Perjury lawyer Virginia Beach, VA

Facing a federal perjury charge in Virginia Beach is a serious matter. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, substantial fines, and a term of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes perjury cases actively, often after lengthy grand jury investigations. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys defend individuals throughout Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana who are under investigation or have been indicted for making material false statements under oath in federal proceedings. We begin with a careful review of the government’s evidence, the context in which the statements were made, and the specific legal elements the prosecution must prove. If you have been contacted by federal agents or received a target letter, your next step is critical. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Federal Perjury Defense in Virginia Beach

Perjury is a distinct federal offense. To convict a person of perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (1) made a statement under oath in a federal proceeding, (2) the statement was false, (3) the defendant knew the statement was false, and (4) the false statement was material—meaning it could have influenced the proceeding. A single false statement can support a separate count of perjury, so a defendant may face multiple counts carrying consecutive sentences.

Virginia Beach is served by the Norfolk and Newport News divisions of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The court’s Norfolk Division sits at 600 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, and the Newport News Division at 2400 West Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. Federal perjury investigations in this region are often conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or other federal agencies. Because a grand jury must indict for felony perjury, the defense strategy often begins before formal charges are filed. Our Richmond location on Beaufont Springs Drive represents clients in these federal courts, and Mr. Sris appears personally at initial appearances, detention hearings, arraignments, and all subsequent proceedings. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system, so the stakes are high from the outset.

Clients often ask how a perjury charge differs from a false-statements charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. While both statutes punish dishonesty, perjury specifically requires that the false statement was made under oath in a judicial or similar proceeding. The materiality standard also differs. A defense that works for one charge may not succeed for the other, and an experienced attorney evaluates which defenses are available given the specific facts of the accusation. The firm’s approach is to identify the weakest link in the government’s proof—often the materiality element or the mens rea—and present that to the prosecutor or the court.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Perjury Cases

Every federal perjury defense starts with a thorough examination of the record in which the allegedly false statement was made—whether that is a deposition transcript, grand jury testimony, or a sworn affidavit. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize the precise wording of the statement, the context of the questioning, and the state of mind of the witness at the time the statement was given. Often, a government perjury investigation turns on a single ambiguous answer, and demonstrating that the statement was literally true, or that the defendant lacked the required intent to deceive, can be a complete defense.

Parallel investigation is another component of our approach. In many federal perjury matters, the investigation has been ongoing for months before charges are filed. We interview witnesses, review the government’s documentary evidence, and, where appropriate, retain attorneys to address linguistic or factual complexity. The firm works toward favorable outcomes at every stage—whether that means persuading the U.S. Attorney’s Office not to indict, negotiating a plea to a lesser charge, or taking the case to trial. Every step is guided by the client’s goals and the specific facts of the case. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he brings decades of experience to federal criminal defense matters. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive combined legal experience to every case. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and handle perjury investigations of all scopes. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621?

Federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 is a felony that occurs when a person, having taken an oath to testify truthfully in a federal proceeding, willfully makes a material false statement that the person does not believe to be true. The materiality element is crucial: the false statement must be capable of influencing the proceeding. A truthful answer to a misleading question, or an answer that is literally true but incomplete, generally does not support a perjury conviction. The statute applies to statements made in federal court, before a federal grand jury, or in depositions taken for use in federal litigation. Each false statement can be charged as a separate count, so a witness who testifies over several days could face multiple five-year prison terms.

How does a federal perjury investigation in Virginia Beach unfold?

Federal perjury investigations in Virginia Beach typically begin when federal agents from the FBI or an agency inspector general identify inconsistencies in sworn testimony and refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The prosecutor then presents evidence to a federal grand jury. If the grand jury returns an indictment, the defendant is arrested and brought before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance and detention hearing. Discovery follows, and the defense may file motions to dismiss the indictment or to suppress evidence. A trial date is set within the Speedy Trial Act framework, though many cases resolve through negotiation. Having an attorney involved before charges are filed can make a meaningful difference in how the investigation proceeds.

Do I need a lawyer if federal agents want to interview me about possible perjury?

Yes. Anyone contacted by federal agents regarding possible perjury should secure experienced legal representation immediately and should not answer questions without counsel present. Even an innocent explanation can be misinterpreted or used to build a false-statements or obstruction charge. An attorney can communicate with agents on your behalf, determine whether you are a subject or a target of the investigation, and begin assembling the factual record that may prevent an indictment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at the investigative stage, including those who have received target letters or subpoenas to testify before a grand jury.

What defenses are available to federal perjury charges?

Defenses to federal perjury often rest on challenging one or more elements of the prosecution’s case: that the statement was not under oath, was not false, was not material, or was not made with the requisite knowledge of its falsity. Another defense is recantation under 18 U.S.C. § 1623(d)—if the witness corrects the false statement before it becomes manifest that the falsity has been or will be exposed, the recantation may bar prosecution. The applicability of this statutory defense depends on precise timing and the procedural posture of the underlying proceeding. A defense attorney evaluates every possible pathway and communicates with the prosecutor about resolution options before trial becomes necessary.

How do I find a perjury attorney near Virginia Beach?

When looking for a perjury attorney near Virginia Beach, select counsel who regularly practices in the Eastern District of Virginia federal court and understands the procedural and sentencing rules specific to federal perjury charges. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the Norfolk and Newport News divisions and have handled federal criminal matters across Virginia since 1997. The firm offers consultations by appointment. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.

What should I do if I am indicted for perjury in the Eastern District of Virginia?

If you are indicted for federal perjury in the Eastern District of Virginia, your immediate priority should be to retain an attorney who can appear in the Norfolk or Newport News division, review the indictment and the government’s evidence, and advise you on plea and trial options. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your lawyer. An attorney can determine whether pretrial motions—such as a motion to dismiss for insufficient allegation of materiality—are warranted, and can engage with the Assistant U.S. Attorney to explore any possibility of a pre-indictment resolution or a favorable plea agreement. Time is important because the Speedy Trial Act clock begins to run, and the court will schedule a status conference soon after the indictment is returned.

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Reference: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1621 – Perjury generally

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Last reviewed: July 2026.