Fraud Lawyer Fauquier County, VA

Fraud charges in Fauquier County can carry serious consequences, from jail time and fines to a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses. Whether the allegations involve false pretenses, credit card fraud, identity theft, or other deceptive acts, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these matters actively in the courts at 6 Court Street, Warrenton. A conviction under Virginia’s fraud statutes—including Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses)—can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties depending on the value involved and the nature of the alleged conduct. If you are facing a fraud investigation or have been charged, contact an experienced fraud defense attorney immediately to discuss your situation. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Fraud Charges in Fauquier County, Virginia

Fraud offenses in Virginia are generally prosecuted as larceny offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which treats obtaining money or property by false pretenses as larceny. This means that the value of the property or money obtained determines the grade of the offense. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison (or, at the discretion of the jury or judge, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500). If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Misdemeanor fraud cases are heard in the Fauquier County General District Court, while felony fraud cases begin with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before proceeding to the Fauquier County Circuit Court for trial.

In addition to the false pretenses statute, other fraud-related crimes—such as credit card theft (Va. Code § 18.2-192), forgery (Va. Code § 18.2-168), and identity fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3)—carry their own specific penalties and procedural requirements. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fauquier County prosecutes these cases with considerable resources, and an experienced defense attorney familiar with the local courts can evaluate the strength of the evidence and identify legal and procedural issues that may affect the outcome. The Fairfax Location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Regularly appears in the Fauquier County courts located at 6 Court Street, Warrenton, and is available to represent individuals facing fraud allegations.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Fraud Cases

When a person is charged with fraud in Fauquier County, the case begins with an arrest and a bond hearing before a magistrate. The magistrate determines whether the person will be released on personal recognizance or whether a secured bond will be required. At the first court appearance in General District Court, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and may enter a plea. In misdemeanor cases, a trial date is typically set within several weeks. In felony cases, a preliminary hearing is scheduled to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court for trial.

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach each fraud case by examining the specific facts, the evidentiary basis for the charges, and the applicable law. They may challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the legality of any search or seizure, or the appropriateness of the charges. In many fraud cases, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may be willing to negotiate a resolution that avoids the most severe consequences, such as a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor or participation in a first-offender program where available. Every case is handled individually, and the attorneys work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and appears in state and federal courts across these jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive criminal defense experience and include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney and a former Virginia State Trooper, among others. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect the rights of individuals facing criminal charges in Fauquier County and throughout Northern Virginia. The firm’s Fairfax Location is by appointment and can be reached at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fraud under Virginia law?

Fraud in Virginia generally refers to obtaining money, property, or a signature by false pretenses with the intent to defraud, as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-178. This statute treats fraud as larceny, so the value of the property involved determines whether the charge is a felony (grand larceny, $1,000 or more) or a misdemeanor (petit larceny, less than $1,000). Other specific fraud crimes, such as credit card fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-193) or identity fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3), have their own elements and penalties.

What are the penalties for a fraud conviction in Fauquier County?

Penalties for fraud in Fauquier County depend on the value of the property obtained. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison or, at the jury or judge’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the value is less than $1,000, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction may also result in a permanent criminal record and other collateral consequences.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony fraud charge?

The primary difference is the value of the property involved. A misdemeanor fraud charge involves less than $1,000 and is tried in the Fauquier County General District Court by a judge. A felony fraud charge involves $1,000 or more and requires a preliminary hearing in General District Court before a trial in the Fauquier County Circuit Court, where the defendant has the right to a jury trial. Felony convictions carry longer prison sentences and additional consequences, such as loss of certain civil rights.

Should I hire a fraud lawyer in Fauquier County?

Yes, you should consult an attorney promptly if you are under investigation or have been charged with fraud. Even a misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, a fine, and a criminal record that affects employment and professional licensing. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can examine the prosecution’s evidence, identify defenses, explore alternatives such as first-offender programs where available, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Early involvement may affect the outcome.

How does a lawyer defend against fraud charges in Virginia?

A defense may challenge the sufficiency of the evidence, the intent to defraud, or the legality of the investigation. In false pretenses cases, the prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly made a false representation with the intent to defraud and that the victim relied on that representation to transfer money or property. Defenses may include lack of intent, mistake of fact, or that the alleged victim did not actually rely on the representation. An attorney can also seek to exclude improperly obtained evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.

What should I do if I am contacted by law enforcement about a fraud investigation?

You should politely decline to speak with law enforcement until you have consulted an attorney. Any statements you make can be used against you in court, even if you think you are simply explaining your side of the story. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately, preserve any documents or records that may be relevant, and do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your attorney. Early legal intervention can help protect your rights and may affect the direction of the investigation.

For more information on criminal defense in nearby counties, visit:
Fairfax County criminal defense lawyer •
Prince William County criminal defense lawyer •
Stafford County criminal defense lawyer.
Learn about the firm’s broader criminal practice at Virginia criminal defense.

Primary source references:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) •
Virginia Courts.

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