Fraud in Virginia is a serious criminal offense under Va. Code § 18.2-178, carrying penalties from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail) to a Class 4 felony (2–10 years in prison). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Fraud Lawyer Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money, property, or services by false pretenses, tokens, or representations with the intent to defraud. The statute covers a wide range of deceptive conduct, including credit card fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, and identity theft. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property or money obtained. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is a Class 4 felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. If the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Prosecution occurs in the Virginia General District Court for misdemeanors and the Virginia Circuit Court for felonies. 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 cases across Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia General District Court (misdemeanor) and Virginia Circuit Court (felony) | 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 information on Virginia court procedures, see Virginia Courts (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Virginia courts, prosecutors routinely rely on documentary evidence and witness testimony to prove fraud cases. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often files charges based on incomplete or misleading information. A strong defense requires a thorough examination of the evidence and the circumstances of the alleged fraud.
- 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 Lawyer Virginia immediately to discuss your case.
- Attend all court hearings and follow your attorney’s advice.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Be prepared for a thorough investigation of the facts.
In Virginia, fraud carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony, depending on the value of the property or money obtained.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record, restitution |
| Fraud ($1,000 or more) | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, restitution, loss of civil rights |
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 team includes attorneys with former prosecutorial and law enforcement backgrounds who understand how fraud cases are built and how to challenge them effectively. We are committed to providing aggressive and strategic representation for clients facing fraud charges in Virginia.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. In fraud and property-related cases, the firm has achieved 92 documented results: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a favorable-outcome rate of 93%+. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from the Virginia Supreme Court (statewide coordination), with access via I-64 and I-95. We serve as a Fraud Lawyer Virginia for clients across the state. Serving the communities of all Virginia communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Virginia
What is fraud under Virginia law?
Yes. Fraud in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money or property by false pretenses or tokens. It is a Class 4 felony if the value is $1,000 or more, carrying 2–10 years in prison. Cases are prosecuted in Virginia General District Court (misdemeanor) and Virginia Circuit Court (felony).
Fraud in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money or property by false pretenses.
What are the penalties for fraud in Virginia?
It depends. Penalties for fraud in Virginia depend on the value involved. Under Va. Code § 18.2-178, fraud involving $1,000 or more is a Class 4 felony (2–10 years in prison). Fraud under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,500 fine). Additional consequences may include restitution and a permanent criminal record.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against fraud charges?
It depends. Defense strategies for fraud charges in Virginia may include challenging the evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced fraud charge defense lawyer Virginia evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-178 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing fraud charges in Virginia?
If facing fraud 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.
Can fraud charges be reduced or dismissed in Virginia?
It depends. Yes, fraud charges can be reduced or dismissed in Virginia depending on the circumstances. A white collar crime defense lawyer Virginia may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser charge or seek dismissal based on insufficient evidence or procedural errors. Results depend on the specific facts of each case.
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Last verified: April 2026 | This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.