Fraud charges in Chesapeake, Virginia, are serious offenses 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 (1-10 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed or not guilty — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Fraud Lawyer Chesapeake in Chesapeake, 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. These offenses are prosecuted in Chesapeake General District Court for misdemeanors and Chesapeake Circuit Court for felonies. A conviction can result in incarceration, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | 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 and Chesapeake General District Court — vacourts.gov.
In Chesapeake General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle fraud cases with a focus on restitution and victim impact. We have observed that early intervention and proactive evidence gathering can significantly influence charging decisions.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all documents, receipts, and electronic records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Chesapeake immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at Chesapeake General District Court or Chesapeake Circuit Court.
- Follow your attorney’s advice on plea negotiations and trial strategy.
In Chesapeake, 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, up to $2,500 fine), depending on the value of property 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 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, loss of voting rights, firearm prohibition |
| Credit Card Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months to 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| Computer Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months to 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 and white collar crime cases, leveraging Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems to analyze complex financial evidence. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects the firm’s commitment to client-centered representation across jurisdictions.
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 1 documented result in Chesapeake: 1 dismissed or not guilty — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322), with access via I-64, I-464, and I-664. Serving the communities of Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier. 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
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322). 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. 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 Chesapeake Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Chesapeake, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Chesapeake. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Chesapeake 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).
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake (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 Chesapeake (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesapeake (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 — Chesapeake General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Chesapeake Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals; the Commonwealth’s… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Chesapeake (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Chesapeake (City) Circuit Court (felony) (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake General District Court (307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322) is the GDC location.
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.
For more information, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also be interested in our Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County pages. For related practice areas, see Partnership Lawyer Chesapeake and Non Compete Lawyer Chesapeake.
Last verified: April 2026