Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Frederick Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony under Virginia law, involving the procurement of false testimony. If you are accused in Frederick County, you need a subornation of perjury lawyer Frederick Virginia from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our defense lawyers have documented results in local courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Last verified: April 2026 | Frederick/Winchester General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-438. It occurs when a person knowingly and willfully induces or procures another person to commit perjury—to give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding or other official matter. The crime is complete when the false testimony is given, regardless of whether it influences the proceeding’s outcome. This charge 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. The statute requires proof of specific intent: you must have known the testimony was false and intended for the witness to give it under oath.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-438 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for felony charges in Frederick County are handled by the Frederick/Winchester General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Frederick County Circuit Court for trials.
Local Defense Strategy in Frederick County
In Frederick County, these cases often arise from contentious civil litigation, custody battles, or criminal investigations where witness testimony is critical. The Commonwealth’s Attorney must prove you had a specific intent to procure false testimony. A common defense is challenging the knowledge element—arguing you believed the witness’s statement was true. Another is attacking the underlying perjury charge itself; if the witness’s statement was not materially false, the subornation charge fails. The procedural path begins with a warrant or indictment, followed by an initial appearance.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing at Frederick/Winchester General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause.
- Case certification to Frederick County Circuit Court if probable cause is found.
- Arraignment and entry of a plea in Circuit Court.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase.
- Jury trial or plea negotiation in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury
In Frederick County, subornation of perjury is a Class 5 felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-438) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, difficulty securing employment/housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex cases like subornation of perjury. We understand that these charges can stem from high-stakes legal disputes and require a defense that scrutinizes every interaction and piece of evidence.
Documented Case Experience
Our firm has a record of handling sensitive criminal cases in Frederick County. For instance, we have secured deferred dispositions for clients facing serious allegations in the Frederick County General District Court. While results vary, this experience informs our approach to building a strong defense against felony charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
In complex cases, our lead criminal attorney, Mr. Sris, often provides strategic oversight. A former prosecutor and firm founder with a background in accounting and information systems, he is particularly adept at cases involving financial records or complex communications evidence.
Frederick County Subornation Of Perjury Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Frederick County courts. We are accessible via I-81, Route 7, and Route 11. We serve clients in Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Clear Brook, and Gore.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 | Local: (540) 722-7208
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subornation of perjury in Virginia?
It is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-438. It involves knowingly and willfully getting another person to lie under oath in an official proceeding.
What are the penalties for subornation of perjury?
1 to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. It creates a permanent felony record, which can affect employment, licensing, and housing.
Do I need a lawyer for a subornation of perjury charge?
Yes. This is a serious felony prosecuted in Circuit Court. A criminal court lawyer is essential to challenge the evidence of intent and the underlying false statement.
What is the difference between perjury and subornation?
Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) is lying under oath yourself. Subornation is the separate crime of inducing someone else to commit perjury. Both are felonies.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Defenses include lack of intent (you believed the testimony was true), that the statement was not materially false, or that you did not actually induce the false testimony.
Related Legal Help in Frederick County
If you are facing criminal charges defense in Frederick County, we can help. For related issues, see our pages on DUI defense and reckless driving defense. For other localities, see our Shenandoah County criminal lawyer page. Return to our Virginia criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.