Plain-Language Summary

Virginia law defines perjury as willfully lying under oath about material matters, including falsely swearing or making false statements to obtain a marriage license. It also covers giving conflicting testimony on separate occasions about the same matter with intent to deceive. Convictions for perjury result in a Class 5 felony and disqualify the individual from holding public office or serving as a juror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Perjury in Virginia occurs when someone willfully swears falsely on a material matter under oath or makes false statements to obtain a marriage license, or gives conflicting sworn testimony about the same matter with intent to deceive.

Perjury is classified as a Class 5 felony in Virginia, which can result in criminal penalties including imprisonment, and the individual becomes ineligible to hold public office or serve as a juror.

Yes, if a person knowingly gives conflicting sworn testimony on separate occasions about the same matter with the intent to deceive, it constitutes perjury under Virginia law.

Yes, upon conviction, the person is forever disqualified from holding any office of honor, profit, or trust under Virginia's Constitution, or serving as a juror.