Augusta County Fraud Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A fraud charge in Augusta County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under Virginia statutes like Va. Code § 18.2-178 (obtaining money by false pretenses). Convictions can lead to felony records, prison, and heavy fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at Augusta County General District and Circuit Courts. Our fraud lawyer Augusta County team is available 24/7 for consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Augusta 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, common fraud charges include obtaining money by false pretenses (Va. Code § 18.2-178), credit card fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-195), identity theft (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3), and embezzlement (Va. Code § 18.2-111). The severity of the charge depends on the value involved. For example, obtaining more than $1,000 by false pretenses is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Federal fraud charges, prosecuted in districts like the Western District of Virginia, carry even stiffer penalties under U.S. Code Title 18.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Virginia’s fraud statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly website for Va. Code § 18.2-178. Court information for Augusta County can be found at the Augusta County General District Court official site.
handling a Fraud Case in Augusta County Courts
Fraud cases in Augusta County typically begin with an investigation by local law enforcement or a state agency. The case is prosecuted by the Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Misdemeanor fraud trials are held in Augusta County General District Court, while felonies are bound over to Augusta County Circuit Court for jury trial. A key local procedural fact is that the court closely examines the intent to defraud and the materiality of any false statement. Building a defense often involves challenging the evidence of intent or the alleged value of the fraud.
- Secure immediate legal representation before speaking with investigators.
- Your attorney will obtain and review all discovery, including financial records and witness statements.
- We will file pre-trial motions to challenge the admissibility of evidence or the sufficiency of the charge.
- Negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal based on the evidence.
- Prepare for a vigorous trial defense in Augusta County Circuit Court if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
In Augusta County, felony fraud can result in 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000, depending on the statute and amount involved.
| Offense | 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 | Criminal record, restitution |
| Obtaining Money by False Pretenses (>= $1,000) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses |
| Credit Card Fraud (Va. Code § 18.2-195) | Felony (varies by value) | 1 – 20 years | Varies | None | Restitution, federal charges possible |
| Identity Theft (Va. Code § 18.2-186.3) | Class 1 Misdemeanor to Class 4 Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Restitution, long-term credit damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a fraud charge can threaten your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. Our approach combines meticulous review of financial evidence with aggressive courtroom advocacy. For a white collar crime defense lawyer Augusta County residents can rely on, our team has the depth of experience necessary to handle complex fraud investigations and trials.
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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in criminal cases. In Augusta County, we have 13 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our commitment to vigorous defense. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney with a background in accounting, provides valuable consultation on financially complex fraud cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Fraud Defense Representation
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at Augusta County courts. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64, serving communities including Staunton, Waynesboro, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Verona, and Churchville. If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer Augusta County trusts, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fraud Charges in Augusta County
What is the most common type of fraud charge in Augusta County?
Yes, obtaining money by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178 is common. It becomes a felony if the value is $1,000 or more, carrying 2-10 years in prison. Other frequent charges are credit card fraud and identity theft.
Can I go to jail for a first-time fraud offense in Virginia?
It depends. For misdemeanor fraud, jail is possible but not guaranteed. For felony fraud, incarceration is likely. An experienced fraud lawyer Augusta County can seek alternatives like probation, especially for first-time offenders, by challenging the evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What’s the difference between state and federal fraud charges?
Federal fraud charges involve interstate commerce, federal agencies (like the FBI or IRS), or institutions like banks. They are prosecuted in U.S. District Court, often carry longer sentences, and have complex procedures. A white collar crime defense lawyer Augusta County residents hire for federal cases must be familiar with both federal law and local court practices.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for fraud?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a fraud charge defense lawyer Augusta County immediately. Your lawyer can advise you on your rights, potentially intervene before charges are filed, and begin building your defense strategy based on the specific allegations.
How long does a fraud case take in Augusta County?
A misdemeanor fraud case in General District Court may resolve in 2-4 months. A felony fraud case in Circuit Court typically takes 6-12 months or longer, depending on case complexity, evidence volume, and court scheduling. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline after reviewing your case.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding fraud charges.
For more information, see our Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Shenandoah County and with related issues such as DUI charges in Augusta County.