Subornation Of Perjury Defense in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-437, which can result in severe penalties. If you are accused of inducing another person to lie under oath in Chesterfield County, you need an experienced subornation of perjury lawyer Chesterfield Virginia. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-437. It is the act of procuring or inducing another person to commit perjury—to willfully give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding. The statute treats this offense as a Class 5 felony. A conviction requires the prosecution to prove you knowingly and intentionally caused another to lie under oath, with the understanding that the testimony was material to the proceeding. Defending against these charges often involves challenging the intent element or the materiality of the alleged false statement.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly). Proceedings for these charges in Chesterfield County typically begin at the Chesterfield County General District Court for preliminary hearings before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Local Defense Strategy in Chesterfield County
In Chesterfield County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. A key local procedural fact is that while the General District Court handles initial appearances and preliminary hearings, felony trials for subornation of perjury are held in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. The defense must meticulously examine the communication between you and the alleged witness to contest the element of inducement.
- Secure immediate legal representation from a criminal attorney before making any statements.
- Your lawyer will file for discovery to obtain all evidence the Commonwealth plans to use.
- A preliminary hearing in Chesterfield General District Court will determine if there is probable cause to certify the felony to Circuit Court.
- Your defense counsel will develop a strategy, which may include motions to suppress evidence or challenge the indictment.
- If the case proceeds, your lawyer will prepare for a jury trial in Chesterfield County Circuit Court, arguing the lack of intent or materiality.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury
In Chesterfield County, subornation of perjury is prosecuted as a Class 5 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-437) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years in prison (or up to 12 months jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but a felony record affects professional licenses | Permanent felony record, loss of civil rights (voting, firearm possession), damage to reputation and employability. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, 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 the high stakes of a felony charge and provide a focused, case-specific defense.
Documented Case Results
Our approach to criminal defense in Chesterfield County has yielded documented results. For instance, we secured a “Not Guilty” verdict for a client charged with profane language over a public airway and achieved a dismissal for a purchase/possess alcohol charge in Chesterfield General District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Chesterfield Virginia
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) 977-0001
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Chesterfield County courts. We provide representation for residents in Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley. Contact us for 24/7 phone consultations and to schedule a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subornation of perjury in Virginia?
It is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-437. It involves knowingly and intentionally inducing another person to give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding.
Do I need a criminal court lawyer for this charge?
Yes. This is a serious felony with prison time. A skilled defense lawyer is essential to challenge the prosecution’s evidence on intent and materiality, especially in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
What are the penalties if convicted?
If convicted of this Class 5 felony, you face 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. You will also have a permanent felony record.
Can these criminal charges be fought?
It depends. A strong defense against criminal charges defense often focuses on lack of intent. Your lawyer may argue you did not knowingly induce false testimony or that the statement was not material to the case, which are both required for conviction.
Where will my case be heard in Chesterfield County?
Your initial appearance and preliminary hearing will be at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road). If the felony is certified, your jury trial will be held in Chesterfield County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides representation for DUI defense in Chesterfield County and criminal defense in neighboring Henrico County. For a broader view of our services, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.