Fraud Lawyer New Kent County, VA
You are at your kitchen table in Providence Forge when a knock comes. A sheriff’s deputy hands you a warrant charging you with fraud — obtaining money by false pretenses, credit card fraud, or another financial-crime allegation. Suddenly your job, your reputation, and your freedom feel uncertain. You need an advocate who knows the New Kent County courts — someone who can look at a charge under Virginia Code § 18.2‑178 or § 18.2‑192 and see the weaknesses the prosecution does not want you to find. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents people facing criminal fraud charges in New Kent County, Virginia, with a former prosecutor experienced the defense strategy. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy Options When You Are Charged With Fraud
A fraud charge in New Kent County does not write your future. Several defense strategies may be available, and the trusted one depends on the facts of your case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team begin by examining the evidence the Commonwealth must prove: was there an intentional misrepresentation? Did the alleged victim actually rely on that statement? Was there an actual loss, or does the charge rest on a misunderstanding? In many cases, the Commonwealth’s case collapses when a single element cannot be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
Virginia law treats fraud as a property crime “closely related to larceny,” with punishment following the value of the property or money obtained. A charge can be filed in the New Kent County General District Court as a misdemeanor or as a felony — and the difference often comes down to a dollar threshold. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every avenue: challenging the sufficiency of the warrant, seeking a bond reduction so you can continue working, and, where appropriate, negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge reduction or a deferred disposition. Our team works toward the most favorable outcome the facts allow.
What To Expect in a New Kent County Fraud Case
The criminal process in New Kent County begins with an arrest or a summons. You will appear before a magistrate who sets bond; for many first-offense fraud charges, personal recognizance — a signature bond with no cash payment — is common. A first court date is then scheduled at the New Kent County General District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124. The court is currently presided over by Hon. Wade A. Bowie. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m.
At the initial appearance, the judge will advise you of the charge and your right to counsel. If you have retained Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, your attorney will be present to address bond, discovery, and scheduling. Misdemeanor fraud charges — such as obtaining money by false pretenses involving a smaller amount — are tried in the General District Court. Felony charges proceed through a preliminary hearing in the same court, and if probable cause is found, the case moves to the New Kent County Circuit Court for trial or plea. Throughout this process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will work to protect your rights, challenge legally insufficient evidence, and, where possible, seek a resolution that avoids a trial.
Penalty Overview — What a Fraud Conviction Can Mean
Virginia law sets the penalty for fraud based on the value of the property or money involved and the specific statute under which you are charged. If the value is under $1,000, the offense is generally treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If the value is at least $1,000, the offense may be graded as a felony, exposing you to a sentence of one to twenty years in prison — or, at the jury’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Some fraud statutes, such as credit card fraud under Virginia Code § 18.2‑193, carry their own classification and penalty ranges. The most important fact is this: a criminal fraud conviction is not just a punishment. It creates a permanent record that can affect employment, professional licenses, security clearances, and, for non-citizens, immigration status. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect more than just your freedom.
Attorney Credentials — The Team Behind Your Defense
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He appears in courts throughout Virginia, including the New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court, and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His firsthand experience inside a prosecutor’s office gives him a distinct insight into how charges are built — and how they can be challenged. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris works alongside a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional experience and perspective to fraud defense. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, and the firm has achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Every member of the team is committed to a thorough review of the evidence and a defense tailored to the facts of your case. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as fraud under Virginia law?
Fraud in Virginia generally means obtaining money, property, or a signature by a false statement or misrepresentation, with an intent to defraud. The most commonly charged statute is Virginia Code § 18.2‑178, “obtaining money by false pretenses.” Virginia also has specific fraud statutes covering credit card fraud (§ 18.2‑192, § 18.2‑193), bad checks, identity fraud, and other financial crimes. The essential elements the prosecution must prove are that you knowingly made a false representation, that you intended to deceive the other person, and that the person relied on that representation and suffered a loss or gave you property as a result. Simply owing money or a contract dispute is not fraud. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What are the potential penalties for fraud in New Kent County?
Penalties depend on the value involved and the specific fraud statute charged. If the value is under $1,000, the charge is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge may be treated as a felony, with a possible prison term of one to twenty years — though a jury can, in certain circumstances, impose a jail term of up to 12 months and a $2,500 fine. Separate fraud statutes, such as those covering credit card or identity fraud, carry their own penalty ranges. In addition to jail or prison, a conviction brings a permanent criminal record and may result in restitution orders. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with fraud in New Kent County?
Yes — a criminal fraud charge is a serious matter that can affect your liberty, livelihood, and future. Even a misdemeanor fraud conviction creates a record that employers, licensing boards, and landlords can see. A felony conviction can result in a years-long prison sentence and a lifetime of collateral consequences. An experienced criminal defense attorney will examine whether the Commonwealth can prove every element of the offense, challenge the evidence, and explore alternatives to a conviction, such as a deferred disposition or a plea to a reduced charge. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle fraud cases in New Kent County General District Court and Circuit Court. To discuss the specifics of your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What should I do if I am accused of fraud in New Kent County?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer, and do not post about it on social media. Politely decline to answer questions from law enforcement or investigators. Simply state, “I want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.” Preserve any documents, emails, or text messages that relate to the alleged transaction, but do not attempt to contact the person who made the accusation. Then call an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference — from negotiating bond conditions to preserving evidence that supports your defense. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
How does the court process work for fraud cases in New Kent County?
The process starts with an arrest or a summons, followed by an appearance before a magistrate who sets bond. The first court hearing takes place at the New Kent County General District Court, located at 12001 Courthouse Circle. A misdemeanor charge is tried in that court; a felony charge proceeds through a preliminary hearing, and if probable cause is found, the case is transferred to the New Kent County Circuit Court for trial. Throughout the process, your attorney can file motions, negotiate with the prosecutor, and prepare for trial. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule, but Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move the case forward efficiently while protecting your rights. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Can fraud charges be dismissed or reduced in New Kent County?
Yes — fraud charges can be dismissed, amended, or reduced under certain circumstances. In some cases, a charge may be dropped entirely if the Commonwealth’s evidence is insufficient. In other situations, negotiation may lead to a plea to a lesser offense — for example, a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, or a fraud charge amended to a non‑fraud offense that avoids a finding of dishonesty. Virginia law also permits, in certain misdemeanor cases, a deferred disposition under which the charge is dismissed after a period of probation. Each case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work toward the most favorable resolution possible. Results may vary. Reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747.
Internal pages: Fairfax County Criminal Defense · Prince William County Criminal Defense · Manassas Criminal Defense · Falls Church Criminal Defense · Fairfax City Criminal Defense
Official Virginia resources: Virginia Code Title 18.2 — Crimes and Offenses · New Kent County General District Court · Virginia Judicial System
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.