Federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 involves making material false statements under oath in a federal proceeding, carrying up to 5 years in federal prison per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings extensive criminal defense experience to clients facing perjury charges in Colonial Heights, Virginia. The U.S.
Perjury Lawyer Colonial Heights in Colonial Heights, Virginia
Federal perjury, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1621, prohibits knowingly and willfully making a false material statement under oath in any proceeding before a competent tribunal, officer, or person. The statute requires that the false statement be material to the proceeding, meaning it has the potential to influence the outcome. A conviction under § 1621 carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison per count. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted with specific intent to deceive. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1621
For the full text of the federal perjury statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1621 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to perjury, see U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual § 2J1.3 (U.S. Sentencing Commission — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), prosecutors routinely pursue perjury charges with a high conviction rate. We have observed that the government often relies on testimony from cooperating witnesses or recorded statements to establish the false statement element.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents and communications that may be relevant.
- Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Review the indictment for procedural errors or lack of materiality.
- Consider whether a plea agreement or cooperation may be appropriate.
- Prepare for trial if the government cannot prove willfulness.
In Colonial Heights, federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison per count, with no parole in the federal system.
| 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 | N/A (federal) | Loss of professional licenses, deportation for non-citizens, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for federal benefits |
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 has extensive experience defending federal criminal cases, including perjury charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1621. Mr. Sris personally handles complex federal matters and has a background in accounting and information systems applied to financial and technology-related cases.
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 extensive criminal defense experience across Virginia, including federal cases. While no locality-specific case result is available for Colonial Heights federal perjury cases, the firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) at 701 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219, with access via I-95 and I-295. If you are searching for a perjury lawyer near Colonial Heights, we serve the communities of Colonial Heights, Swift Creek, and the Petersburg border. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perjury Charges in Colonial Heights
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Colonial Heights 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 Colonial Heights General District Court (550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Colonial Heights, 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 Colonial Heights Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Colonial Heights, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Colonial Heights. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Colonial Heights General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Colonial Heights (City), 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 Colonial Heights General District Court (misdemeanor) and Colonial Heights Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Colonial Heights?
Colonial Heights General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Colonial Heights 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.
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 Colonial Heights (City), 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.
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.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesterfield County. For other legal matters in Colonial Heights, see Gun Crime Lawyer Colonial Heights and Carjacking Lawyer Colonial Heights.
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-30