Fraud charges in James City County, Virginia, are serious criminal offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) carrying penalties from Class 1 misdemeanor to felony depending on the amount involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 5 documented case results in James City County with favorable outcomes in all reported instances.

Fraud Lawyer James City County, Virginia

Fraud in Virginia is broadly defined under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes 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 obtained: under $1,000 is petit larceny (Class 1 misdemeanor), while $1,000 or more constitutes grand larceny (felony). Additional fraud-related statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) and § 18.2-186 (credit card fraud). A conviction can result in incarceration, fines, restitution, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Last verified: April 2026 | Williamsburg/James City County GDC | Virginia General Assembly — official site

Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.

For authoritative legal references, consult the following official government sources:

In Williamsburg/James City County GDC, prosecutors routinely file fraud charges under Va. Code § 18.2-178 with limited initial discovery. We have observed that early intervention before arraignment often leads to charge reduction or dismissal, particularly when the alleged victim’s cooperation is inconsistent.

Remain silent and request an attorney immediately upon arrest or questioning.
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Preserve all documents, emails, and records related to the alleged fraud.
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Attend all scheduled court appearances at Williamsburg/James City County GDC.
Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations or trial strategy.

In James City County, fraud charges under Va. Code § 18.2-178 carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of property obtained.

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; restitution
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	Felony record; loss of voting rights; restitution
Computer Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-152.3)	Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony	Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-10 years (felony)	Up to $2,500	None	Restitution; potential federal charges
Credit Card Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-186)	Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 6 Felony	Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-5 years (felony)	Up to $2,500	None	Restitution; permanent record

Results may vary.

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 has handled numerous fraud-related cases, including computer fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft, achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients across Virginia.

Mr. Sris

Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to the Virginia Bar and has a background in accounting and information systems applied to complex financial and technology-related cases.

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 5 documented case results in James City County: 1 dismissed or not guilty, 3 reduced or amended, and 1 other favorable — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. These results include traffic and reckless driving matters, demonstrating the firm’s ability to negotiate favorable dispositions. Results may vary.

Our location in Richmond is approximately 45 miles from Williamsburg/James City County GDC, with access via I-64 and Route 199. If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer James City County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in James City County

What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in James City County, Virginia?

A Class 1 misdemeanor in James City 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 under Va. Code § 18.2-57, petit larceny under § 18.2-96, and driving on suspended under § 46.2-301. Cases heard at Williamsburg/James City County GDC (5201 Monticello Ave, Suite 4, Williamsburg, VA 23188).

Yes. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Can criminal charges be expunged in James City 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 James City County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.

Yes, but only for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi.

How does bail work in James City County, Virginia?

A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors in James City County. Secured bond is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Williamsburg/James City County GDC.

A magistrate sets bond after arrest, with personal recognizance common for first-offense misdemeanors.

Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in James City 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 James City County General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Early legal representation is critical.

Yes. Criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences that require experienced legal representation.

What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in James City County?

James City County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. James City 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 and preliminary hearings; 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 to build the strongest possible defense.

Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-178.

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.

Contact a criminal attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents.

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 to build the strongest possible defense.