Fraud Lawyer Alexandria, VA

A fraud charge in Alexandria, Virginia puts your freedom, reputation, and future at serious risk. Fraud offenses—ranging from obtaining money by false pretenses to more complex schemes—are treated as crimes of dishonesty under Virginia law and typically bring the possibility of jail time, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. Cases are heard in the Alexandria General District Court if charged as a misdemeanor, or the Alexandria Circuit Court if charged as a felony. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria prosecutes these matters actively. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, the guidance of an experienced criminal defense team is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on criminal defense and has represented individuals throughout Alexandria and Northern Virginia. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Fraud Charges Mean in Alexandria, Virginia

Fraud under Virginia law encompasses a broad range of conduct centered on the use of deception to obtain property, money, or services. The most frequently charged fraud statute in Alexandria is Va. Code § 18.2‑178, obtaining money or signature by false pretenses. Under this statute, a person who uses a false pretense to obtain another’s money, gift certificate, or other property with the intent to defraud is deemed guilty of larceny. That means punishment follows the same grading as larceny—petit larceny (a Class 1 misdemeanor) if the value is below the statutory threshold, or grand larceny (a felony) if the value is at or above the statutory threshold. Other fraud charges seen in Alexandria include credit card fraud, forgery, identity theft, and computer fraud, each carrying its own penalty structure under Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code.

In Alexandria, misdemeanor fraud cases are adjudicated in the Alexandria General District Court, located at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. This court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. If a felony fraud case is certified by the General District Court, it moves to the Alexandria Circuit Court for trial. The procedural landscape is similar to other criminal matters: an arrest or summons is followed by an arraignment, a bond determination, a preliminary hearing (for felonies), and ultimately a trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.

Fraud convictions carry consequences beyond the sentence imposed by the court. A record of dishonesty can affect employment, professional licensing, security clearances, and immigration status. Virginia law provides limited avenues for expungement: under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2, records of a charge that ends in acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal may be petitioned for removal. Convictions generally cannot be expunged. First‑offender programs may be available in some misdemeanor cases, potentially experienced to dismissal after successful completion of court‑imposed conditions.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Cases

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches a fraud accusation by first thoroughly evaluating the prosecution’s evidence—financial records, digital communications, witness statements, and the charging documents themselves. Because fraud charges often turn on proof of intent to defraud, the defense may focus on whether the accused honestly believed the representations made or whether a legitimate business transaction was mischaracterized. Procedural challenges, such as the suppression of evidence obtained in violation of the defendant’s rights, are explored where applicable.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work directly with the client to reconstruct the relevant timeline and identify documents that support the defense narrative. If a resolution short of trial serves the client’s interests, the team negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction of charges or an amendment to a lesser offense. Not every case goes to trial; the decision is always driven by the client’s goals and the strength of the state’s case. When trial is the right option, the litigation experience of Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel—drawn from years of practice in Virginia courtrooms, including Alexandria—is brought to bear to challenge the government’s proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has concentrated his practice on criminal defense since establishing the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings to each case first‑hand knowledge of how the Commonwealth builds and presents its charges. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Supporting Mr. Sris is an Of Counsel team of experienced litigators. Each Of Counsel attorney brings a distinct background and courtroom skill set. The collective legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel is extensive. Together, they represent individuals in Alexandria and throughout Northern Virginia, appearing regularly in the Alexandria General District Court and the Alexandria Circuit Court. The firm’s Arlington Location serves as the primary contact point for Alexandria matters, and consultations are available by appointment at (888) 437‑7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a misdemeanor fraud charge in Alexandria?

A Class 1 misdemeanor fraud conviction in Alexandria carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine. Misdemeanor fraud cases are heard in the Alexandria General District Court at 520 King Street, 2nd Floor. If the property value obtained by the fraud is below the statutory threshold, the offense is typically charged as a petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the Commonwealth may pursue felony charges if the value exceeds the statutory threshold or if the conduct falls under a specialized fraud statute that imposes higher penalties. Beyond jail and fines, a fraud conviction creates a permanent record of dishonesty that can affect future employment and licensing.

Can fraud charges be expunged in Virginia?

Virginia law allows expungement for fraud charges only if the case ends in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi; a conviction generally cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in the Alexandria Circuit Court under Va. Code § 19.2‑392.2. The court considers whether the continued existence of the record constitutes a manifest injustice. For individuals who have no prior convictions and whose charge was resolved without a conviction, expungement may be available. It is important to act promptly after a qualifying disposition, as the effect of a fraud accusation on a background check can be immediate and long‑lasting.

What should I do if I am facing fraud charges in Alexandria?

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately, and do not discuss the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents, emails, receipts, and communications. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, so assert your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. The Alexandria General District Court and Circuit Court have their own procedural calendars, and missing an appearance or deadline can lead to a warrant. Early attorney involvement allows for evidence preservation, strategic communication with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and exploration of pre‑trial resolution options.

Do I need a lawyer for a fraud charge in Alexandria?

Yes. A fraud charge is a criminal accusation that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent record, making legal representation essential. Even a misdemeanor fraud conviction can trigger collateral consequences that affect your career, security clearance, and immigration status. The Alexandria courts follow the procedural and evidentiary rules of Virginia criminal procedure, and an experienced attorney is able to identify weaknesses in the state’s case, negotiate for reduced charges, and present a persuasive defense. Representation by Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. ensures you have a team familiar with the Alexandria court system and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.

What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony fraud in Virginia?

The primary dividing line is the value of the property or money obtained: below the statutory threshold is typically a misdemeanor, at or above the statutory threshold is a felony. A felony fraud conviction in Virginia is punishable by one to twenty years in prison (or, at a jury’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail and a fine) and results in the loss of civil rights, including the right to vote and possess firearms. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to twelve months in jail. Felony cases in Alexandria originate with a preliminary hearing in General District Court before moving to Circuit Court for trial, while misdemeanor trials are held entirely in General District Court.

How does a lawyer defend against fraud charges in Virginia?

Defense strategies may include challenging the evidence of intent to defraud, asserting the defendant’s honest belief in the truth of the representations made, and identifying procedural or constitutional violations. Because fraud charges often rest on paper trails and digital records, an experienced attorney scrutinizes the authenticity, completeness, and manner of collection of such evidence. In some circumstances, the defense may show that the transaction was a commercial dispute rather than a criminal act. Where appropriate, counsel negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction of charges or participation in a first‑offender program. For further guidance on your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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