Subornation Of Perjury Defense in Clarke County, Virginia
Subornation of perjury is a Class 6 felony under Virginia law, punishable by 1-5 years in prison. In Clarke County, these charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the Clarke County General District Court for preliminary hearings, then Circuit Court for trial. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Clarke County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a felony to procure or induce another person to commit perjury. The crime is complete when you successfully cause someone to give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding, knowing the testimony is false. The person who actually lies commits perjury (a separate crime), while the person who induces them commits subornation. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally caused the false testimony. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how the Commonwealth builds these intent-based cases.
Legal Resources & Court Information
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-437 (Virginia General Assembly). Clarke County cases are heard at the Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville) for misdemeanors and preliminary hearings, with felony trials in Clarke County Circuit Court.
Local Court Process for Subornation Charges in Clarke County
Subornation of perjury charges in Clarke County follow a specific felony process. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you knowingly induced the false statement. In our experience, prosecutors often rely on communications (texts, emails) or witness testimony to show intent. The court at 104 North Church Street, Berryville, handles the initial stages.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be arrested on a warrant or summoned. An initial hearing is held at Clarke County General District Court where the charge is read, and bond is set.
- Preliminary Hearing: You have the right to a hearing where the Commonwealth must show probable cause that you committed subornation. This happens in General District Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case proceeds, it is sent to Clarke County Circuit Court for a formal arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer will file motions to challenge evidence and obtain all prosecution materials. This phase is critical for examining witness credibility.
- Trial or Resolution: The case may proceed to a jury trial in Circuit Court or be resolved through negotiation, potentially to a lesser offense.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Virginia
In Clarke County, subornation of perjury is a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, plus a potential fine up to $2,500, and creates a permanent felony record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-437) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record; loss of professional licenses; ineligibility for certain jobs and loans. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Clarke County Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have a documented 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. In Clarke County, we have handled 29 cases across all practice areas. Our approach is to attack the prosecution’s proof of intent, which is often the weakest link in a subornation case.
Case Results & Defense Strategy
Our defense strategy for subornation charges focuses on intent and witness credibility. We examine whether you knowingly induced false testimony or if the witness acted independently. We also work with experienced co-counsel like Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, to challenge the evidence. In Clarke County, we have 29 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 72% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Near Clarke County, VA
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at Clarke County courts. We are accessible via Route 7, Route 340, and Route 50. We serve the communities of Berryville and Boyce. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (804) 294-5538 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
By appointment only.
FAQs: Subornation of Perjury Charges in Clarke County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Clarke County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Clarke County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611). 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Clarke County, Virginia?
It depends. Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Clarke County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Clarke County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges in Clarke County are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611). Even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record visible to employers. 29 total documented case results across all practice areas (72% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 for a Consultation by appointment.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Clarke County?
Clarke County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Clarke County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Clarke County General District Court (104 North Church Street, Berryville, VA 22611) is the GDC location.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing subornation of perjury charges, you need a dedicated criminal attorney. Our defense lawyer team understands the local criminal court lawyer procedures. We provide aggressive criminal charges defense in Clarke County. For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related charges in nearby areas like Henrico County. In Clarke County, we also handle DUI/DWI cases.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the full picture beyond Clarke County, our page on subornation of perjury cases in Virginia covers the process end to end.