Fraud Lawyer Alexandria, Virginia
Fraud charges in Alexandria, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses), a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria, including 18 dismissals and 30 reductions. A fraud charge defense lawyer Alexandria can help protect your rights.
Understanding Fraud Charges Under Virginia Law
Fraud in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money or property by false pretenses with intent to defraud. The statute covers a wide range of conduct, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, and computer fraud. Penalties depend on the value involved: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1-20 years in prison. A white collar crime defense lawyer Alexandria can evaluate the specific facts of your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Official Legal References
Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site)
Alexandria General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site)
Insider Knowledge: How Alexandria Courts Handle Fraud Cases
In Alexandria General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud involving vulnerable victims. We have observed that early engagement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can lead to charge reductions or diversion programs.
- Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer present.
- Preserve all financial records and communications.
- Request a preliminary hearing to test the prosecution’s evidence.
- Explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- File motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- Negotiate for a reduction to a lesser charge like petit larceny.
In Alexandria, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the amount involved.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud under $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-178) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension of professional license | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Fraud $1,000+ (Grand Larceny) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $100,000 | Automatic license suspension | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition |
| Computer Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-152.3) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible professional license revocation | Federal charges possible if interstate |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fraud Defense?
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%. Our firm has 79 documented results in Alexandria, including 18 dismissals and 30 reductions. We understand the local courts and prosecutors.
Your Legal Team
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
Proven Results in Alexandria Fraud Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 79 documented results in Alexandria: 18 dismissed or not guilty, 30 reduced or amended — a 61% favorable-outcome rate. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Convenient Location Serving Alexandria
Our location in Arlington is approximately 5 miles from Alexandria General District Court, with access via I-395 and Route 1. We serve as a fraud lawyer near Alexandria and the communities of Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and Kingstowne. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Alexandria
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Alexandria, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Alexandria 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 Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Alexandria, 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 Alexandria Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Alexandria, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Alexandria. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Alexandria 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).
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Alexandria (City), 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 Alexandria (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Alexandria (City) 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 — Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Alexandria Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals; the Commonwealth’s… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Alexandria (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Alexandria (City) Circuit Court (felony) (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Yes. Criminal charges carry serious consequences including jail time and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Alexandria?
Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Alexandria 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. Alexandria General District Court (520 King Street, 2nd Floor, Alexandria, VA 22320) is the GDC location.
GDC handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals.
Related Legal Resources
- Petit Larceny Lawyer Virginia — Statewide hub for petit larceny defense
- Petit Larceny Lawyer Falls Church — Serving Falls Church
- Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County — Serving Fairfax County
- Non Compete Lawyer Alexandria — Business law services in Alexandria
- Malpractice Lawyer Alexandria — Civil litigation services in Alexandria
Last verified: April 2026 | Content updated: 2026-04-28