Fraud Lawyer Henrico, VA

Fraud charges in Henrico County are prosecuted seriously. Whether the allegation involves obtaining money by false pretenses, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, or another deceptive practice, a conviction can mean incarceration, fines, and a lasting criminal record. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have represented individuals facing fraud allegations in Henrico County General District Court and Henrico County Circuit Court. We understand the local court procedures and work to build a well-prepared defense. If you are under investigation or have been charged, request a consultation at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Fraud Charges Mean in Henrico, Virginia

In Virginia, fraud is often charged under Va. Code § 18.2-178—obtaining money or signature by false pretenses. The statute treats the offense as larceny, which means the severity of the charge depends on the value of the property or money involved. A theft of goods or services valued at $1,000 or more is grand larceny, a felony punishable by one to twenty years in prison or, at the court’s discretion, up to twelve months in jail. The grand larceny threshold of $1,000 was set by the 2020 amendment to Va. Code § 18.2-95.

Fraud prosecuted as a misdemeanor (petit larceny) carries up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Cases begin in the Henrico County General District Court, where misdemeanors are tried and felonies are screened at a preliminary hearing. If a felony is certified, trial moves to the Henrico County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County prosecutes these matters, and an experienced attorney can review the evidence, identify procedural weaknesses, and develop a defense that aims for charge reduction, diversion, or dismissal where possible.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Fraud Cases

Defending against a fraud allegation requires a careful examination of the prosecution’s evidence and the circumstances surrounding the alleged misrepresentation. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review every document, interview witnesses, and analyze whether the state can prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. In Henrico County, many fraud cases involve financial records, contracts, or electronic communications. A well-prepared defense often focuses on challenging the intent to defraud—showing that a dispute was a civil contract matter rather than a criminal act, or that the defendant lacked the required mental state.

The firm evaluates whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation. Any deviation from constitutional or statutory requirements can lead to the suppression of evidence. Plea negotiations are conducted under Va. Sup. Ct. R. 3A:8, which permits agreements that the court may accept or reject. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys tailor each defense to the specific facts of the case and the local practices of the Henrico County courts. The goal is a favorable outcome, whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

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 has practiced criminal defense for decades. 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 in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to fraud defense. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement and trial advocacy. They contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and work collaboratively on fraud matters in Henrico County. Together, the team reviews evidence, consults with forensic accountants when needed, and develops defense strategies. In Henrico County, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented favorable outcomes in every reported fraud-related instance, with 8 results that include 7 dismissals and 1 reduced charge. Results may vary. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am charged with fraud in Henrico County?

If you are charged with fraud in Henrico County, you should exercise your right to remain silent and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the allegations with law enforcement until you have legal counsel. Preserving any documents, emails, or records that may be relevant to your case is important, but you should not destroy or alter anything. An attorney can quickly assess whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony, explain the potential penalties, and begin developing a defense. Early intervention often allows your lawyer to negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before formal court proceedings begin, which can influence the direction of the case. For guidance tailored to your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the possible penalties for fraud in Virginia?

Fraud penalties in Virginia depend on the value of the property or money involved, with grand larceny charges carrying a potential prison sentence of one to twenty years. Under Va. Code § 18.2-178, the offense is treated as larceny. If the value is $1,000 or more, the charge is grand larceny, a felony. The court can impose a sentence of one to twenty years in prison, or in certain cases, up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. For values under $1,000, the charge is petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Additional consequences may include restitution to the victim, probation, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing.

Can fraud charges be dropped or reduced in Henrico County?

Yes, fraud charges can be dismissed or reduced if the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, or through negotiation with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. A defense attorney may challenge the evidence, argue that the alleged conduct was a civil contract dispute, or present mitigating circumstances. In Henrico County, first-offender programs or deferred dispositions may be available in some cases, allowing the defendant to complete probation and have the charge dismissed. However, eligibility varies by case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to identify an appropriate path to a favorable resolution, whether through a pretrial diversion, plea agreement, or trial. Each case is unique, and Results may vary. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your options.

How does a fraud case move through the Henrico County courts?

A fraud case typically begins in Henrico County General District Court, where misdemeanors are tried and felony charges receive a preliminary hearing. If the judge finds probable cause at the preliminary hearing, the felony case is certified to Henrico County Circuit Court for trial or plea. Misdemeanor charges can be resolved in General District Court, and a defendant has the right to appeal a conviction to the Circuit Court. Throughout the process, a lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and prepare for trial. The timeline varies, but having an attorney familiar with Henrico County procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Why should I hire a private attorney for fraud charges in Henrico instead of using a public defender?

A private attorney can often dedicate more time to investigating your case, reviewing financial records, and crafting a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. Public defenders in Henrico County are skilled, but they carry heavy caseloads. A private firm like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can bring additional resources, including the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys with law enforcement and trial experience. The firm’s team includes Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who understands how the prosecution builds a fraud case. This insight can be an advantage in pretrial negotiations and at trial. The decision is personal, and you should meet with an attorney to determine the best fit for your case.

What experience does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have with fraud cases in Henrico County?

The firm has represented clients in Henrico County criminal matters for years and has documented favorable outcomes in every fraud-related case reported in the county. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement and trial advocacy. In Henrico County, the team has secured 8 documented results: 7 dismissals or not-guilty verdicts and 1 reduced charge. While past results do not guarantee a future outcome, this record reflects the firm’s commitment to thorough preparation and strong advocacy. Results may vary. To discuss your case, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.

Also serving Henrico clients:
Criminal Defense Lawyer Henrico |
DUI Defense Lawyer Henrico |
Assault Defense Lawyer Henrico |
Domestic Violence Lawyer Henrico

Additional Resources:
Virginia Code Title 18.2 – Crimes and Offenses |
Virginia Judicial System

Last reviewed: July 2026

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.