Fraud charges in Bedford County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony depending on the amount involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County General District Court and Bedford County Circuit Court.
Fraud Lawyer Bedford County, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money or property by false pretenses or tokens. The statute criminalizes knowingly and intentionally deceiving another person to part with property or money. A conviction requires proof that you made a false representation with intent to defraud, the victim relied on that representation, and you obtained something of value. Penalties escalate based on the value: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1–20 years in prison. Additional fraud-related charges include credit card fraud (§ 18.2-195), computer fraud (§ 18.2-152.3), and identity theft (§ 18.2-186.3). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, see: Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Va. Code § 18.2-95 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Bedford County General District Court, prosecutors routinely file fraud charges under multiple statutes to maximize pressure. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often seeks enhanced penalties when the alleged fraud involves elderly victims or public benefits.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present — anything you say can be used to establish intent.
- Preserve all financial records, contracts, emails, and text messages that may show the transaction was legitimate.
- Request a copy of the warrant or indictment to understand the specific allegations against you.
- Attend all court hearings at Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523).
- Work with your lawyer to identify any defenses, such as lack of intent, mistake of fact, or that the transaction was a civil dispute.
- Consider whether a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may be available for qualifying charges.
In Bedford County, fraud carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 to a felony for amounts of $1,000 or more, with potential incarceration up to 20 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fraud under $1,000 (Petit Larceny by False Pretenses) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Fraud $1,000+ (Grand Larceny by False Pretenses) | Felony | 1–20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; restitution |
| Credit Card Fraud (§ 18.2-195) | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) or up to $100,000 (felony) | None | Restitution; potential federal charges |
| Computer Fraud (§ 18.2-152.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) or up to $2,500 (felony) | None | Restitution; potential federal charges |
Results may vary.
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Bedford County, with documented results including dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable outcomes. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 120 miles from Bedford County General District Court, with access via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24. Serving the communities of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Bedford County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Bedford County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court (123 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Bedford County, 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 Bedford County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Bedford County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Bedford County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Bedford County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Bedford 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 Bedford County General District Court 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.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Bedford County?
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford 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.
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.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Content reviewed for accuracy. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.