Perjury lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for a perjury lawyer near you, the concern is likely immediate. A federal perjury investigation or charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries serious consequences, including up to five years of imprisonment per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices federal criminal defense across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in federal district courts throughout these jurisdictions. Federal perjury cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the full resources of federal investigative agencies behind them. Early engagement of experienced counsel—before an indictment if possible—can materially affect the direction of the case. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Perjury Means
Federal perjury, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1621, is the act of making a material false statement under oath in any federal proceeding, including grand jury testimony, deposition, trial, or sworn written statement such as an affidavit. The element of materiality is central: the false statement must be capable of influencing the proceeding. This distinguishes perjury from a simple misstatement or error. Federal prosecutors must prove that the defendant acted willfully—that the false statement was made knowingly, not as a result of confusion, faulty memory, or mistake.
Federal perjury charges frequently arise in the context of broader investigations. A witness called before a grand jury in a fraud or public-corruption investigation may face a perjury charge if the government concludes the testimony was intentionally false. In the federal system, perjury is a felony. Sentencing falls under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. A conviction can also carry collateral consequences affecting professional licensure, security clearances, and immigration status. Because federal perjury cases often involve complex factual records—transcripts, audio recordings, prior statements—building an effective defense requires careful review of the evidentiary record and an understanding of how federal prosecutors construct these cases.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Approach Federal Perjury Defense
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with extensive federal criminal defense experience, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys concentrate on identifying the prosecution’s proof challenges early. Federal perjury cases require the government to establish willfulness and materiality beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense may focus on whether the alleged false statement was literally true, whether it was material to the proceeding, or whether the defendant acted with the requisite criminal intent. Ambiguous questioning, faulty recollection, or reliance on counsel’s advice can all bear on the willfulness element.
Every federal perjury case begins with a thorough review of the transcript or document containing the allegedly false statement. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the precise wording of the questions and answers, the context of the proceeding, and the government’s evidence of falsity. In many cases, the defense involves demonstrating that the statement was not demonstrably false, that any inaccuracy was immaterial to the proceeding, or that the defendant lacked the specific intent to deceive. Because federal prosecutors often bring perjury charges alongside other offenses—obstruction of justice, false statements under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, or conspiracy—the defense strategy must account for the full scope of the indictment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have experience handling multi-count federal indictments and work to address each charge on its own terms while maintaining a coordinated defense.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand insight into how the government builds and prosecutes federal cases. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and appears regularly in federal district courts across these jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He maintains a limited personal caseload to allow direct involvement in the matters he handles.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring significant litigation experience to federal criminal defense matters. Working collaboratively with Mr. Sris, they contribute to case strategy, motion practice, and trial preparation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with backgrounds in criminal prosecution and extensive trial advocacy experience. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect clients’ rights throughout the federal criminal process—from investigation through trial and, when necessary, appeal. The firm offers consultations by appointment and can be reached 24 hours a day at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am facing a federal perjury investigation?
If you are facing a federal perjury investigation, you should contact experienced federal criminal defense counsel immediately and refrain from speaking with investigators until counsel is present. Do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your attorney. Preserve all relevant documents, emails, and records, but do not alter or destroy anything. Statements made to federal agents during an investigation can themselves become the basis for additional charges, including false statements under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Early engagement of counsel allows for an assessment of the government’s theory, potential defenses, and the trusted path forward. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
How does a lawyer defend against federal perjury charges?
Defense strategies in federal perjury cases include challenging the alleged statement’s falsity, materiality, or the defendant’s willful intent. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney examines the full record of the proceeding where the statement was made, the precise language used, and the context of the questioning. Defenses may show that the statement was literally true, that any inaccuracy was immaterial, that the defendant lacked specific intent to deceive, or that the government’s evidence of falsity is insufficient. In some cases, negotiating with prosecutors before indictment can lead to a declination or a resolution short of trial. Each case is assessed on its specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal perjury charge?
Yes, retaining experienced counsel as early as possible is critical when facing a federal perjury charge. Federal perjury is a felony prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the federal conviction rate is high. Federal practice involves distinct procedural rules, sentencing guidelines, and evidentiary standards that differ significantly from state court. An attorney who practices in federal court can evaluate the strength of the government’s case, identify viable defenses, and advocate at every stage—from the initial appearance and detention hearing through discovery, motions, plea negotiations, and trial. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the penalty for federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621?
Federal perjury under 18 U.S.C. § 1621 carries a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment per count, along with a fine and a term of supervised release. Sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account the offense level, the defendant’s criminal history, and any applicable adjustments for acceptance of responsibility or obstruction of justice. There is no parole in the federal system. A perjury conviction can also result in collateral consequences, including loss of professional licenses, security clearances, and immigration consequences for non-citizens. The specific penalty in any given case depends on the facts and the sentencing judge’s determination.
How is federal perjury different from making a false statement under 18 U.S.C. § 1001?
Federal perjury under § 1621 requires a false statement made under oath in a judicial or grand jury proceeding, whereas a false statement under § 1001 covers unsworn statements made to federal agents or agencies. Both are felonies, but the elements differ. Section 1621 requires the statement to be material and made under oath. Section 1001 applies to any materially false statement made knowingly and willfully in any matter within the jurisdiction of the federal government, even if not under oath. A single course of conduct can sometimes give rise to charges under both statutes. The defense strategy must address the specific elements of each charged offense separately.
What is materiality in a federal perjury case?
Materiality in a federal perjury case means the false statement must have been capable of influencing the decision-making body—the grand jury, trial judge, or other tribunal—on a matter before it. The government does not need to prove that the statement actually influenced the proceeding, only that it had the potential to do so. Materiality is a question of law for the judge to decide, not a factual question for the jury. A statement on a collateral or irrelevant matter, even if intentionally false, does not satisfy the materiality element. Assessing whether the government can establish materiality is a core part of any federal perjury defense.
Outbound Authority Links
18 U.S.C. § 1621 — Federal Perjury Statute | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Results may vary. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.