Arlington County Fraud Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Fraud charges in Arlington County are serious, prosecuted under Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and federal laws. A conviction can mean years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Fraud Laws and Penalties
Fraud includes a wide range of deceptive acts intended to secure an unfair or unlawful gain. In Virginia, common fraud charges are codified under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. For instance, obtaining money by false pretenses (Va. Code § 18.2-178) is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the value is under $1,000, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, it becomes a felony, with penalties escalating based on the amount. Credit card fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-195), identity theft (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3), and computer fraud are also aggressively prosecuted. Federal fraud charges, such as wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) or bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), carry even more severe penalties, including lengthy federal prison sentences and restitution orders. The specific statute applied depends entirely on the nature of the alleged scheme, the methods used, and the amount of loss involved.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-178). Court information and procedures for Arlington County can be found at the Arlington County General District Court website.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact our firm for a 24/7 consultation.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: We will review all evidence, police reports, and financial documents to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Strategy: This may involve filing motions to suppress evidence, negotiating for reduced charges, or seeking case dismissal based on procedural errors or lack of intent.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If your case proceeds to trial in Arlington County Circuit Court, we will prepare a vigorous defense, challenging the evidence and presenting your side of the story.
- Post-Trial & Appeal Options: We will explore all avenues for appeal or sentence modification if necessary.
In Arlington County, fraud penalties vary from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) for smaller amounts to felonies carrying 1-20 years in prison or more for major schemes or federal charges.
| Offense (Virginia Examples) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (< $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Restitution, criminal record |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Felony (Class 6 to 4) | 1-20 years (varies) | Discretionary | Restitution, felony record |
| Credit Card Fraud | Felony (Class 6 to 5) | 1-10 years | Discretionary | Restitution, loss of financial privileges |
| Identity Theft | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Felony | Up to 12 months to 5 years | Up to $2,500+ | Restitution, long-term credit damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Fraud and White Collar Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that fraud allegations can damage your reputation, career, and future. Our approach combines meticulous review of financial records and digital evidence with strategic legal arguments aimed at creating reasonable doubt about intent or knowledge, which are central elements of any fraud charge.
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in Arlington County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients in Arlington County courts. In one case, a charge of Destruction of Property with Intent under $1000 (Va. Code § 18.2-137) was resolved with a Nolle Prosequi (the prosecutor dropped the charge). In another, a Fare Evasion charge was similarly resolved with a Nolle Prosequi. While every case is unique, these outcomes demonstrate our active work within the Arlington County court system.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Arlington County, including the neighborhoods of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We represent individuals at the Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd) and the Circuit Court. As a dedicated fraud lawyer Arlington County, we are positioned to provide accessible and responsive legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fraud Charges in Arlington County
What should I do if I am under investigation for fraud in Arlington County?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Arlington County. Anything you say can be used to build a case against you.
What is the difference between state and federal fraud charges?
State fraud charges are brought under Virginia law and prosecuted in county courts like Arlington County Circuit Court. Federal fraud charges involve laws like wire or bank fraud, are investigated by agencies like the FBI or IRS, and are prosecuted in U.S. District Court. Federal penalties are typically more severe.
Can I go to jail for a first-time fraud offense in Virginia?
Yes. Even a first-time Class 1 misdemeanor fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail. The likelihood of jail time depends on the specific charge, the amount involved, and the strength of the defense presented.
What defenses are available against fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, entrapment, or that the transaction was a legitimate business dispute, not a criminal act. A white collar crime defense lawyer Arlington County can analyze the specifics of your case to identify the best defense strategy.
How can a lawyer help with a federal fraud case?
A lawyer experienced in federal court can handle complex procedures, challenge evidence obtained by federal agents, negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and advocate for you at sentencing under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which are often harsh for fraud offenses.
For representation from a seasoned fraud lawyer Arlington County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Related Pages: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Criminal Defense Lawyer Alexandria | Arlington County DUI Lawyer