Fraud Lawyer Virginia Beach, VA: What to Do If You’re Accused of Fraud
You’re sitting on a bench near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront when your phone buzzes. It’s a detective with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Someone has made an accusation of credit card fraud—a purchase you don’t even remember showing up on a statement. You didn’t mean any harm, but now you’re facing a criminal charge that could upend your job, your family, and your future. Fraud charges move fast in Virginia Beach, and a single misstep can make you look guilty even when you’re innocent. You need a fraud lawyer who understands Virginia Beach’s courts and knows how to stop a charge from spiraling out of control. Call (888) 437-7747 right now to speak with a member of our criminal defense team. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options: How a Virginia Beach Fraud Lawyer Builds Your Defense
A fraud accusation does not mean you’ll be convicted, but how you respond in the first few days matters enormously. The right strategy depends on the type of fraud alleged, the evidence the Commonwealth has collected, and your own history. Our criminal defense team—led by a former prosecutor and backed by the investigative insight of a former Virginia State Trooper—knows how to attack these cases at every stage.
Common defense paths in Virginia Beach fraud cases include challenging the element of intent. Fraud offenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178 and related statutes require proof of intent to defraud. If a transaction resulted from a mistake, poor communication, or a disputed business deal, you may lack the necessary mental state. We carefully examine every communication, receipt, and bank record to show the transaction was not a crime. In other situations, we may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction to a lesser offense, aim for a deferred disposition that leaves you without a conviction, or take the case to trial before a judge or jury at the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
What to Expect in Virginia Beach Fraud Cases
Once charges are filed, your case begins at the Virginia Beach General District Court, located at 2425 Nimmo Parkway, Building 10B, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. For misdemeanor-level fraud—such as petit larceny by false pretenses involving lower dollar amounts—the General District Court handle the entire case, including trial. For felony fraud, the General District Court conducts a preliminary hearing to determine whether probable cause exists, after which the case moves to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court for trial. At every stage, a knowledgeable Virginia Beach criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence, argue for bond modifications, and press for dismissal when the Commonwealth’s case is weak.
You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time, which includes all felony fraud charges. The timeline varies depending on court scheduling, the complexity of the allegations, and pretrial motions. Our team helps you understand what to expect at each appearance—from the initial bond hearing to the final resolution—so you never walk into a courtroom feeling unprepared.
Penalty Overview: What You Face with a Fraud Conviction in Virginia
A fraud conviction in Virginia can follow you for life. The punishment depends on the value of the property or money obtained and the specific statute charged. Cases prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses) are graded as either grand larceny or petit larceny, based on whether the amount involved is $1,000 or more. A grand larceny conviction carries up to 20 years in prison, while petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Beyond jail time, a fraud record can derail your career: professional licenses, security clearances, and employment in finance or healthcare can all be compromised. Immigration consequences may also apply. The Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney pursues these cases actively, but an experienced defense team can work to minimize the damage—through plea negotiations, alternative sentencing programs, or acquittal.
Attorney Credentials: Why Our Team Handles Fraud Cases in Virginia Beach
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 as a former prosecutor who now brings that insider knowledge to every criminal defense. He and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team includes a former Virginia State Trooper whose law enforcement career gave him firsthand insight into how fraud investigations unfold—from surveillance to financial record analysis. That perspective is invaluable when challenging the credibility of a law enforcement investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Virginia Beach
What is the difference between fraud and theft under Virginia law?
Fraud involves deception—obtaining money, property, or a signature through a false statement or trick—while theft typically involves taking property without consent. In Virginia, both can lead to criminal charges, but fraud often carries additional elements the prosecution must prove, such as a material misrepresentation and reliance by the victim. The case may be prosecuted as larceny by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178, and penalties track larceny classifications.
Can a fraud charge be dropped if I pay back the money?
Paying restitution does not automatically dismiss a fraud charge, though it can influence the prosecutor’s decision-making and may help in negotiating a reduced charge. In Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth’s Attorney looks at the full picture: the amount involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the victim supports a lenient resolution. Our team can advocate for a deferred disposition that results in a dismissal after compliance with certain conditions.
What should I do if I’m contacted by a detective about a fraud investigation in Virginia Beach?
Politely decline to answer any questions until you have spoken with a lawyer; you have the right to remain silent. Even a truthful statement early on can be twisted or taken out of context. Contact a Virginia Beach fraud lawyer immediately so your attorney can handle all communication with the police and protect your rights from the outset.
Will a Virginia fraud conviction affect my security clearance or job?
Yes, a fraud conviction for a crime involving dishonesty can have extremely serious consequences for security clearances and many professional licenses. Government contractors, nurses, real estate agents, and financial professionals all face possible license revocation or denial of clearance. We work to avoid a conviction precisely because of these collateral consequences, exploring every avenue from pretrial diversion to expungement when eligible.
How does the deferred disposition process work for first-time fraud offenders?
Virginia courts sometimes offer first-offender programs that allow you to complete probation and restitution and then have the charge dismissed. This is available for certain misdemeanor fraud charges, and our team can advise whether you might qualify. Successfully completing the program means you avoid a criminal conviction on your record—a huge benefit for your future.
What happens if I miss a court date for a fraud charge in Virginia Beach?
Missing court can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and a new failure-to-appear charge. Virginia Beach General District Court takes failures to appear very seriously. If you know you will be late, contact your attorney immediately; we can sometimes intervene on your behalf before a warrant issues.
For a closer look at the statutes governing fraud in Virginia, visit our main firm website for a comprehensive statutory analysis.
Request a Consultation with a Virginia Beach Fraud Lawyer
Call (888) 437-7747 today to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Virginia Beach and throughout the Commonwealth. Our Richmond location is at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225. Evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment. One phone call can put a strategy in motion to protect your future.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.