Fraud Lawyer Alexandria, VA
Fraud charges in Alexandria, Virginia, are prosecuted as theft offenses under state law. Whether you have been accused of obtaining money by false pretenses, credit card fraud, or another fraud-related offense, you are facing penalties that can include a felony conviction and significant jail time. The Alexandria General District Court handles misdemeanor fraud cases, while the Alexandria Circuit Court hears felony matters. A conviction can carry lasting consequences for your professional license, employment, and immigration status. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have represented individuals facing fraud charges in Northern Virginia since the firm was founded in 1997. They work to protect their clients’ rights at every stage, from the investigation through trial. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Fraud Defense Means in Alexandria, Virginia
In Virginia, most fraud offenses are treated as larceny. The central statute is Va. Code §18.2‑178, which defines obtaining money or property by false pretenses with intent to defraud. Credit card fraud, identity fraud, and forgery similarly fall under the larceny framework. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony turns on the value involved. Where the amount obtained is less than $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes fraud cases. Misdemeanors are tried at the Alexandria General District Court, 520 King Street, 2nd Floor, while felonies proceed to the Alexandria Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
Fraud charges in Virginia are punished according to the value involved: obtaining money or property by false pretenses under $1,000 is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500; $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by 1 to 20 years imprisonment (or up to 12 months in jail at jury discretion).
Source: Va. Code §§18.2‑178, 18.2‑95, 18.2‑96. Va. Code §18.2‑178
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Because Alexandria is an urban area with a high volume of commercial and personal transactions, fraud allegations often arise from disputed business dealings, online sales, or allegations by former employers. An experienced defense team will examine the evidence carefully. The prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly made a false representation, intended to defraud, and actually obtained property or money. Misunderstandings, broken business arrangements, or false accusations can all be challenged. Local court procedures include the possibility of preliminary hearings in the General District Court before a felony case moves to Circuit Court. First-offender dispositions may be available in certain misdemeanor cases under Va. Code §19.2‑303.2, but each case depends on its specific facts.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a fraud charge, the first step is a detailed review of the accusation and the evidence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to identify weaknesses in the charging documents, such as a lack of intent or a misrepresentation that does not meet the statutory standard. They communicate with the prosecutor early to explore whether charges can be amended or dismissed. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the Commonwealth’s Attorney builds a fraud case and where gaps often appear. The firm does not make outcome promises; instead, it prepares thoroughly for every possible resolution, from negotiation to trial.
If the case proceeds, the team evaluates all avenues of defense. This can include challenging the valuation of the property, demonstrating the absence of fraudulent intent, or showing that the accuser consented to the transaction. In Alexandria, cases can resolve at the General District Court level, or they may require a jury trial in Circuit Court. Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team includes litigators with backgrounds in both prosecution and law enforcement, giving the firm a practical insight into how investigations are conducted and how evidence should be dissected. Throughout the process, the firm keeps the client informed and works toward the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing law since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how criminal charges are assembled and prosecuted. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His legislative work includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris keeps a manageable caseload so that he can remain personally involved in the strategy of each matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The Of Counsel team at the firm includes attorneys who are former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper. This blend of experience gives the firm a unique vantage point: understanding how law enforcement and the government build a case, and how to identify investigative errors and procedural flaws. Every attorney engaged on a fraud matter is an experienced litigator who concentrates in criminal defense. Clients benefit from a collaborative approach that draws on multiple decades of courtroom practice, without the cost structure of a large law firm. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in Alexandria from its Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes fraud under Virginia law?
Fraud in Virginia generally requires that a person knowingly made a false representation with intent to defraud and obtained money or property as a result. The most commonly charged statute is Va. Code §18.2‑178, which covers obtaining money or property by false pretenses. Credit card fraud, identity theft, and forgery are prosecuted under separate but related statutes. The prosecution must prove the defendant intended to deceive and that the victim relied on the false statement. Because fraud is a specific-intent crime, mistaken or negligent misstatements are not enough to support a conviction. If you are facing fraud charges in Alexandria, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss the specific allegations.
What are the penalties for a fraud conviction in Alexandria?
The penalty for fraud depends on the value involved: less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine); $1,000 or more is a felony with 1 to 20 years imprisonment. Misdemeanor fraud cases are heard in Alexandria General District Court, while felonies go to Alexandria Circuit Court. Beyond the criminal sentence, a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status. A felony fraud conviction also results in the loss of certain civil rights, including firearm possession. For a full breakdown of the statutory framework, see the verified penalty table above. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against fraud charges?
Defense strategies typically focus on challenging the element of fraudulent intent, showing that no misrepresentation occurred, or demonstrating that the accused lacked the requisite knowledge. An experienced attorney will scrutinize every piece of evidence, from financial records to witness statements, looking for inconsistencies or procedural errors. In Alexandria, the defense may also negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to reduce the charge to a lesser offense or seek a first-offender disposition where available. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he understands how the state builds its case and where it is most vulnerable. Every defense strategy is tailored to the facts of the individual case. To discuss possible defenses, contact Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am being investigated for fraud in Alexandria?
If you learn you are being investigated, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer and refrain from speaking with law enforcement without counsel present. Do not delete records, emails, or other documents, as that can lead to additional charges. Preserve everything, but do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your attorney. An early intervention by counsel can shape the direction of the investigation and sometimes prevent formal charges from being filed. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals at every stage, from pre-arrest investigation through trial. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Can a fraud charge be expunged in Virginia?
Yes, a fraud charge may be expunged if the case resulted in an acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal, but generally not if there is a conviction. Under Va. Code §19.2‑392.2, you can petition the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the charge was brought to expunge police and court records relating to a matter that did not result in a conviction. Alexandria Circuit Court hears expungement petitions for charges that originated in the city. An attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible and guide you through the petition process. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a fraud charge in Alexandria?
Yes, because a fraud conviction can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences that affect employment and professional licenses. Even a misdemeanor charge carries serious risks, and the court system moves quickly. An attorney can identify potential defenses, negotiate with the prosecutor, and, if necessary, try the case before a judge or jury. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has represented defendants in Alexandria for more than two decades and is familiar with local court procedures. The firm’s former prosecutor background provides valuable insight into how the Commonwealth will approach the case. To protect your rights, call (888) 437-7747 today.
Primary sources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 (crimes and offenses generally) | Virginia courts | Va. Code §18.2‑178 (false pretenses).
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