Subornation of Perjury Lawyer in Fairfax County, VA

Last reviewed: August 2026

What Exactly Is Subornation of Perjury?

Subornation of perjury is not simply telling a lie; it is a specific criminal act involving the deliberate attempt to mislead a court or official proceeding. Generally, the law defines it as the act of procuring, causing, or assisting another person to commit perjury. To successfully prosecute this charge, the prosecution must establish several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Element of Knowledge (Intent)

The most critical element is intent. The law requires proof that the defendant knew the testimony they were providing was false and that they intended for that false testimony to influence the outcome of the case. Simply being mistaken or misremembering details, while potentially damaging, does not meet the high bar of criminal intent required for a conviction.

How Can Subornation Occur?

Subornation can take many forms. It may involve: 1) False testimony given under oath; 2) Fabricating documents or evidence; or 3) Coaching a witness to provide misleading information. The specific method of subornation will dictate the trusted defense strategy, which is why an experienced Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer is essential.

Defending Against Subornation Charges: Our Approach

Defending against subornation of perjury requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the prosecution’s evidence at every turn. We focus on dismantling the state’s ability to prove the required criminal intent.

Challenging the Element of Intent

Our primary defense strategy often revolves around challenging the element of mens rea, or criminal intent. We argue that any false statements were either based on a genuine, albeit mistaken, belief, or that the defendant lacked the requisite knowledge of the falsity. This is a highly technical legal argument that requires thorough knowledge of Virginia jurisprudence.

Attacking the Evidence Chain

Furthermore, we scrutinize the entire chain of evidence presented by the prosecution. We look for inconsistencies in police reports, gaps in timelines, and procedural errors that may have tainted the investigation or the testimony itself. A thorough review of all materials is crucial to building a solid defense.

What Is Subornation of Perjury in Virginia?

Virginia law treats subornation of perjury as a serious felony. The penalties can be severe, including significant jail time and fines. Because the charges are so damaging to a person’s reputation and freedom, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney who has deep roots in Virginia criminal defense practice.

We have extensive experience defending clients across multiple jurisdictions, including Maryland criminal defense lawyers and those facing charges in the District of Columbia. Our commitment is to provide localized, experienced attorney representation that understands the specific legal climate of Northern Virginia.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Subornation of Perjury Cases in Fairfax County

The process of defending against subornation of perjury is highly sensitive, requiring a blend of active legal strategy and careful client management. When you entrust your case to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you are engaging a team that approaches the defense with meticulous attention to detail. Our initial phase involves an exhaustive investigation, which goes far beyond simply reviewing the charges. We interview witnesses, gather physical evidence, and analyze the procedural history of the case to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s narrative.

Our process is designed to systematically dismantle the state’s case for criminal intent. We work closely with our experienced attorney legal team, including the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who bring specialized knowledge from various fields of law. This collaborative approach ensures that every angle—from statutory interpretation to evidentiary rules—is covered. We focus heavily on establishing reasonable doubt regarding the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the alleged false testimony. Whether the issue is a perceived discrepancy in memory or a challenge to the admissibility of key evidence, our attorneys are prepared to argue these points forcefully before the court.

We guide you through every step, from initial police questioning (which we advise you on how to handle) to preparing for trial. Our goal is always to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome. If you are concerned about false accusations or misleading testimony in Fairfax County, please reach out to our location at (888) 437-7747. We are here to guide you through this difficult process.

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

The strength of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., lies in the depth of experience and diverse experience of our entire legal team. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, brings decades of dedicated service to criminal defense. He is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in criminal trial work, giving him a unique perspective on how the prosecution builds its case. His commitment to justice is matched by his dedication to representing clients facing the most difficult charges.

Mr. Sris is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. This five-jurisdiction practice allows us to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal standards across multiple states, ensuring that your defense is robust regardless of where the charges originate. Furthermore, we rely on our network of experienced Of Counsel attorneys. These independent attorneys augment our capacity, allowing us to bring specialized knowledge—whether in complex financial fraud or specific state statutes—to every case. We treat the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys as integral members of the firm, ensuring that you receive the highest level of comprehensive legal care.

How Do I Defend Against Perjury Accusations?

Defending against perjury or subornation charges is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a detailed, fact-specific strategy. Generally, the defense focuses on attacking the prosecution’s ability to prove the necessary criminal intent and the veracity of the evidence itself. We may challenge the admissibility of certain evidence, argue that the statements were based on good faith belief, or demonstrate that the testimony was not the sole factor in the case’s outcome.

Is Subornation the Same as Perjury?

No. While related, they are distinct crimes. Perjury is the act of lying under oath. Subornation of perjury is the act of helping someone else lie under oath. One is the direct lie; the other is the criminal assistance in making that lie possible. Understanding this distinction is critical to mounting an effective defense.

What Is the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases?

The burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution. In Virginia, as in all criminal cases, the state must prove every element of the crime—including the intent to deceive—beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an extremely high standard, and our entire defense strategy is built around exploiting any doubt that exists in the evidence presented.

What Are the Consequences of a Conviction?

The consequences of a conviction for subornation of perjury can be severe, potentially leading to years of incarceration. Because the penalties are so significant, immediate and experienced attorney legal intervention is non-negotiable. We advise clients on their rights from the moment they are questioned by law enforcement.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

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