Fraud charges in Falls Church, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties depending on the amount involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances.
Fraud Lawyer Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178 as obtaining money or property by false pretenses or tokens. This statute covers a wide range of deceptive conduct, including credit card fraud, computer fraud, and identity theft. The classification of the offense depends on the value of the property or money obtained: under $1,000 is petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor), while $1,000 or more is grand larceny (felony). Additional fraud-related statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) and § 18.2-186 (credit card fraud). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing fraud charges in Falls Church.
Last verified: April 2026 | Falls Church 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 § 18.2-152.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Falls Church General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle fraud cases with a focus on restitution and victim compensation. We have observed that early engagement with the Commonwealth’s Attorney can lead to favorable outcomes, including reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, messages, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Falls Church immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W).
- Work with your attorney to explore plea negotiations or trial strategies.
- Comply with any court-ordered conditions, such as restitution or community service.
In Falls Church, 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) depending on the amount involved.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impacts |
| Grand Larceny ($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; professional license impacts |
| 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 to victims; 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 6 documented results in Falls Church: 5 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 5 miles from Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046), with access via Route 7 (Broad Street/Leesburg Pike), Route 29, I-66, and I-495. Serving the communities of Falls Church. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Falls Church
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Falls Church, Virginia?
Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Falls Church 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 Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046). 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Falls Church, 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 Falls Church Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 6 documented results: 5 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances).
How does bail work in Falls Church, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Falls Church. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Falls Church 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 Falls Church (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 Falls Church (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Falls Church (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 — Falls Church General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Falls Church Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals;… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Falls Church (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Falls Church (City) Circuit Court (felony) (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Falls Church?
Falls Church General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Falls Church 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. Falls Church General District Court (300 Park Avenue, Suite 151W, Falls Church, VA 22046) 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.
Learn more about our services: Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and Corporate Bylaws Lawyer Falls Church.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-30.