Virginia Woman Faces Sentencing on False Accusation

A 23 year-old woman from Hampton, Virginia faces up to 10 years in prison for falsely accusing a childhood friend of sexual assault that allegedly occurred when she was ten and he was 14 years old. The man was convicted and sent to prison based on her previous false testimony when the criminal case went to a bench trial. After being charged with forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and object sexual penetration, the man was convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison with all but seven and a half years suspended. He has since been released from prison on a conditional pardon by the Governor; the pardon is conditional as the wrongly accused man's petition for a writ of actual innocence is being processed.

The accuser, E. P. C., worked as a civilian clerk for the Hampton Police Department. She resigned last year after being arrested for perjury in connection with the case. She earlier admitted that she had made up the whole story as she lied on the witness stand at the man's trial in 2008. Perjury is covered under Section 18.2-434 of Virginia law, where it is classified as a Class 5 felony and is described as swearing to something falsely while under oath. In Virginia, a person convicted of perjury is thereafter not allowed to hold any office of "honor, profit, or trust" for the state or to serve as a juror. It carries penalties of incarceration in jail / prison for up to 10 years and / or fines of up to $2,500.

Richmond Criminal Defense Firm

Any type of criminal charge, whether it is at the state or federal level, is a serious legal matter for the accused. As evidenced by the above-mentioned case, the penalties you face for criminal offenses put you at risk for losing your freedom, for heavy financial penalties, a permanent criminal record, and the social stigma of a criminal conviction. Finding and securing experienced and proven criminal defense representation is imperative in such cases for those who wish to fight charges and challenge the prosecution in its quest for maximum punishment.

Vaughan C. Jones, Attorney at Law, is a criminal defense firm serving clients in Richmond and the surrounding communities. Attorney Jones is a former prosecutor who has effectively represented hundreds of clients in all types of criminal cases. As a lead prosecutor, he never lost a jury trial. He has the experience, dedication, and courtroom skills needed to represent you in both state and federal court against all types of charges, from DUI to drug crimes, juvenile crimes, theft crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, and more. To learn more about his firm and how he can help you, contact his offices to speak with him about your criminal case immediately following any arrest or if you are subject to a criminal investigation.