Facing federal mail fraud charges in New Kent County? Under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, mail fraud carries up to 20 years in federal prison. A Mail Fraud lawyer New Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can build your defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. Call (888) 437-7747.
Federal Mail Fraud Law and New Kent County Prosecutions
Mail fraud is defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 as a scheme to defraud using the United States Postal Service or private interstate mail carriers. The government must prove: (1) a scheme to defraud, (2) intent to deprive someone of money or property, and (3) use of the mail system to further the scheme. A Mail Fraud lawyer New Kent County understands that federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) aggressively pursue these cases. The statute covers any mailing — letters, packages, invoices, or advertisements — used to execute the fraudulent scheme.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (official U.S. Code)
Official Legal References
- 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (Mail Fraud) — official U.S. Code
- New Kent County General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: How Federal Mail Fraud Cases Move in New Kent County
Federal mail fraud cases in New Kent County begin with a federal grand jury indictment in the Richmond division of EDVA. The case is assigned to a federal district judge in Richmond, not the New Kent County General District Court. Your first appearance is at the federal courthouse in Richmond.
- Step 1 — Grand Jury Indictment: Federal prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury in Richmond. If indicted, you receive a summons or arrest warrant.
- Step 2 — Initial Appearance: You appear before a federal magistrate judge in Richmond for arraignment and bail determination.
- Step 3 — Discovery Phase: The government provides evidence including mail records, financial documents, and witness statements. Your attorney reviews all materials.
- Step 4 — Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss counts, or challenge the government’s theory of the case.
- Step 5 — Trial or Plea Negotiation: Cases either proceed to federal jury trial in Richmond or resolve through negotiated pleas with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Step 6 — Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. A federal judge in Richmond imposes the sentence.
In New Kent County, federal mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 carries up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for individuals.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release (3 years), loss of federal benefits |
| Mail Fraud Affecting Financial Institution | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release (5 years) |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Federal Mail Fraud Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the U.S. Attorney’s Office builds mail fraud cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3 and has handled complex federal cases across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Our firm-wide record: 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
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
Federal Criminal Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our federal criminal defense team has handled mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy cases in EDVA and other federal districts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New Kent County Location and Service Area
Our Richmond Location serves clients at New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, Route 249, and Route 60.
Looking for a federal mail fraud defense lawyer New Kent County? We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mail Fraud in New Kent County
What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?
Yes. Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) involves using the postal service or private mail carriers. Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) involves electronic communications like phone calls, emails, or wire transfers. Both carry up to 20 years in federal prison.
Can I be charged with mail fraud if I did not personally mail anything?
Yes. You can be charged if you caused someone else to use the mail system to further a fraudulent scheme. The government only needs to show that use of the mail was reasonably foreseeable as part of the scheme.
What are common defenses to mail fraud charges?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, absence of a scheme, good faith belief in the truth of representations, insufficient evidence of mailing, and statute of limitations issues (5 years for mail fraud).
How long does a federal mail fraud case take in EDVA?
It depends. Under the Speedy Trial Act, trial must occur within 70 days of indictment (excluding delays). Typical federal cases in EDVA take 6-18 months from indictment to resolution. Complex cases can take 1-3 years.
Will I go to federal prison for a first-time mail fraud offense?
It depends. First-time offenders may receive sentences below the guidelines range if they accept responsibility, cooperate with the government, or have strong mitigating factors. However, federal sentencing guidelines often recommend prison time for mail fraud.
Do I need a postal fraud charge lawyer New Kent County for a federal investigation?
Yes. If federal agents (postal inspectors, FBI) are investigating you, contact a lawyer immediately. Speaking to agents without counsel can harm your case. Early legal intervention can prevent charges from being filed.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Albemarle County Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Alexandria Federal Criminal Lawyer
- Business Lawyer New Kent County
- DUI Lawyer New Kent County
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
- Richmond Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.