Fraud charges in Virginia Beach, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony depending on the amount involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Virginia Beach, including fraud-related cases.
Fraud Lawyer Virginia Beach, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia Beach is governed primarily by Va. Code § 18.2-178, which defines obtaining money or property by false pretenses as a criminal offense. If the value of the property or money obtained is $1,000 or more, the charge is a Class 5 felony, carrying 1–10 years in prison. If the value is less than $1,000, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Other fraud-related statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-152.3 (computer fraud) and § 18.2-186 (credit card fraud). These cases are heard at Virginia Beach General District Court (misdemeanor) and Virginia Beach Circuit Court (felony).
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, see Va. Code Title 18.2 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on Virginia Beach General District Court procedures, visit Virginia Beach General District Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
In Virginia Beach General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle high volumes of fraud cases, including credit card fraud, identity theft, and obtaining money by false pretenses. We have observed that early intervention and proactive evidence preservation can significantly influence case outcomes.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents.
- Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer Virginia Beach immediately.
- Attend all court hearings with your lawyer.
- Explore first-offender or deferred disposition programs if eligible.
- Prepare for potential trial in Circuit Court if a plea cannot be reached.
In Virginia Beach, 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 amount 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 | Criminal record, potential restitution |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1–10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Computer Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-152.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, potential federal charges |
| Credit Card Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-186) | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, potential identity theft charges |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous fraud-related cases, including credit card fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud, with a focus on achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach (favorable outcome in all reported instances). Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 90 miles from Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456), with access via I-64 and I-264. Serving the communities of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Virginia Beach
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach General District Court (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456).
Can criminal charges be expunged in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
How does bail work in Virginia Beach, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Virginia Beach. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Virginia Beach General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach General District Court has serious long-term consequences. Early legal representation is critical.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Virginia Beach 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.
Yes. A fraud charge defense lawyer Virginia Beach can help you handle the legal system and protect your rights.
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Last verified: April 2026 | Content updated: 2026-04-28
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. By appointment only.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.