Subornation of Perjury lawyer Maryland, MD
Federal subornation of perjury charges strike at the integrity of the judicial process and are prosecuted actively by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. A conviction can carry significant prison time under 18 U.S.C. § 1622 and related obstruction statutes. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing these serious allegations in federal court. The firm practices across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. If you are under investigation or have been indicted, early engagement with experienced counsel can materially affect the direction of your case. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
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ToggleWhat a Subornation of Perjury Charge Means in Maryland
Subornation of perjury is the act of procuring another person to commit perjury—knowingly inducing a witness, party, or other person to lie under oath in a federal proceeding. In Maryland, these charges are brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which sits in both Baltimore and Greenbelt. The case is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with substantial investigative resources from agencies such as the FBI and IRS‑CI. Because subornation of perjury implicates the truth‑seeking function of the courts, federal prosecutors often pursue it vigorously, and the stakes for the accused are immediate and severe.
The governing statutes include 18 U.S.C. § 1622 (subornation of perjury) and, depending on the conduct, obstruction‑of‑justice provisions under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1503–1520. The government must prove that the accused knowingly induced another person to give material false testimony under oath. Materiality—whether the false statement could influence the outcome of the proceeding—is a central element. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. A thorough defense demands an understanding of the procedural landscape of the District of Maryland and the evidentiary rules unique to federal practice.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Subornation of Perjury Cases
Every federal criminal matter begins with a careful assessment of the government’s evidence and the factual context of the alleged conduct. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to identify and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof—whether that means examining the credibility of the government’s witnesses, the reliability of documents and recordings, or the sufficiency of the procedural record. In a subornation‑of‑perjury investigation, the distinction between an innocent request for truthful testimony and an intentional procurement of false testimony is critical; experienced counsel scrutinizes every communication and circumstance surrounding the alleged inducement.
The firm’s approach includes early engagement with prosecutors, exploring the possibility of a pre‑indictment resolution where appropriate, and preparing for every stage of litigation, from initial appearance through trial, if necessary. Because federal sentencing is driven by advisory guidelines and statutory mandatory minimums can attach, the defense strategy is built with an eye not only on the trial outcome but also on the potential consequences of a conviction. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to the representation of clients in the District of Maryland. 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., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he understands how the government builds its case and draws on that perspective to craft defense strategies for clients in federal 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 bring a breadth of litigation experience that complements Mr. Sris’s practice. Together, they represent individuals across Maryland in federal criminal proceedings. The firm’s Maryland location serves clients from the Rockville area and appears regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between perjury and subornation of perjury?
Perjury is the act of knowingly making a material false statement under oath, while subornation of perjury is the act of causing or inducing another person to commit perjury. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1621, a person who commits perjury may face fines and up to five years’ imprisonment. Subornation of perjury, charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1622, carries the same maximum penalty per count. Both crimes require materiality—the falsehood must be capable of affecting the proceeding. The government often charges these offenses together when it believes a person orchestrated false testimony from a witness or co‑defendant.
How does a federal subornation of perjury investigation typically begin in Maryland?
A subornation of perjury investigation often begins when a person recants earlier sworn testimony, triggering an inquiry by federal agents or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The FBI or another investigative agency will then interview witnesses, review transcripts, and collect documents. If the government believes it can prove that someone intentionally induced the false testimony, it may present the case to a grand jury for indictment. Having experienced counsel early—before indictment—can be critical in addressing the investigation and potentially shaping its outcome in the District of Maryland.
What are the potential penalties for a subornation of perjury conviction?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1622, subornation of perjury is punishable by a fine and up to five years’ imprisonment per count. When the conduct also violates obstruction‑of‑justice statutes, penalties can be substantially higher—some obstruction provisions carry maximum sentences of 20 years. The federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory, and any statutory mandatory minimums will influence the ultimate sentence. There is no parole in the federal system, so a person convicted will serve the imposed sentence minus any good‑time credits. The specific facts of the case—including the nature of the underlying proceeding—are central to the penalty analysis.
What defenses might be available in a subornation of perjury case?
Defense strategies in a subornation of perjury case often focus on challenging the materiality of the alleged false testimony and the absence of the required intent. The government must prove that the accused knowingly induced another to testify falsely. If the defendant believed the testimony was true, or if the allegedly false statement was not capable of influencing the proceeding, the charge may be defensible. Other avenues include attacking the credibility of the witness who originally gave the false testimony, scrutinizing plea‑agreement inducements, and filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through improper means. Every case turns on its specific facts, and an experienced federal criminal attorney will identify the most viable defenses after reviewing the discovery.
Should I speak to the FBI or investigators if I am contacted about a subornation of perjury matter?
No; you should not speak to federal investigators without first consulting an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and even a truthful statement can, when viewed through the lens of a criminal investigation, become part of the government’s case. Law enforcement agents may contact you directly to ask questions or request documents. Politely decline to answer and contact counsel immediately. The firm represents clients throughout Maryland; reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 if you have been contacted by federal agents.
How do I find the right federal criminal defense lawyer in Maryland for a subornation charge?
When selecting a federal criminal defense attorney for a subornation of perjury charge, look for a lawyer with experience in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and an understanding of how the U.S. Attorney’s Office pursues these cases. Federal practice differs significantly from state‑court defense; familiarity with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the advisory sentencing guidelines, and the local rules of the District of Maryland is essential. You should also consider whether the attorney has experience challenging evidentiary issues unique to perjury and obstruction matters. For a confidential consultation, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Related federal criminal defense resources: Montgomery County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Baltimore Federal Criminal Lawyer | Prince George’s County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Howard County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Anne Arundel County Federal Criminal Lawyer
Official primary‑source references: 18 U.S.C. § 1622 (Subornation of Perjury) | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Founded in 1997. By appointment only.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.