Fraud Lawyer Fauquier County, Virginia
Fraud charges in Fauquier 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 68 documented results in Fauquier County, including 57 reduced or amended outcomes. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Fraud Charges Under Virginia Law
Fraud in Virginia includes a range of offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money or property by false pretenses. The statute requires proof that you knowingly made a false representation with intent to defraud, and that the victim relied on that representation to part with property valued at $1,000 or more (grand larceny threshold) or under $1,000 (petit larceny). Penalties escalate with value: under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more is a Class 5 felony (1–10 years in prison). Additional fraud-related charges include credit card fraud (§ 18.2-195), computer fraud (§ 18.2-152.3), and identity theft (§ 18.2-186.3). Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients against these serious allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site)
Official Legal References
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, consult the official state legislature website: Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site). For information on Fauquier County court procedures, visit the Fauquier County General District Court (vacourts.gov — official site).
Insider Knowledge: Fraud Cases in Fauquier County
In Fauquier County General District Court, prosecutors routinely seek enhanced penalties for fraud involving elderly victims or public benefits. We have observed that the Commonwealth’s Attorney often files multiple counts to increase use during plea negotiations.
- Do not discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents related to the case.
- Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer Fauquier County immediately.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances at Fauquier County General District Court.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding plea negotiations or trial strategy.
- Consider first-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 if eligible.
In Fauquier County, fraud charges carry 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 of property obtained.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Fraud under $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential employment and housing impacts |
| Grand Larceny (Fraud $1,000+) | Class 5 Felony | 1–10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of voting rights; firearm prohibition; professional license impacts |
| Credit Card Fraud (§ 18.2-195) | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution to victim; potential federal charges |
| Computer Fraud (§ 18.2-152.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor or Class 5 Felony | Up to 12 months (misdemeanor) or 1–10 years (felony) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; potential federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act charges |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Fraud Defense?
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%. Our team includes Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law-enforcement service, who provides unique insight into police investigative procedures. We have handled numerous fraud cases in Fauquier County, achieving charge reductions and dismissals for our clients.
Your Fraud Defense Attorney
Case Results in Fauquier County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 68 documented results in Fauquier County: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 57 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 90%. Results may vary. These outcomes include fraud-related charges such as trespass after forbidden (amended to recognizance) and reckless driving matters. 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 25 miles from Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186), with access via I-66 and Route 29. If you are searching for a fraud lawyer near Fauquier County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Warrenton, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Marshall, and The Plains. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 636-5417 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Fauquier County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Fauquier County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fauquier 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 Fauquier County General District Court (6 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Fauquier County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in Fauquier County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to Fauquier 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 Fauquier 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 Fauquier County General District Court (misdemeanor) and Fauquier County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences that require legal representation.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in Fauquier County?
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Fauquier 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.
Fauquier County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: April 2026 | Fauquier County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Virginia General Assembly — official site)