Loudoun County Perjury Lawyer

Whether you are testifying in court, attesting to something in writing, or contributing in any way to a state government proceeding, you have a legal obligation under oath to tell the truth. Being dishonest in this context may result in severe criminal charges for perjury, which in Virginia is often prosecuted as a felony offense that can have long-lasting consequences.

Successfully fighting against perjury allegations is not impossible, but it is challenging without the support of a seasoned defense attorney. A Loudoun County perjury lawyer could ensure your defense strategy is as strong and comprehensive as possible, giving you far better odds of securing a favorable case result.

How State Law Addresses Perjury

According to Code of Virginia § 18.2-434, perjury occurs when someone knowingly and willingly makes a false statement about a material fact after taking a legal oath to be truthful. For example, falsely attesting that a person is over 18 years old when applying for a marriage license constitutes perjury, as does making a false statement about material fact in a written certificate, verification, or declaration.

Furthermore, under VA Code § 18.2-435, anyone who intentionally gives conflicting testimony about the same matter on separate occasions may be charged with and prosecuted for perjury. VA Code § 18.2-436 states that someone who compels or convinces another person to lie under oath on their behalf commits the offense called subornation of perjury.

Anyone charged under the statutes mentioned above may face penalties commensurate with a Class 5 felony offense, including between one and ten years of prison time upon conviction. As a Loudoun County attorney could further explain, any conviction for perjury in Virginia permanently disqualifies the defendant from serving on a jury or holding any office of honor, profit, or trust in the state government.

Building a Defense Against Perjury Allegations

There are two key factors to consider when preparing to contest accusations of perjury: intent and materiality. The crime of perjury only occurs if someone makes a false statement material to the proceeding that they know is not true with the purpose of misleading a court or other government entity.

That said, if someone can establish that they were genuinely unaware that what they were saying was untrue, they should not be convicted of perjury. Similarly, dishonesty under oath does not qualify as a crime if the false statement does not affect the proceeding’s eventual outcome.

A perjury lawyer in Loudoun County could discuss how courts typically handle charges like this during a private consultation. Once hired, they could help build a thorough defense strategy custom-tailored to a plaintiff’s unique circumstances.

Seek Help from a Loudoun County Perjury Attorney

Perjury can derail your future for years to come, even if you have never faced criminal charges. However, with help from capable legal counsel, it may be possible to mitigate the effects of this charge and avoid sanctions that might otherwise disrupt your life.

A conversation with a Loudoun County perjury lawyer could provide clarity about your options and possible next steps in your specific case. Call Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law today to get started.