Fraud charges in Augusta County, Virginia, are prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) and can result in felony or misdemeanor penalties depending on the value involved. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Augusta County, including documented case results in the local courts.
Fraud Lawyer Augusta County in Augusta County, Virginia
Fraud in Virginia includes a range of offenses, 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 of the property or money involved. 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. If the value is $1,000 or more, it is a felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 1 to 20 years. A Fraud Lawyer Augusta County can help you understand the specific statute applicable to your case and build a defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County 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 the fraud statutes, see Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site) and Augusta County General District Court (Virginia Courts — official site).
In Augusta County General District Court, prosecutors routinely handle fraud cases with a focus on the value of the alleged loss. We have observed that early intervention can often lead to charge reductions or alternative resolutions. The court at 6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401, hears all misdemeanor fraud cases and felony preliminary hearings.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all documents and evidence related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a Fraud Lawyer Augusta County immediately to protect your rights.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Augusta County General District Court or Circuit Court.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate potential defenses, including lack of intent or mistaken identity.
- Consider negotiating a plea or pursuing a trial based on the strength of the evidence.
In Augusta County, fraud charges carry penalties ranging from a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine) to a felony (1-20 years prison) depending on the value of the property or money involved.
| 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 |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses ($1,000+) | Felony | 1-20 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights, firearm rights |
| Credit Card Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victim |
| Computer Fraud | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1-20 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, potential federal charges |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 in Augusta County, including charges under Va. Code § 18.2-178. Our team understands the local court procedures and works to achieve favorable outcome for each client.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 13 documented results in Augusta County: 0 dismissed or not guilty, 13 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. These results include reductions of reckless driving charges to improper driving and other favorable dispositions. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 60 miles from Augusta County General District Court, with access via I-81 and Route 11. As a fraud charge defense lawyer Augusta County, we serve clients throughout the region. Serving the communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, Churchville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Augusta County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Augusta County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta 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 Augusta County General District Court (6 East Johnson Street, 2nd Floor, Staunton, VA 24401).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Augusta County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Augusta 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 Augusta County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in Augusta County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Augusta County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Augusta County General District Court.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Augusta 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 Augusta County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Augusta County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences including jail time and a permanent record.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Augusta County?
Augusta County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Augusta 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.
Augusta County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-178.
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.
Contact a criminal attorney immediately and preserve all relevant documents and evidence.
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.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors under Va. Code § 18.2-178.
Learn more about our services: Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer | Shenandoah County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer Augusta County | Divorce Lawyer Augusta County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly — official site