Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer in Shenandoah County, Virginia
Subornation of perjury is a serious felony under Virginia law, involving the inducement of another person to lie under oath. In Shenandoah County, these charges are prosecuted aggressively and can lead to severe penalties. If you are facing such allegations, securing a skilled subornation of perjury lawyer in Shenandoah Virginia is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a crime to procure or induce another person to commit perjury—that is, to willfully give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding. The offense is classified as a Class 5 felony, which carries a potential penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500.
Last verified: April 2026 | Shenandoah County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor whose background provides a strategic advantage in dissecting the prosecution’s evidence and intent requirements in subornation cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly site). Court procedures for felony charges in Shenandoah County are handled by the Shenandoah County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Circuit Court for trials.
Defending Against Subornation Charges in Shenandoah County
Successfully defending a subornation of perjury charge requires challenging the prosecution’s proof on multiple fronts. The Commonwealth must prove you knowingly induced another to give false testimony, and that the witness actually gave such testimony under oath. A common defense involves attacking the element of intent, arguing there was no willful procurement of false statements. In Shenandoah County courts, prosecutors must establish a direct link between your actions and the perjured testimony.
- Case Assessment: Immediately after arrest or being charged, your criminal attorney will secure all discovery from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, focusing on communications and witness statements.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will begin in Shenandoah County General District Court, where your defense lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of evidence to send the felony charge to Circuit Court.
- Motion Practice: File pre-trial motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or to challenge the legal basis of the charge before a Shenandoah County Circuit Court judge.
- Trial Strategy: If the case proceeds to a Circuit Court trial, build a defense focusing on lack of criminal intent, absence of inducement, or the truthfulness of the underlying testimony.
- Negotiation: Throughout the process, your criminal court lawyer will engage with prosecutors to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges based on weaknesses in their case.
- Sentencing: If a conviction occurs, present mitigating evidence to argue for a sentence below the guidelines, focusing on character, lack of prior record, and restitution.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Virginia
In Shenandoah County, a conviction for subornation of perjury, a Class 5 felony, carries a penalty range of 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 | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months jail) | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, damage to reputation and credibility. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Complex Criminal Charges
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to a vigorous defense regardless of the charge’s complexity. We understand that a subornation charge attacks your integrity and future, and we build defenses accordingly.
Approach to Your Defense
Our defense begins with a meticulous review of all evidence, focusing on the specific intent required for subornation. We scrutinize the relationship between you and the alleged witness, the content of all communications, and the context of the sworn testimony. In Shenandoah County, we work with local counsel and use Mr. Sris’s strategic oversight as a former prosecutor to identify procedural weaknesses and advocate for our clients.
Of Counsel attorney Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, also contributes her prosecutorial insight to case strategy, ensuring we anticipate and counter the Commonwealth’s arguments effectively.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Shenandoah County courts. We are a subornation of perjury lawyer near Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock, accessible via I-81, Route 11, and Route 263. We serve the communities of Woodstock, Edinburg, Strasburg, Mount Jackson, Toms Brook, and New Market. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subornation of perjury?
It is a Class 5 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-437. It involves knowingly inducing or procuring another person to commit perjury, which is lying under oath in an official proceeding.
What are the penalties for subornation of perjury in Virginia?
It is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. Alternatively, a jury can impose a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction creates a permanent felony record.
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 separate crime of getting someone else to commit perjury. Both are serious felonies but are distinct charges requiring different proof.
What defenses are available against subornation charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to induce false testimony, that the underlying statement was actually true, absence of proof that you procured the false testimony, or that the witness acted independently. A skilled criminal charges defense lawyer can identify the best strategy.
Why do I need a lawyer for a subornation charge?
These cases are complex and hinge on nuanced evidence of intent and communication. A subornation of perjury lawyer in Shenandoah Virginia with experience in felony defense is essential to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome.
For representation from a dedicated subornation of perjury lawyer in Shenandoah Virginia, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We also assist with related criminal defense matters in the area. For other legal needs, consider our colleagues handling DUI defense in Shenandoah County or family law matters. Learn more about our Virginia criminal defense practice or see how we help clients in neighboring areas like Frederick County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding subornation of perjury charges.