Fraud charges in Arlington County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and can range from misdemeanor petit larceny by false pretenses to felony fraud. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County, including 22 dismissals and 93 reductions. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Fraud Lawyer Arlington County, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money or property by false pretenses) and related statutes such as Va. Code § 18.2-186 (credit card fraud) and Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud). A fraud charge defense lawyer Arlington County must understand the specific elements of each statute. Penalties depend on the value involved: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more elevates the charge to a felony with potential prison time. 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 in Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County 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). For court procedures and local rules, visit Arlington County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Arlington County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle fraud cases with a focus on restitution for victims. We have observed that early intervention — before charges are formally filed — can sometimes lead to a pre-charge diversion agreement, avoiding a criminal record entirely.
- Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and records that may be relevant to your defense.
- Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer Arlington County immediately to assess your exposure.
- Attend all court dates at Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400).
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding negotiations or trial strategy.
In Arlington County, fraud offenses carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony (1-10 years in prison) depending on the value and nature of the fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (False Pretenses) under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential restitution |
| Grand Larceny (False Pretenses) $1,000+ | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months + $2,500 at jury discretion) | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; employment barriers |
| 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) | None | Restitution mandatory; potential civil liability |
| 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) | None | Restitution; potential federal charges if interstate |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include fraud-related charges such as destruction of property, fare evasion, and highway sign violations, demonstrating the firm’s broad experience in Arlington County General District Court.
Our location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209 is approximately 1.5 miles from Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd), with access via I-395 and Route 50. If you need a fraud lawyer near Arlington County, we serve the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Arlington County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Arlington County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Arlington 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 Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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 Arlington County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Arlington County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Arlington County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Arlington County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
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 Arlington County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Arlington County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Arlington County?
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Arlington 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 may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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 may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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 may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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 our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia practice. For related localities, see our Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County pages. For other practice areas in Arlington County, visit Commercial Litigation Lawyer Arlington County and Consumer Protection Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026