Fraud Lawyer Arlington County, VA

Facing a fraud charge in Arlington County can be overwhelming. The criminal justice system moves quickly, and the decisions you make now can affect your future. Whether you are accused of false pretenses, credit card fraud, identity theft, or another fraud-related offense under Virginia law, having an experienced advocate on your side is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with a location in Arlington, concentrates a portion of its practice on defending individuals charged with fraud in Arlington County General District Court and Arlington County Circuit Court. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of the firm, brings an informed perspective to each case. Reach our Arlington location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Fraud Charges in Arlington County: What You Need to Know

Virginia law addresses a range of fraudulent conduct under various statutes. Depending on the alleged scheme and the value involved, a fraud offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. In Arlington County, these cases are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the charging decision shapes everything from potential penalties to the court of jurisdiction. Understanding the statutory framework—and the consequences of a conviction—is the first step toward building a thorough defense.

Fraud charges commonly arise under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money, property, or a signature by false pretense. This statute punishes the offense as larceny, meaning the severity of the charge follows Virginia’s theft-grading structure. Other fraud-related statutes cover conduct such as credit card theft (Va. Code § 18.2-192), identity fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3), and computer fraud. The factual landscape of each case is different, but the procedural path through Arlington County’s courts is well-defined.

When the alleged value in a fraud case is under $1,000, the charge can be pursued as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value meets or exceeds $1,000, the offense rises to grand larceny, a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility. The classification matters not only for sentencing but also for where the case is heard: misdemeanors are tried in the Arlington County General District Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201), while felony matters begin with a preliminary hearing in the same court before being certified to the Arlington County Circuit Court for trial. Understanding how prosecutors value the alleged loss and which court will handle the case allows Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to develop a targeted defense strategy from the start.

Arlington County’s courts are part of the Seventeenth Judicial District. The Arlington County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings, while the Arlington County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials and hears appeals from the lower court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts and understand the procedural nuances unique to this jurisdiction. Early engagement with the legal process—before an arraignment or preliminary hearing—can make a meaningful difference in how a fraud case unfolds.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Cases

Fraud allegations often rest on documentary evidence and financial records that require careful scrutiny. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each case by examining the prosecution’s evidence for gaps, inconsistencies, or procedural missteps. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the Commonwealth builds fraud prosecutions and where those cases are vulnerable. That perspective informs every stage of the defense, from initial investigation to negotiating with the prosecutor or presenting a case at trial.

Virginia permits plea bargaining under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to explore whether charges can be amended to a lesser offense or resolved through a deferred disposition when the client is eligible. For first-offense property crimes, for instance, the court may defer proceedings and ultimately dismiss the charge upon successful completion of probation under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. Not every case can be resolved by negotiation, however, and when trial is necessary, the team is prepared to challenge the state’s evidence before a judge or jury in Arlington County Circuit Court.

From the initial consultation through disposition, the focus remains on protecting the client’s rights and interests. The timeline of a fraud case depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of the underlying financial transactions, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Regardless of the path, having counsel who is admitted to practice in Virginia and who regularly handles matters in Arlington County courts can provide an important strategic advantage.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has concentrated his practice on criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His experience as a prosecutor gives him insight into the strategies the Commonwealth uses to build fraud cases, and he applies that knowledge to construct thorough defenses for his clients.

Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring diverse backgrounds to the firm, including prior experience in law enforcement and litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented results firm-wide. Results may vary. The firm’s Arlington location, at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209, serves clients throughout Arlington County and the surrounding communities. In Arlington County alone, the firm has documented 21 criminal case results: 11 dismissals or not-guilty findings and 10 reduced or amended charges—a favorable outcome in every reported instance. In any future case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes fraud under Virginia law?

Fraud under Virginia law generally involves intentionally deceiving another person to obtain money, property, or some other benefit. The most commonly charged statute is Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining something by false pretense. This offense is punished as larceny, meaning the potential penalty depends on the value of what was taken. Other fraud-related statutes address conduct such as credit card theft, identity fraud, and computer fraud. Each statute has specific elements that the Commonwealth must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. A conviction for any fraud offense can result in incarceration, fines, and a lasting criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing.

What are the penalties for a fraud conviction in Arlington County?

Fraud convictions in Arlington County are penalized according to the value of the loss and the specific statute charged. If the value is below $1,000, the offense is petit larceny, 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, the offense is grand larceny, a felony carrying a potential state prison sentence. Certain felony fraud charges, such as those involving a continuing criminal enterprise, may carry enhanced penalties. Cases are prosecuted in the Arlington County General District Court or Circuit Court depending on the charge classification. A felony conviction also results in the loss of certain civil rights, including firearm possession.

How can a fraud defense lawyer help my case?

An experienced fraud defense lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s evidence, identify procedural errors, and negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine financial records, witness statements, and the chain of custody for documentary evidence to build a robust defense. In many cases, the goal is to have charges amended to a lesser offense with less severe collateral consequences. When a trial is necessary, the team presents a focused challenge to the state’s evidence. A lawyer who has previously been a prosecutor can anticipate how the Commonwealth will approach a fraud case and exploit weaknesses in its presentation. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing fraud charges?

If you are facing fraud charges in Arlington County, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and avoid discussing the allegations with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all documents, communications, and financial records that may be relevant to the case—do not delete or destroy anything. Early legal involvement can influence the direction of the investigation and the charging decision. Virginia prosecutors move quickly on fraud cases, and having counsel present at the initial appearance or arraignment ensures that your rights are protected from the outset. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can advise you on how to interact with law enforcement and what steps to take to begin building your defense.

Can fraud charges be expunged in Virginia?

Yes, fraud charges that result in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal may be eligible for expungement in Virginia under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. A conviction, however, generally cannot be expunged. The expungement petition is filed in the Arlington County Circuit Court, and the process requires notice to the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Successfully expunging a record removes the charge from public view, which can be important for employment background checks. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate whether your particular situation meets the statutory criteria and guide you through the petition process.

How does bail work for fraud cases in Arlington County?

After an arrest for a fraud offense in Arlington County, a magistrate sets bond based on factors including the nature of the charge, the defendant’s ties to the community, and any prior criminal history. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond, where a bail bondsman is typically required to post a portion, is more likely for felony fraud charges. Bond can be appealed to the Arlington County General District Court if the magistrate’s initial decision seems unreasonably high. A defense lawyer can present arguments for a reasonable bond at the first court appearance, helping the accused secure release while the case proceeds.

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Primary sources: Va. Code § 18.2-178 (false pretenses) · Arlington County General District Court · Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses)

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.