Subornation Of Perjury Lawyer in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — What Are the Penalties?
Subornation of perjury is a Class 5 felony under Virginia law, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. If you are accused of inducing someone to lie under oath in Spotsylvania County, you need a defense lawyer immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense against these serious criminal charges. Contact a subornation of perjury lawyer Spotsylvania Virginia for a 24/7 consultation.
Virginia Law on Subornation of Perjury
Subornation of perjury is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-437. The statute makes it a crime to procure or induce another person to commit perjury—that is, to give false testimony under oath in a judicial proceeding. The offense is not about lying yourself, but about causing someone else to lie in a legal setting. This is a distinct charge from perjury and is treated as a serious felony due to its corrosive effect on the justice system.
Last verified: April 2026 | Spotsylvania County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-437 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for this felony occur at the Spotsylvania County General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Spotsylvania County Circuit Court for trials.
Defending a Subornation Charge in Spotsylvania County
A subornation of perjury charge in Spotsylvania County is prosecuted aggressively by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally induced another to give false testimony. A common defense is challenging the element of intent, arguing you did not know the statement was false or did not intend for the witness to lie. The procedural path begins with a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss all details of the accusation with your criminal court lawyer, including any communications with the alleged witness.
- Case Analysis: Your attorney will review all evidence, including witness statements, transcripts, and any recordings, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your lawyer will represent you at the General District Court hearing, challenging the probable cause for the felony charge.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If the case proceeds, your defense lawyer will file pre-trial motions, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for a jury trial in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court.
- Trial & Sentencing: If the case goes to trial, your attorney will present a defense focused on intent and lack of knowledge. If convicted, they will advocate for the minimum sentence.
Potential Penalties for Subornation of Perjury in Virginia
In Spotsylvania County, subornation of perjury is a Class 5 felony carrying 1 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500, with a permanent felony record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subornation of Perjury (Va. Code § 18.2-437) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses, difficulty securing employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Spotsylvania County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of a felony charge in Spotsylvania County and approach each case with a detailed, evidence-focused strategy.
Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement professionals like Bryan Block. For complex cases, we also collaborate with Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state experience who personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute.
Local Defense for Spotsylvania County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Spotsylvania County courts. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. If you need a subornation of perjury lawyer near Spotsylvania or the surrounding communities of Chancellor and Massaponax, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. 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 procuring or inducing another person to give false testimony under oath in an official proceeding. It is separate from the crime of perjury itself.
What are the penalties for subornation of perjury in Virginia?
1 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500, as it is a Class 5 felony. A conviction results in a permanent felony record, which can affect employment, professional licensing, and other civil rights.
Do I need a criminal attorney for this charge?
Yes. This is a serious felony prosecuted in Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney will pursue it vigorously. A skilled defense lawyer is essential to challenge the evidence, especially the intent element, and protect your rights.
What court handles this charge in Spotsylvania County?
The case starts with a preliminary hearing at the Spotsylvania County General District Court. If probable cause is found, it is sent to the Spotsylvania County Circuit Court for a jury trial, where a criminal court lawyer will represent you.
What is a common defense to this charge?
It depends. A frequent defense is lack of intent—arguing you did not know the testimony was false or that you did not intend for the witness to lie. Your defense lawyer will analyze all communications and circumstances to build this argument.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
For the background behind a Spotsylvania County charge, our page explains how Virginia federal courts handle subornation of perjury.