceeding, that your statements were not an inducement, or that the alleged false statement was not material to the case. A skilled criminal attorney can identify the best defense strategy based on the evidence.
Is subornation of perjury a federal crime?
Yes. Subornation of perjury is also a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1622. If the alleged inducement relates to a federal proceeding, you could face federal charges with typically more severe penalties than state law.
Why do I need a lawyer for a subornation charge?
A subornation of perjury charge is a complex felony requiring a nuanced defense. An experienced criminal court lawyer is essential to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, protect your constitutional rights during investigation, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide a strong defense at trial to avoid a permanent felony record and prison time.
Charlotte County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on subornation of perjury lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.