Fraud charges in Manassas, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Manassas, including documented results in Theft/Fraud/Property cases. You need a Fraud Lawyer Manassas who understands the local courts.
Fraud Lawyer Manassas in Manassas, 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, from credit card fraud to computer fraud and abuse act violations. The penalty depends on the value involved: if the value is $1,000 or more, it is grand larceny, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If under $1,000, it is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Additional fraud-related charges may be brought under Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) or federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
For the full text of the fraud statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on the Virginia Computer Crimes Act, see Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (Virginia General Assembly — official site).
In Manassas General District Court, prosecutors routinely file fraud charges under multiple statutes to maximize pressure. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas often seeks enhanced penalties when the alleged fraud involves a vulnerable victim.
- Do not speak to law enforcement without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Manassas immediately to discuss your rights.
- Attend all court hearings at Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230).
- Follow your attorney’s advice on plea negotiations or trial strategy.
- Consider alternative resolutions like deferred disposition or first-offender programs.
In Manassas, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony (up to 20 years in prison) depending on the value involved.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Fraud 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 (Fraud $1,000+) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license impacts |
| Computer Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-152.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or up to 20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 (misdemeanor) or up to $100,000 (felony) | None | Restitution; potential federal charges if interstate commerce involved |
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 extensive criminal defense experience in Manassas: 92 documented results in Theft/Fraud/Property cases firm-wide, with 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 95%.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Manassas General District Court, with access via I-66 and Route 28. Fraud Lawyer Manassas near Manassas. Serving the communities of Manassas and Sudley area. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Manassas
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Manassas, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Manassas 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 Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Manassas, Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
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 Manassas Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
How does bail work in Manassas, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Manassas. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Manassas 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 Manassas (City), Virginia?
Yes, criminal charges carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent record.
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 Manassas (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Manassas (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 — Manassas General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all GDC appeals; the Commonwealth’s… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Manassas (City) General District Court (misdemeanor) and Manassas (City) Circuit Court (felony) (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Manassas?
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Manassas Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
Manassas General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Manassas 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. Manassas General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110) is the GDC location.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against computer fraud and abuse act violations charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
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 may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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.
What should I do if I am facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states charges in Virginia?
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing conspiracy to commit an offense or to defraud the united states 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 credit card fraud charges?
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
Defense strategies for credit card fraud 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 Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Virginia services. For related localities, see our Petit Larceny Lawyer Stafford County and Petit Larceny Lawyer New Kent County pages. If you need assistance with business matters, consider our Business Formation Lawyer Manassas or Business Agreement Lawyer Manassas.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-30. For the most current legal information, consult a qualified attorney.