Fraud Lawyer New Kent County — Defending Against Serious Financial Charges
A fraud charge in New Kent County is a serious white collar crime prosecuted under Virginia law, carrying severe penalties including prison time and fines. As a fraud lawyer New Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients at the New Kent County General District and Circuit Courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Fraud Laws and Penalties
Fraud includes a range of deceptive acts intended for personal or financial gain. In Virginia, fraud charges are primarily governed by statutes within Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code, such as those for obtaining money by false pretenses (§ 18.2-178), embezzlement (§ 18.2-111), and credit card fraud (§ 18.2-195). These offenses are typically classified as felonies, with penalties escalating based on the value involved. For instance, obtaining more than $1,000 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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to these complex financial cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, refer to the Virginia General Assembly website for false pretenses law. Court procedures and filings for New Kent County cases are handled through the New Kent County Courts official website.
Local Court Process for Fraud Charges in New Kent County
Fraud cases in New Kent County follow a specific legal path. Misdemeanor fraud charges and initial felony hearings begin at the New Kent County General District Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. Felony indictments are then presented to a grand jury, and trials are held in the New Kent County Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for New Kent County handle these cases, which often involve complex financial evidence.
- Secure legal representation immediately after learning of an investigation or charge.
- Your attorney will review the warrant, indictment, or summons and all disclosed evidence.
- We will file pre-trial motions, which may challenge the sufficiency of evidence or seek to suppress improperly obtained records.
- Engage in strategic negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, potentially seeking a reduction or alternative resolution.
- Prepare for and conduct a bench or jury trial in the appropriate New Kent County court if a favorable settlement cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for Fraud Convictions
In New Kent County, fraud convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and mandatory restitution to victims.
| Offense (Example) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (< $1,000) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (>= $1,000) | Class 5 Felony | 1-10 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution, felony record, loss of professional licenses |
| Embezzlement | Felony (Class based on value) | 1-20 years depending on amount | Court discretion | None | Restitution, forfeiture, felony record |
| Credit Card Fraud | Felony (Class based on method/value) | 1-20 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. operates on the principle of “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep experience in financial crime defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting complex fraud allegations involving financial records and digital evidence. We have secured favorable outcomes in fraud cases across Virginia.
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
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients. In one case, a charge of destruction of property with intent under $1,000 was nolle prosequi (dismissed) in Arlington County GDC. In another, a reckless driving charge at 94/70 mph was reduced to improper driving in Alleghany County GDC. For a fraud charge defense lawyer New Kent County, such strategic reductions and dismissals are the goal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Fraud Defense Serving New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing fraud charges in New Kent County. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249, near landmarks like the Colonial Downs Racetrack. We provide legal representation to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fraud Charges in New Kent County
What should I do if I am under investigation for fraud in Virginia?
No. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a white collar crime defense lawyer New Kent County immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal counsel is vital to protect your rights and shape the investigation’s direction.
Can I go to jail for a first-time fraud offense in New Kent County?
It depends on the specific charge and the amount involved. Even first-time offenses classified as felonies, like obtaining over $1,000 by false pretenses, carry a potential prison sentence of 1-10 years. However, an experienced fraud lawyer New Kent County can argue for alternatives like probation, especially for lower-level offenses or through a first-offender program.
What is the difference between fraud and embezzlement in Virginia?
Fraud (like false pretenses) involves deceiving someone to obtain money or property. Embezzlement is the fraudulent conversion of property already lawfully in one’s possession, typically by an employee or fiduciary. Both are serious felonies, and you need a skilled fraud charge defense lawyer New Kent County to handle the specific elements of your charge.
How long does a fraud case take in New Kent County courts?
A misdemeanor fraud trial in General District Court may be scheduled within 4-8 weeks. A felony case moves from a preliminary hearing in GDC to a potential jury trial in Circuit Court, often taking 3-9 months or longer. Complex financial cases can extend this timeline significantly.
What defenses are available against fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, entrapment, or that the transaction was a legitimate loan or business deal. A thorough white collar crime defense lawyer New Kent County will scrutinize the evidence, including financial records and communications, to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding a fraud charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.