Fraud charges in Henrico County, Virginia, can be prosecuted as felonies under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) or as federal offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud) and § 1343 (wire fraud). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fraud Lawyer Henrico County, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia includes a range of deceptive practices intended to secure an unfair or unlawful gain. Under Va. Code § 18.2-178, obtaining money or property by false pretenses is a Class 5 felony if the value is $1,000 or more, carrying a penalty of 1 to 10 years in prison. If the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Federal fraud charges, such as wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, carry up to 20 years in federal prison. 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 these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Henrico 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). For federal wire fraud law, see 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site).
In Henrico County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud cases involving elderly victims or fiduciary relationships. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office often files multiple counts under different statutes to increase sentencing exposure.
Early intervention can sometimes lead to charge reduction or diversion programs before formal indictment.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Henrico County immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road).
- Explore whether a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 is available.
- Prepare for potential federal charges if the alleged fraud involved interstate communications.
In Henrico County, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years prison) under Virginia law, with federal fraud offenses carrying up to 20 years.
| 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; restitution |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; restitution |
| Wire Fraud (Federal) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | None | Federal supervision; asset forfeiture; no parole |
| Mail Fraud (Federal) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | None | Federal supervision; asset forfeiture; no parole |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ 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%. Our firm has handled numerous fraud cases in Henrico County, achieving dismissals and charge reductions through strategic negotiation and rigorous defense. We understand the details of both state and federal fraud allegations and provide personalized representation for each client.
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 8 documented results in Henrico County: 7 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These outcomes include dismissals for charges such as reckless driving, passing a school bus, speeding, and selling alcohol to an unauthorized person, demonstrating our firm’s ability to achieve favorable results across a range of criminal matters.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road), with access via I-64, I-95, and Route 250 (Broad Street).
If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer Henrico County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Henrico County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Henrico County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court (4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Henrico County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Henrico 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 Henrico County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, expungement is available for acquittals and dismissals under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Henrico County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Henrico County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Henrico County General District Court.
Bail is set by a magistrate; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Henrico 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 Henrico County General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine for a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious consequences including jail time and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Henrico County?
Henrico County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Henrico 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.
GDC handles misdemeanors; Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals.
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.
For more information about criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find these related pages useful: Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County, Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County, and Petit Larceny Lawyer Albemarle County. For other legal needs in Henrico County, consider Contract Lawyer Henrico County or Family Law Lawyer Henrico County.
Last updated: 2026-04-30