Bank Fraud lawyer Henrico, VA
Federal bank fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carry severe consequences—a conviction can mean decades in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that upends your career and financial future. If you are facing a bank fraud investigation or indictment in Henrico County, Virginia, you need counsel who understands how the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia builds and prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents clients in federal criminal matters across Virginia, including Henrico County residents whose cases proceed in the Richmond Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experienced, multi-state representation to federal fraud defense. To request a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to .
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1344. 18 U.S.C. § 1344 — Bank fraud
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
What Bank Fraud Means in Henrico, Virginia
Bank fraud is a federal offense that involves knowingly executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud a financial institution, or to obtain money, assets, or property owned by or under the custody or control of a financial institution, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, the government must prove that the accused engaged in a scheme to defraud a bank and acted with the intent to defraud. Because banks are federally insured, these cases fall squarely within federal jurisdiction and are prosecuted actively by the United States Attorney’s Office.
For a Henrico County resident, a federal bank fraud investigation or charge means your case will be handled not in the Henrico County General District Court on East Parham Road, but in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. The Richmond Division handles federal criminal matters arising from Henrico County and the surrounding Richmond metropolitan area. The U.S. Attorney’s Office typically partners with the FBI and other federal investigative agencies to build cases over months or years before an indictment is unsealed. This means that by the time a target learns of the investigation, the government has often assembled extensive documentary and testimonial evidence. Early engagement of counsel—before an indictment is handed down—can affect how the case proceeds and what options remain available.
How the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Bank Fraud Cases
Federal bank fraud defense begins with a careful review of the government’s evidence, the specific allegations in the charging document, and the procedural steps that led to the investigation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, working alongside Mr. Sris, scrutinize search warrants, subpoenas, and witness statements for constitutional and procedural issues. In many bank fraud prosecutions, the government relies on voluminous financial records, electronic communications, and cooperating-witness testimony. Challenging the foundation of that evidence—whether through motions to suppress, motions in limine, or rigorous cross-examination—is central to the defense.
Because bank fraud is a federal offense, sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The loss amount attributed to the scheme often drives the guideline range, and the government may seek enhancements for sophisticated means, abuse of a position of trust, or obstruction of justice. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to ensure that the loss calculation is accurate and that the court has a complete picture of the circumstances before imposing sentence. In some cases, negotiating a pretrial resolution may be in the client’s interests; in others, proceeding to trial is appropriate. The decision rests with the client after a thorough discussion of the evidence, the risks, and the potential outcomes. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who draws on his experience from the other side of the courtroom to anticipate how federal prosecutors approach bank fraud investigations and trials. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—a five-jurisdiction practice that provides clients with broad geographic coverage and the ability to address multi-district federal matters. His background includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with experience in federal criminal defense, including matters prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. Each Of Counsel attorney contracts directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and brings substantial courtroom experience to federal fraud cases. The firm’s collaborative approach means that every client benefits from the collective insight of multiple attorneys who understand federal procedure, the Sentencing Guidelines, and the strategies that federal prosecutors employ in financial-crime cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344?
Federal bank fraud is a crime that occurs when a person knowingly executes a scheme to defraud a financial institution, or to obtain money or property from a bank through false or fraudulent pretenses. The statute covers two categories of conduct: defrauding a financial institution and obtaining bank assets by fraudulent means. The government must prove the existence of a scheme and the intent to defraud. Unlike some fraud statutes, § 1344 does not require a misrepresentation—a scheme that deprives the bank of property interests can suffice. Bank fraud investigations are frequently multi-agency efforts involving the FBI, FDIC Office of Inspector General, and other federal bodies. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am facing a bank fraud investigation in Henrico County?
If you become aware of a federal bank fraud investigation—whether through a subpoena, a target letter, a visit from federal agents, or contact with your employer—retain experienced federal defense counsel immediately and do not speak with investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say to federal agents can be used against you, and even innocent statements can be taken out of context in a financial-crimes prosecution. Preserve all relevant documents but do not alter or destroy them; obstruction charges can compound the original allegation. An attorney can contact the investigating agency, assess the scope of the inquiry, and work to protect your interests before charges are filed. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for bank fraud in federal court?
Bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to per count. If the offense affects a financial institution, the statutory maximum may be enhanced. Beyond imprisonment and fines, a conviction carries collateral consequences: loss of professional licenses, debarment from federal programs, ineligibility for certain employment, and significant damage to credit and reputation. There is no parole in the federal system; good-time credit reduces the sentence by up to 54 days per year. The actual sentence depends on the Sentencing Guidelines calculation, the defendant’s role, and the loss amount. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for federal bank fraud charges?
Yes. Federal bank fraud is a serious felony prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the resources of federal investigative agencies; proceeding without experienced counsel exposes you to risks that no self-represented defendant is equipped to manage. Federal procedure differs from state court in critical respects—pretrial detention standards, discovery obligations, the Speedy Trial Act, and the Sentencing Guidelines all operate under rules that are unfamiliar to most people and even to many state-court practitioners. A federal defense attorney can evaluate the indictment, negotiate with the prosecution, file appropriate motions, and advise you on whether to proceed to trial. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How are bank fraud cases prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia?
Bank fraud cases in the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, often in coordination with the FBI and federal financial regulators, and proceed under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure in the Richmond or Alexandria Division. The Eastern District is known for its efficiency—cases often move faster than in many other federal districts. After indictment, the defendant appears for an initial appearance and arraignment, followed by a detention hearing if the government seeks pretrial detention. The discovery process includes review of financial records, electronic evidence, and any witness statements. Pretrial motions may address the scope of the indictment or the admissibility of evidence. Sentencing, if applicable, follows a presentence investigation report and a hearing at which both sides may present argument and evidence. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I be charged with bank fraud even if no money was actually taken?
Yes. Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 does not require the government to prove an actual loss—the statute criminalizes the scheme itself, not just the completed taking of funds. An attempt to execute a scheme to defraud a bank can be charged even if the scheme was unsuccessful or was intercepted before money changed hands. The focus is on the defendant’s intent and the acts taken in furtherance of the scheme. However, the absence or presence of an actual loss does affect the Sentencing Guidelines calculation, which in turn influences the sentence imposed. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in federal criminal matters throughout Virginia. Learn more about the firm’s federal criminal defense practice in Virginia. For related matters, see information on wire fraud defense and mail fraud defense in federal court.
For additional information on federal bank fraud statutes and court procedures, visit these official primary sources:
- 18 U.S.C. § 1344 — Bank Fraud (Cornell LII)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern District of Virginia
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Consultations are by appointment only. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in Henrico County, Virginia, from its Virginia locations. The firm’s attorneys are admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.