Fraud charges in Chesterfield County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and related statutes, carrying penalties from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to felony classifications depending on the amount involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County, including 3 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 2 reductions or amendments.
Fraud Lawyer Chesterfield County, Virginia
Fraud in Chesterfield County includes a range of deceptive practices, including obtaining money or property by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, credit card fraud, computer fraud under the Virginia Computer Crimes Act (§ 18.2-152.3), and conspiracy to commit fraud. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County prosecutes these cases in the Chesterfield County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesterfield County Circuit Court (felony). Penalties escalate with the value involved: theft under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor; $1,000 or more elevates the charge to grand larceny, a felony carrying 1-20 years in prison. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing fraud allegations in Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesterfield County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, consult the official Virginia legislative website: Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) — Virginia General Assembly. For court procedures and local rules, visit the Chesterfield County General District Court — Virginia Courts official site.
In Chesterfield County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud cases involving multiple victims or sophisticated schemes. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often files charges under multiple statutes — such as combining Va. Code § 18.2-178 (false pretenses) with § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) — to maximize sentencing exposure.
- Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County immediately to assert your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road).
- Work with your attorney to evaluate potential defenses, including lack of intent or mistaken identity.
- Consider whether a first-offender program or deferred disposition may be available under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
In Chesterfield County, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony (1-20 years) depending on the amount and nature of the fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining money by false pretenses (under $1,000) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Obtaining money by false pretenses ($1,000+) | Felony (grand larceny) | 1-20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Restitution, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Computer fraud (§ 18.2-152.3) | Class 1 misdemeanor to Class 5 felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) or up to $100,000 (felony) | None | Restitution, forfeiture of computer equipment |
| Credit card fraud | Class 1 misdemeanor to felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) or up to $100,000 (felony) | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the statute that governs equitable distribution in every Virginia divorce, demonstrating the firm’s deep familiarity with Virginia law.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented results in Chesterfield County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 2 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 15 miles from Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road), with access via I-95, I-295, Route 1, Route 10, and Route 360 (Hull Street).
If you are searching for a fraud charge defense lawyer Chesterfield County or a white collar crime defense lawyer Chesterfield County, we are here to help.
Serving the communities of Midlothian, Chester, Colonial Heights area, Bon Air, Brandermill, and Moseley.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Chesterfield County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesterfield County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832). 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in Chesterfield County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 5 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 2 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesterfield County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesterfield County General District Court. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesterfield County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at Chesterfield County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesterfield County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — Chesterfield County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Chesterfield County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesterfield County Circuit Court (felony) (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesterfield County?
Chesterfield County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesterfield County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time. Chesterfield County General District Court (9500 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832) is the GDC location.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against computer fraud and abuse act violations charges?
Defense strategies for computer fraud and abuse act violations in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing computer fraud and abuse act violations charges in Virginia?
If facing computer fraud and abuse act violations charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states charges?
Defense strategies for conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) to build the strongest possible defense.
Learn more about our services: Petit Larceny Lawyer Virginia (statewide hub). Explore related pages: Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County and Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County. Also see: Licensing Lawyer Chesterfield County and Defamation Lawyer Chesterfield County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-28
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
By appointment only.