Fraud charges in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, carrying penalties including up to 12 months in jail or years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, providing representation for those accused of fraud.
Fraud Lawyer Virginia Beach, Virginia
Understanding Fraud Charges Under Virginia Law
Fraud in Virginia is primarily governed by Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money or property by false pretenses. The statute covers a wide range of deceptive conduct, including credit card fraud, computer fraud, and identity theft. Penalties depend on the value involved: theft of less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while theft of $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony. Additional fraud-related statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) and § 18.2-186.3 (identity theft).
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Virginia Beach Fraud Cases
In Virginia Beach General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle fraud cases with a focus on financial documentation. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often relies heavily on bank records and transaction histories.
- Request all discovery materials, including financial records and witness statements.
- File pretrial motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for charge reduction or alternative sentencing.
- Prepare for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached.
- Present mitigating factors, such as lack of prior criminal history, to the court.
- Explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 for eligible defendants.
In Virginia Beach, fraud carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value involved and the specific statute violated.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Fraud under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Grand Larceny (Fraud $1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| Computer Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months to 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victims |
| Identity Theft | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Felony | Up to 12 months to 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, civil liability |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fraud Defense
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%. Our firm has handled numerous fraud-related cases, including credit card fraud, computer fraud, and identity theft, achieving dismissals and reductions through strategic defense. We understand the details of financial crimes and work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Your Legal Team
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
Proven Results in Fraud and Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, with 8 total documented case results across all practice areas, including favorable outcomes in all reported instances. Our firm-wide results include 4,739+ documented outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a 93%+ favorable rate. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 100 miles from Virginia Beach General District Court, with access via I-64 and I-264. We serve clients throughout Virginia Beach, including the communities of Sandbridge and Oceana.
If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach, contact us today. We are also a white collar crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach, handling complex financial cases.
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 Beach
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery under Va. Code § 18.2-57 and petit larceny under § 18.2-96. Cases are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Secured bond, where a bail bondsman charges approximately 10%, is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while Virginia Beach Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
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.
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 to build the strongest possible defense.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
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- LLC Lawyer Virginia Beach — Business law in same locality
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Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.