Fraud charges in 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 with up to 10 years imprisonment. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience across Virginia. Call (888) 437-7747 for consultation.
Fraud Lawyer Virginia
Fraud in Virginia includes a range of deceptive practices, including obtaining money or property by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, credit card fraud under § 18.2-195, and computer fraud under § 18.2-152.3. The prosecution must prove you knowingly and intentionally made a false representation with the intent to defraud, and that the victim relied on that representation to their detriment. Penalties escalate based on the value involved: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more is a Class 5 felony (1-10 years imprisonment). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to fraud defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Supreme Court (statewide coordination), 100 N 9th St, 5th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For sentencing guidelines, see Va. Code § 19.2-295.1 (Sentencing) (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Virginia General District Courts and Circuit Courts, prosecutors routinely file fraud charges under multiple statutes to maximize use. We have observed that early intervention — before an indictment is secured — often creates opportunities for charge negotiation or dismissal.
- Do not speak to investigators without a fraud lawyer Virginia present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Virginia immediately to assert your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at the Virginia General District Court (misdemeanor) or Virginia Circuit Court (felony).
- Work with your white collar crime defense lawyer Virginia to identify procedural weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Consider whether a plea agreement or diversion program is in your experienced interest.
In Virginia, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years imprisonment), depending on the value involved and the specific statute violated.
| 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 | Possible professional license suspension | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 (or at jury discretion) | Loss of professional licenses; firearm rights affected | Permanent criminal record; restitution; potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Credit Card Fraud | 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 $2,500 (felony) | Possible professional license suspension | Permanent criminal record; restitution |
| Computer Fraud | 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 $2,500 (felony) | Possible professional license suspension | Permanent criminal record; restitution |
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 handled numerous fraud-related cases, including theft and property crimes, with 92 documented results in that category: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 92 documented results in theft/fraud/property cases across Virginia: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a favorable-outcome rate of 98%. Results may vary. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, the firm has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 1.5 miles from the Fairfax County General District Court, with access via I-66 and Route 50. If you need a fraud lawyer near Virginia, we serve all communities across the state. Serving the communities of Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and all Virginia localities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
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 Virginia
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax 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 — Fairfax County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax County Circuit Court (felony) (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Early legal representation is critical.
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.
What should I do if I am facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states charges in Virginia?
If facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states 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 credit card fraud charges?
Defense strategies for credit card fraud 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 criminal defense in Virginia: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related practice areas, see Traffic Lawyer Virginia and Family Law Lawyer Virginia. For representation in nearby localities, visit Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Fairfax City Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-28.