Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer in King George, Virginia — Your Defense Strategy
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 King George County, you need a strong defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal representation for these complex criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully induce another person to commit perjury—that is, to give false testimony under oath in any official proceeding. This is distinct from perjury itself, which is the act of lying under oath. Subornation involves procuring or causing that lie. The offense is classified as a Class 5 felony in Virginia, carrying a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or in the discretion of the jury, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. Because intent is a key element, a skilled criminal attorney will scrutinize the evidence for any lack of proof regarding your knowledge or willfulness.
Official Legal Resources
For the exact statutory language, refer to the official Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for felony cases in King George County are handled by the King George County Circuit Court.
The King George County Court Process for Subornation Charges
Felony charges like subornation of perjury begin with a preliminary hearing in the King George County General District Court. At this hearing, the Commonwealth must show probable cause that the crime occurred and that you are the person who committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, your case is certified to the King George County Circuit Court for a potential jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for King George County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that the Circuit Court handles all felony jury trials and appeals. Given the complexity of proving intent in subornation cases, an early and aggressive defense is critical.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: After arrest, a magistrate will set a bond. For felony charges, a secured bond through a bail bondsman is common.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will first go to King George County General District Court for a hearing to determine if there is probable cause to send it to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally arraigned in King George County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge considers state sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Virginia
In King George 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 at the jury’s discretion.
| 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 in jail at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None directly, but a felony conviction affects many professional licenses. | Permanent felony record, loss of voting rights, difficulty securing employment and housing, potential 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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. In King George County, we have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. Our approach is collaborative; for instance, on complex felony cases, Of Counsel attorney Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, provides invaluable insight into investigation tactics and evidence challenges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our commitment is to provide a strong, strategic defense for every client. We have a documented history of achieving positive results in criminal cases across Virginia. While every case is unique, our firm-wide track record includes thousands of cases handled with a high rate of favorable outcomes. We use the specific experience of attorneys like Bryan Block to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and protect your rights from the initial charge through trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer Near King George, Virginia
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts. We represent individuals in King George, Dahlgren, and surrounding communities. Consultations are available by appointment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subornation of perjury?
It is the crime of knowingly and willfully inducing another person to lie under oath in an official proceeding, as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-437. It is a separate and serious felony offense from perjury itself.
What are the penalties for subornation of perjury in Virginia?
It is a Class 5 felony. Penalties can include 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. A conviction also results in a permanent felony criminal record.
Do I need a criminal court lawyer for this charge?
Yes. A felony charge requires an experienced criminal court lawyer. The process involves preliminary hearings, potential jury trials in Circuit Court, and complex legal arguments about intent and evidence that a qualified defense lawyer is trained to handle.
How is subornation of perjury different from perjury?
Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-434) is the act of lying under oath oneself. Subornation of perjury is the act of procuring or causing someone else to commit perjury. Both are felonies, but they are distinct charges with different elements for the prosecution to prove.
What defenses are available against subornation charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you did not know the testimony would be false), lack of inducement (you did not cause the false testimony), or that the statement was not material to the proceeding. A skilled criminal charges defense attorney will analyze all evidence to identify the best defense strategy.
Related Legal Services in King George County
If you are facing other legal issues, our firm can help. We also handle DUI defense in King George, family law matters, and reckless driving charges. For more information on our statewide criminal defense practice, visit our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also represent clients in nearby jurisdictions like Fairfax County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.