Fraud Lawyer New Kent County — Defending Against State & Federal 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 can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Fraud Laws and Penalties
Fraud in Virginia is prosecuted under various statutes within Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges include obtaining money or property by false pretenses (Va. Code § 18.2-178), credit card fraud (§ 18.2-195), identity theft (§ 18.2-186.3), and forgery (§ 18.2-172). The classification and penalties depend on the value involved and the specific method of the alleged fraud. For instance, obtaining property valued at $1,000 or more by false pretenses is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Federal fraud charges, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, involve statutes like wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (§ 1341), bank fraud (§ 1344), and health care fraud (§ 1347). Federal penalties are typically more severe, with lengthy prison sentences and mandatory restitution orders. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer New Kent County is essential to handle the details of both state and federal systems.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website (Title 18.2, Chapter 6). Information on court procedures and locations can be found at the New Kent County Courts official page.
handling a Fraud Case in New Kent County
The procedural path for a fraud charge defense lawyer New Kent County depends on whether the case is in state or federal court. In New Kent County, state felony fraud charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the General District Court to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to a jury trial in the New Kent County Circuit Court. Misdemeanor fraud trials are held entirely in General District Court. Federal cases follow the rules of the U.S. District Court.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a fraud lawyer New Kent County immediately.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your attorney will review all evidence, including financial records, emails, and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges due to lack of probable cause.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will negotiate for a reduction or dismissal of charges. If a fair plea cannot be reached, they will prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
Potential Penalties for Fraud Convictions
In New Kent County, fraud penalties vary from probation and fines for misdemeanors to decades in prison for federal felonies, with mandatory restitution often required.
| Offense (Virginia Examples) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Property by False Pretenses (< $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Restitution, Criminal Record |
| Obtaining Property by False Pretenses (≥ $1,000) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | Restitution, Felony Record |
| Identity Theft | Class 5 or 6 Felony | 1-10 years or 1-5 years | Varies | Restitution, Long-term credit impact |
| Federal Wire/Mail Fraud | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory Restitution, Federal Prison |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide relentless, focused defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, maintains a selective caseload to ensure deep personal involvement in complex financial and fraud cases. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence.
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
Documented Case Results
While specific fraud case results in New Kent County are part of confidential client records, our firm’s overall documented results in the locality show a pattern of effective advocacy. We have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions for clients facing serious allegations. For instance, in other Virginia jurisdictions, our attorneys have successfully argued for the dismissal of fraud charges based on lack of fraudulent intent and have negotiated felony charges down to misdemeanors. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, whose strategic oversight and experience with complex financial cases strengthen our defense approach for every fraud charge defense lawyer New Kent County client.
Fraud Defense Lawyer Near New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We provide representation for residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton, accessible via I-64 and Route 33.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m under investigation for fraud in New Kent County?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a fraud lawyer New Kent County. Anything you say can be used against you. Your lawyer can advise you on your rights and may intervene before formal charges are filed.
What is the difference between state and federal fraud charges?
State fraud charges are prosecuted under Virginia law in local courts like New Kent County Circuit Court. Federal fraud charges involve interstate commerce, federal agencies, or institutions like banks, and are prosecuted in U.S. District Court by federal prosecutors. Federal penalties are generally more severe.
Can I go to jail for a first-time fraud offense in Virginia?
Yes. Even a first-time Class 5 or 6 felony fraud conviction in Virginia carries a potential prison sentence of 1-10 or 1-5 years, respectively. However, a skilled white collar crime defense lawyer New Kent County can often argue for alternative sentences like probation, especially for first-time offenders.
What defenses are available against fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, entrapment, and challenging the validity of financial documents. Your attorney will analyze the specific facts to build the strongest defense strategy.
How long does a fraud case take in New Kent County?
It depends on the complexity. A misdemeanor fraud case in General District Court may resolve in a few months. A felony case in Circuit Court or a complex federal case can take a year or more from arrest to resolution, depending on motions, evidence review, and trial scheduling.