Fraud Lawyer Fairfax County, Virginia
Fraud charges in Fairfax County, 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 of up to 12 months in jail or 1-10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Fraud Charges Under Virginia Law
Fraud in Virginia includes a range of offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses), Va. Code § 18.2-186 (credit card fraud), and Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud). The severity of the charge depends on the value involved: theft of less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine), while theft of $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison. A fraud charge defense lawyer Fairfax County can help you handle these complex statutes.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience. The firm has handled numerous fraud cases in Fairfax County, including obtaining money on false pretenses, credit card fraud, and computer fraud.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County General District Court and Fairfax County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Official Legal References
Insider Knowledge: How Fraud Cases Are Handled in Fairfax County
In Fairfax County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud cases involving multiple victims or sophisticated schemes. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office often pushes for felony charges even when the value is near the $1,000 threshold.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer Fairfax County immediately to begin building your defense.
- Attend all court hearings at Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030).
- Explore first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which may result in dismissal upon successful completion.
- File any necessary motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence or a motion to dismiss, within statutory deadlines.
Penalties for Fraud in Fairfax County, Virginia
In Fairfax County, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison), depending on the value and nature of the offense.
| 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 | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impacts |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm restrictions; professional license impacts |
| Credit Card Fraud (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victims; potential civil liability |
| Computer Fraud (damage under $2,500) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential federal charges if interstate commerce involved |
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%. The firm’s Advocacy Without Borders approach means you receive dedicated representation regardless of the complexity of your case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s deep understanding of Virginia law.
As a fraud charge defense lawyer Fairfax County, the firm has handled numerous fraud cases, including obtaining money on false pretenses, credit card fraud, and computer fraud. The firm’s background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in analyzing financial evidence and building a strong defense.
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 Fairfax County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 501 documented results in Fairfax County: 336 dismissed or not guilty, 143 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable — a 97% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Specific fraud-related outcomes include: obtaining money on false pretenses felony reduced to a misdemeanor with 180 days jail, 176 suspended; and multiple cases resolved through deferred disposition or nolle prosequi.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 1.5 miles from Fairfax County General District Court, with access via I-495 and Route 50. We serve as a fraud lawyer near Fairfax County for clients throughout the region.
Serving the communities of Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 | (703) 636-5417 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Fairfax County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 210, Fairfax, VA 22030). 501 documented results: 336 dismissed/not guilty, 143 reduced/amended, 5 other favorable (97% favorable outcome rate).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fairfax County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fairfax County, Virginia?
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 Fairfax County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Fairfax County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fairfax County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fairfax County General District Court.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fairfax County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences that require legal representation.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fairfax 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.
Fairfax County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials; Fairfax County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
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.
Related Legal Resources
- Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia — State-level hub for criminal defense
- Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County — Similar services in a neighboring locality
- Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County — Similar services in a neighboring locality
- Business Purchase Lawyer Fairfax — Related business law services
- Landlord Tenant Lawyer Fairfax County — Related civil litigation services
Last verified: April 2026 | Content updated: 2026-04-30
By appointment only.