Fraud Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA
A knock at the door from a detective, a summons in the mail, or an unexpected phone call—fraud allegations can turn your life upside down in an instant. In Virginia Beach, fraud charges are prosecuted vigorously by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the consequences of a conviction can include incarceration, a permanent criminal record, and the stigma that follows. If you are facing a fraud accusation in Virginia Beach, you need counsel who understands how these cases are built and who can start building your defense immediately. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and its Of Counsel team bring a former prosecutor’s perspective to every matter. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation and discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
In Virginia, obtaining money or property valued at $1,000 or more by false pretenses is graded as grand larceny, a felony. Values below $1,000 are petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-178, 18.2-95, 18.2-96. Virginia Code Title 18.2
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Strategy Options for a Fraud Defense in Virginia Beach
Every fraud case begins with a careful examination of what the prosecution must prove. Under Virginia law, obtaining money by false pretenses (Va. Code § 18.2-178) requires evidence that you knowingly made a false representation of a past or present fact, with intent to defraud, and that someone relied on that representation to part with property. A well-prepared defense often starts by challenging one of those elements. Perhaps the representation was not false, or you believed it to be true when you made it. Perhaps there was no intent to defraud—a failed business deal is not the same as a scheme. In many cases, the value of the alleged loss is disputed, which can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge.
Plea bargaining is permitted in Virginia under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend charges, dismiss counts, or recommend a particular sentence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every avenue: negotiating with the prosecutor, preparing for trial if the evidence is weak, and presenting mitigating facts to the court. Our approach is always tailored to the specific facts of your case and the practices of the Virginia Beach courts.
What to Expect When Facing a Fraud Charge in Virginia Beach
If you have been charged with fraud in Virginia Beach, your case will typically begin in the Virginia Beach General District Court at 2425 Nimmo Parkway. For a misdemeanor charge (value under $1,000), the General District Court holds the trial. For a felony charge (value $1,000 or above), the General District Court conducts a preliminary hearing to determine if probable cause exists to send the case to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Virginia Beach prosecutes all state-level criminal matters.
After an arrest, a magistrate sets bond. For many first-offense fraud charges where the alleged loss is modest, personal recognizance bond is common. For more serious allegations, a secured bond may be required. Your defense counsel can request a bond hearing to address conditions of release. The timeline for resolution varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar, but Virginia requires that a defendant not be held longer than statutory speedy-trial limits. Throughout the process, having an experienced attorney present to advise you on whether to testify, what evidence to present, and how to handle the prosecution’s offer is critical.
Penalty Overview for Fraud Charges in Virginia
Because obtaining money by false pretenses is punished as larceny, the value of the property obtained dictates the penalty exposure. If the value is under $1,000, the offense is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia carries a maximum of 12 months in jail and a fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is grand larceny, a felony. A first-offense grand larceny is punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for one to 20 years, or, at the discretion of a jury, a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. The court also has discretion to suspend some or all of any sentence and place the defendant on probation.
A felony fraud conviction carries lasting consequences beyond incarceration: a permanent felony record that can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and firearm rights. That is why early intervention aimed at negotiating an amendment to a reduced charge or securing a dismissal is often the foremost goal of defense counsel. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and its Of Counsel work toward the most favorable resolution possible under the evidence and the law.
Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been practicing law since 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together they have documented 4,739+ case results since the firm’s founding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes fraud under Virginia law?
Under Virginia law, fraud generally involves obtaining money or property through a false representation of a past or present fact, made with intent to defraud, and relied upon by the victim to their detriment. The most commonly charged statute is Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses). The offense is punished as larceny based on the value of the property obtained, which determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Other forms of fraud, such as credit card fraud (§ 18.2-193) or forgery (§ 18.2-172), have their own statutory elements, but all require proof of a deceptive act and criminal intent. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Is a fraud charge a misdemeanor or felony in Virginia Beach?
In Virginia Beach, a fraud charge under Va. Code § 18.2-178 is classified as petit larceny (misdemeanor) if the value of the property obtained is under $1,000, and grand larceny (felony) if the value is $1,000 or more. The value is determined at the time of the alleged offense. A skilled prosecutor will often charge the offense as a felony if the claimed loss meets the threshold, but the actual value can be contested by the defense. The court where the charge is heard—General District Court for misdemeanors and Circuit Court for felonies—depends on this classification. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am accused of fraud in Virginia Beach?
If you are accused of fraud, do not speak with law enforcement or anyone other than your attorney about the allegations, and contact a defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can become evidence against you. Preserve any relevant documents, emails, or records, and do not destroy anything that could be relevant. Early legal guidance can make the difference between a quick, discreet resolution and a prolonged criminal proceeding. To schedule a consultation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can fraud charges be dropped in Virginia Beach?
Yes, fraud charges in Virginia Beach can be dismissed or reduced if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, if key witnesses are unavailable, or if constitutional issues exist with how the evidence was obtained. Additionally, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to amend the charge to a lesser offense as part of a plea negotiation, or dismiss it outright if the alleged victim does not wish to prosecute or if restitution makes prosecution impractical. Every case is different, and a thorough defense investigation is the first step toward seeking a dismissal. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a fraud charge?
Yes, because a fraud conviction—even a misdemeanor—carries jail time, a permanent criminal record, and long-term consequences for employment, housing, and professional licenses. Fraud cases often turn on technical legal issues such as intent, reliance, and the admissibility of electronic evidence that are difficult to address without counsel. An experienced fraud defense attorney can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and, if necessary, present a well-prepared defense at trial. To discuss your options with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, call (888) 437-7747.
Criminal defense in Fairfax County · Criminal defense in Prince William County · Criminal defense in Manassas
Virginia primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) · Virginia Courts · Virginia Beach General District Court
For a full statutory breakdown of fraud and related offenses in Virginia, visit the firm’s comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.