Fraud Lawyer New Kent County — Defending Against Serious Financial Charges
If you are under investigation or charged with fraud in New Kent County, you need a dedicated fraud lawyer New Kent County. Fraud charges under Virginia law are serious white collar crimes that can lead to felony convictions, substantial fines, and prison time. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Fraud Laws and Penalties
Fraud in Virginia includes a wide range of deceptive practices intended for financial gain, prosecuted as larceny by false pretenses, embezzlement, forgery, or identity theft under various statutes. A common charge is obtaining money or property by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178. The severity of the charge depends on the value involved. Obtaining less than $1,000 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 becomes a felony—specifically grand larceny, a Class 6 felony carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine at the jury’s discretion.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, refer to the Va. Code § 18.2-178 (Obtaining money by false pretenses) on the Virginia Legislative Information System. Court procedures and filings for New Kent County cases are handled through the New Kent County General District Court website.
Local Court Process for Fraud Charges in New Kent County
Fraud cases in New Kent County typically begin with an investigation by law enforcement or a complainant filing a warrant. Misdemeanor fraud charges are heard at the New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Felony charges start with a preliminary hearing in General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to New Kent County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a skilled fraud charge defense lawyer New Kent County is critical, as strategies can involve challenging the intent to defraud, the valuation of property, or the sufficiency of evidence before a case proceeds to trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bond: After arrest or summons, you will have a hearing in New Kent County General District Court. The court will advise you of the charges and set bond conditions.
- Secure Legal Counsel: Immediately consult with a fraud lawyer. Your attorney will obtain discovery (police reports, witness statements, financial records) from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Case Evaluation & Strategy: Your lawyer will analyze the evidence for weaknesses, such as lack of intent, mistaken identity, or improper valuation, to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charge. They will negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable resolution, such as reducing a felony to a misdemeanor.
- Trial or Disposition: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in General District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing & Appeal: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible. You have the right to appeal a General District Court conviction to the Circuit Court for a new trial.
Potential Penalties for Fraud Convictions
In New Kent County, fraud penalties range from misdemeanor sentences to multi-year felony prison terms, heavily dependent on the value of the property involved and the defendant’s criminal history.
| Offense (Virginia Code) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining < $1,000 by False Pretenses (§ 18.2-178) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, restitution |
| Obtaining ≥ $1,000 by False Pretenses (§ 18.2-178) | Grand Larceny (Class 6 Felony) | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, restitution, difficulty finding employment |
| Forgery (§ 18.2-172) | Class 5 Felony | 1 – 10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Felony record, loss of professional licenses |
| Credit Card Fraud (§ 18.2-195) | Class 6 Felony (if value ≥ $200) | 1 – 5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Restitution to financial institutions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of fraud allegations, which can damage your reputation, career, and freedom. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper who know how the other side builds cases. We provide a strategic, evidence-focused defense for every client facing white collar crime allegations in New Kent County.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our Approach to Fraud Cases
We have secured favorable outcomes for clients facing fraud-related charges in Virginia. Our approach involves a meticulous review of all financial documents, witness statements, and digital evidence. We work with forensic accountants when necessary to dispute the prosecution’s valuation of property or to demonstrate a lack of criminal intent. In many cases, we negotiate for pre-trial diversion programs or reductions to lesser offenses to avoid felony convictions. For instance, a felony fraud charge might be reduced to a misdemeanor trespassing charge, which carries no jail time. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial fraud cases.
Fraud Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout New Kent County, including Providence Forge and Quinton. We represent individuals at the New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fraud Charges in New Kent County
What should I do if I am under investigation for fraud in New Kent County?
Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer. Contact a fraud lawyer New Kent County immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on your rights, potentially intervene before charges are filed, and guide you through any interactions with law enforcement.
Can I go to jail for a first-time fraud offense in Virginia?
Yes. Even a first-time Class 1 misdemeanor fraud charge carries up to 12 months in jail. Felony fraud charges carry prison time. However, a skilled white collar crime defense lawyer New Kent County can often negotiate for alternative sentences like probation, fines, and restitution, especially for first-time offenders.
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony fraud?
It depends primarily on the value of the money or property involved. Fraud involving less than $1,000 is generally a misdemeanor. Fraud involving $1,000 or more is charged as grand larceny, a felony. The specific type of fraud (e.g., forgery, identity theft) also determines the classification and potential penalties.
What defenses are available against fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (mistake or misunderstanding), mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, improper valuation of property, and entrapment. Your attorney will examine all evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your specific case.
How long does a fraud case take in New Kent County?
A misdemeanor fraud case in General District Court may be resolved in 2-4 months. A felony fraud case, which moves from General District Court to Circuit Court, can take 6 months to over a year, depending on case complexity, evidence, and court scheduling.
Related Legal Services in New Kent County
If you are facing other charges, our firm provides full representation. You may also need a DUI lawyer in New Kent County or a family law attorney in New Kent County. For all Virginia criminal defense matters, visit our Virginia criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.