Fraud charges in Fredericksburg, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties depending on the value involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Fredericksburg, including documented results in theft and fraud cases.
Fraud Lawyer Fredericksburg, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money or property by false pretenses or tokens. The statute covers schemes where you knowingly and intentionally deceive another person to gain something of value. Penalties escalate based on the amount involved: theft of $1,000 or more constitutes grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1–20 years in prison. Theft under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Additional fraud-related offenses include credit card fraud under Va. Code § 18.2-195, computer fraud under Va. Code § 18.2-152.3, and identity theft under Va. Code § 18.2-186.3. These cases are heard at Fredericksburg General District Court for misdemeanors and Fredericksburg Circuit Court for felonies. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fredericksburg General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For sentencing guidelines, see Va. Code § 19.2-295.1 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Fredericksburg General District Court, prosecutors routinely file fraud charges under multiple statutes to maximize use. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fredericksburg often seeks enhanced penalties when the alleged fraud involves elderly victims or public funds.
- Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents related to the transaction.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Fredericksburg immediately to assess your exposure.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Fredericksburg General District Court or Fredericksburg Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2.
- If convicted, discuss expungement eligibility under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2 for acquittals or dismissals.
In Fredericksburg, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony (1–20 years prison) depending on the value and nature of the fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impact |
| Grand Larceny ($1,000+) | Felony | 1–20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license impact |
| Credit Card Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required; potential federal charges if interstate |
| Computer Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Federal charges possible under CFAA |
Results may vary.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Fredericksburg. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, including 92 documented results in Theft/Fraud/Property cases with 59 dismissals or not guilty outcomes and 28 reductions or amendments — a favorable-outcome rate of 95% in that category. Results may vary.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 45 miles from Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401), with access via I-95 and Route 1. If you are searching for a fraud lawyer near Fredericksburg, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Fredericksburg, Downtown, Ferry Farm, Spotsylvania border, and Stafford border. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Fredericksburg
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg General District Court (701 Princess Anne St, Suite 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
Yes. 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 Fredericksburg Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fredericksburg. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fredericksburg General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fredericksburg (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 Fredericksburg General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fredericksburg 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.
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 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 to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Falls Church, Petit Larceny Lawyer Fairfax County, and Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County. For other legal needs in Fredericksburg, see Business Dissolution Lawyer Fredericksburg and Commercial Leasing Lawyer Fredericksburg.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-29 and reflects current Virginia law and Fredericksburg court procedures. Laws and procedures may change; consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.