Fraud Lawyer Prince William County, Virginia
Fraud in Prince William County is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and related statutes, carrying penalties from Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to felony depending on value. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County, including 163 dismissals and 108 reductions — a 97% favorable outcome rate.
Understanding Fraud Charges Under Virginia Law
Fraud charges in Virginia encompass a range of deceptive practices, including obtaining money or property by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, credit card fraud under § 18.2-195, and computer fraud under § 18.2-152.3. The severity of the charge depends on the value involved: theft of less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while amounts of $1,000 or more elevate the offense to a felony, carrying potential prison time. A Fraud Lawyer Prince William County can help you handle these complex statutes and build a defense case-specific to the specific allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Prince William County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every fraud case in Prince William County.
Official Legal References
Insider Perspective on Prince William County Fraud Cases
In Prince William County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud involving vulnerable victims or public funds. We have observed that early intervention often leads to favorable outcomes, including diversion programs for first-time offenders.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents related to the allegations.
- Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Prince William County immediately to preserve your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Prince William County General District Court.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding restitution offers and plea negotiations.
- Consider whether a first-offender program under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 may apply to your case.
In Prince William County, fraud carries penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (1-10 years in prison) depending on the value and nature of the fraud.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; restitution required |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license impact |
| Credit Card Fraud (under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; potential civil liability |
| Credit Card Fraud ($1,000+) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Same as Class 5 felony consequences |
Results may vary.
Your Defense Team
Proven Results in Prince William County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 289 documented results in Prince William County: 163 dismissed or not guilty, 108 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 97%. Results may vary. This includes 64 other criminal cases with 55 dismissals and 6 reductions. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Fairfax is approximately 15 miles from Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110), with access via I-66 and Route 28.
Searching for a Fraud Lawyer Prince William County near you? We serve the communities of Manassas, Woodbridge, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Lake Ridge, and Occoquan.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Prince William County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Prince William County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Prince William County 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 Prince William County General District Court (9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110). 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Prince William County, Virginia?
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 Prince William County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition. 141 documented results: 118 dismissed/not guilty, 19 reduced/amended, 1 other favorable (98% favorable outcome rate).
How does bail work in Prince William County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Prince William County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Prince William County 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 Prince William County, Virginia?
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 Prince William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Prince William County 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 — Prince William County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Prince William County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at Prince William County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Prince William County 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 Prince William County?
Prince William County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Prince William County 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. Prince William County 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 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?
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 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?
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 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.
Related Resources
Page Last verified: April 2026