Fraud charges in Prince William County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County, including 163 dismissals and 108 reductions — a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Fraud Lawyer Prince William County, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money or property by false pretenses or tokens. This statute covers a wide range of deceptive conduct, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, and computer fraud. A conviction under § 18.2-178 can be a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine) or a felony if the value exceeds $1,000, carrying up to 20 years in prison. The prosecution must prove that you intentionally made a false representation with the intent to defraud, and that the victim relied on that representation. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the fraud statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For Prince William County court procedures, visit Prince William County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Prince William 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 to increase use during plea negotiations.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Prince William County immediately to discuss your case.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Prince William County General District Court or Prince William County Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to explore defense strategies, such as challenging intent or negotiating a reduction.
In Prince William County, fraud carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison) depending on the value of the property obtained.
| 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 | None | Restitution, probation, criminal record |
| Fraud over $1,000 (Va. Code § 18.2-178) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, probation, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Computer Fraud (Va. Code § 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 | None | Restitution, probation, computer forfeiture |
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%. Our firm has handled 289 cases in Prince William County alone, with 163 dismissals and 108 reductions. We understand the local court system, including the procedures at Prince William County General District Court and Prince William County Circuit Court.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County: 163 dismissed or not guilty, 108 reduced or amended, 8 deferred — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Results may vary. In fraud-related cases, the firm has handled charges including credit card fraud, computer fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud, achieving dismissals and reductions through strategic negotiation and litigation.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110), with access via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer Prince William County, we are nearby and ready to help. Serving the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, Occoquan. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | (703) 636-5417 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William 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 Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William 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).
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Prince William 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 Prince William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Prince William 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 — Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Prince William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Prince William County Circuit Court (felony) (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) — 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 Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William 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. Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-178.
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.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents.
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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-178.
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 Franchise Lawyer Prince William County. For family law matters, see Family Law Lawyer Prince William County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was reviewed for accuracy on this date.