Federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries up to 5 years in federal prison per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Arlington County, VA. If you are under investigation or charged with making a false statement under oath, you need a perjury lawyer Arlington County trusts for aggressive federal defense.
Perjury Lawyer Arlington County, Virginia
Federal perjury, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1621, prohibits knowingly making a material false statement under oath in any proceeding before a competent tribunal, officer, or person. The statute applies to both oral testimony and written declarations, including affidavits and depositions. To secure a conviction, the government must prove that the defendant (1) took an oath to testify truthfully, (2) willfully made a false statement, (3) the statement was material to the proceeding, and (4) the defendant knew the statement was false at the time it was made. Materiality is judged by whether the false statement had the natural tendency to influence, or was capable of influencing, the decision of the tribunal. Each false statement constitutes a separate count, and the maximum penalty is 5 years in federal prison per count, plus fines and supervised release. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1621 (Cornell LII)
For the full text of the federal perjury statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1621 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines applicable to perjury, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), prosecutors routinely pursue perjury charges with a high conviction rate. We have observed that the government often relies on inconsistencies in testimony rather than direct evidence of willful falsity.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents and communications related to the alleged false statement.
- Contact a perjury charge lawyer Arlington County immediately to protect your rights.
- Your attorney will review the indictment and identify procedural errors or lack of materiality.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution or prepare for trial.
- If applicable, consider a recantation defense under the federal perjury statute.
In Arlington County, federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison per count, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perjury (18 U.S.C. § 1621) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years per count | Up to $250,000 per count | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences |
| False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, debarment from federal contracts |
| Subornation of Perjury (18 U.S.C. § 1622) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm, operating under the tagline “Advocacy Without Borders,” has handled numerous federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia, including perjury and false statement charges. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s deep commitment to legal reform and client advocacy.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate in all reported instances. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 1.5 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a perjury charge lawyer Arlington County residents rely on, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 | (703) 589-9250 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perjury Charges in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201). 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — Arlington County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) is the GDC location.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Arlington County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against perjury charges?
Defense strategies for perjury in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing perjury charges in Virginia?
If facing perjury charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Last verified: May 2026
For more information, visit our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County pages. For related practice areas in Arlington County, see Assault Lawyer Arlington County and Obstruction Defense Lawyer Arlington County.
Explore our state-level hub: Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Virginia. Connect with our sibling pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County. For cross-practice area pages in Arlington County, see Assault Lawyer Arlington County and Marijuana Possession Lawyer Arlington County.