Virginia law § 19.2-161 makes it a felony or misdemeanor to falsely swear or provide false statements regarding indigence, with penalties depending on the severity of the charge. Section 19.2-162 mandates that courts must grant continuances in criminal cases when necessary to comply with procedural requirements. Together, these laws address false statements in legal proceedings and ensure court flexibility for case management.
Falsely swearing or providing a false statement about indigence in a legal proceeding, knowing it is false, is considered false swearing under Virginia law.
If charged with a felony, false swearing is a Class 5 felony; if charged with a misdemeanor punishable by jail, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Yes, courts must grant continuances and take necessary actions to comply with procedural requirements when criminal proceedings are pending.
The penalties are enforced through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors bringing charges for perjury or false statements as applicable.