Fraud Lawyer Alexandria, VA
Facing a fraud charge in Alexandria, Virginia means confronting prosecution under Va. Code § 18.2‑178, which treats obtaining money or property by false pretenses as larceny. The penalties depend on the value obtained — when the amount is $1,000 or more, the offense is a felony; below that threshold it is a misdemeanor. A conviction can bring incarceration, fines, restitution, and a lasting criminal record. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in Alexandria General District Court and Alexandria Circuit Court, where the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. Early engagement matters. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation about your situation.
How Fraud Charges Are Prosecuted in Alexandria
Alexandria (City) handles fraud cases through two courts. Misdemeanor offenses — including petit larceny by false pretenses when the value is under $1,000 — are tried in the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. Felony charges, such as grand larceny by false pretenses where the amount obtained is $1,000 or more, begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and then proceed to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these matters, and the court process moves on a schedule set by the court’s calendar.
The Alexandria General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time. Virginia’s first‑offender statute, Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, may allow certain eligible individuals to complete probation and earn a dismissal, but eligibility depends on the specific facts. At every stage, from arrest through trial, having experienced counsel familiar with the Alexandria courts helps protect your rights.
Fraud in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2‑178 is classified as larceny, with a Class 1 misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000 (up to 12 months jail and $2,500 fine) and a felony for $1,000 or more, punishable by 1 to 20 years imprisonment or, at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2‑178, 18.2‑95, 18.2‑96. Virginia Code § 18.2‑178
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Defense in Alexandria
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He approaches fraud defense from the perspective of someone who understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a case. Together with his Of Counsel, he reviews the charging documents, examines the evidence, and identifies potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof — such as whether the alleged false pretense actually induced the victim to part with money or property, or whether the value attributed to the loss is inflated.
Because Virginia does not allow judges to participate in plea bargaining, discussions with the prosecutor take place directly with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether a reduction or amendment of the charge is possible — for example, asking the prosecutor to amend a felony larceny charge to a misdemeanor if the value is borderline, or to consider a first‑offender disposition that can lead to dismissal after probation. Results vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss the details of your matter.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel bring additional experience — including a former Virginia State Trooper and attorneys with prosecutorial backgrounds — and all appear regularly in the Alexandria courts. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for fraud in Alexandria, Virginia?
Fraud under Va. Code § 18.2‑178 is treated as larceny, with penalties determined by the value of the property or money obtained. If the value is $1,000 or more, it is a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison (or, at jury discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine). Under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The court may also order restitution. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
Can fraud charges be reduced or dismissed in Alexandria?
Yes, a fraud charge can be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, the defendant’s record, and the prosecutor’s willingness to amend the charge. Since Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. An experienced attorney may seek a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor, a dismissal after first‑offender probation under Va. Code § 19.2‑303.2, or a nolle prosequi. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your options.
How does bail work for fraud charges in Alexandria?
A magistrate sets bond shortly after arrest, considering factors like ties to the community, flight risk, and the allegations. For many first‑offense misdemeanor fraud charges, a personal recognizance bond (no payment) is possible. For felony fraud, secured bond may be required. An attorney can advocate for reasonable bond conditions or seek a bond review in the Alexandria General District Court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What defenses are available against a fraud charge under Va. Code § 18.2‑178?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, insufficient evidence of a false pretense, and the victim’s failure to actually rely on the misrepresentation. Because fraud under § 18.2‑178 requires proof of intent to defraud and that the victim was indeed deceived, a defense may challenge whether the accused knowingly made a misrepresentation or whether the alleged misrepresentation was a material cause of the victim parting with property. Each case is unique, and an experienced attorney evaluates the facts to build the strongest available defense.
Do I need a lawyer for a fraud charge in Alexandria?
Yes, a fraud conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and employment and housing consequences, so having an attorney is strongly advisable. Even a misdemeanor fraud conviction can affect professional licenses, immigration status, and security clearances. Early representation helps protect your rights, negotiate with the prosecutor, and prepare for trial if necessary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony fraud in Virginia?
The threshold is $1,000: obtaining less than $1,000 by false pretenses is a misdemeanor, while $1,000 or more is a felony. A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 12 months in jail, while felony grand larceny carries 1 to 20 years in prison. The court of jurisdiction also differs — misdemeanors are tried in the General District Court, while felonies go through a preliminary hearing in the GDC and then trial in the Circuit Court. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How does a fraud conviction affect immigration status?
A fraud conviction can be a crime involving moral turpitude, potentially triggering removal proceedings or inadmissibility for non‑citizens. Even a misdemeanor conviction under Va. Code § 18.2‑178 may carry immigration consequences. Anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen should consult with both criminal defense counsel and qualified immigration counsel. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
What should I do if I am being investigated for fraud in Alexandria?
Do not speak with law enforcement or anyone else about the case without your attorney present. Preserve all documents, emails, and records that may be relevant. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on responding to an investigation and help you avoid statements that could be used against you.
Explore related legal topics: Fairfax County Criminal Defense | Falls Church Criminal Defense | Prince William County Criminal Defense
Primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses | Alexandria General District Court | Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location: 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.