Police ID Fraud Defense Lawyer Henrico, VA

You were pulled over on Parham Road near the Henrico County Government Center, and the police officer accused you of carrying a fake identification card—maybe a driver’s license that isn’t yours or one that shows an age you haven’t reached. Now you have a summons to appear at the Henrico County General District Court. A conviction for police ID fraud can bring jail time, fines, and a criminal record that follows you into every job application, rental agreement, and professional license renewal. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals facing these charges in Henrico County. To discuss what happened and what comes next, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Police ID Fraud Defense Means in Henrico, VA

Police ID fraud in Virginia typically falls under Va. Code § 18.2-178, which criminalizes obtaining money, property, or a signature through false pretenses. When the false pretense involves a government-issued identification card—like a driver’s license, state ID, or law enforcement credential—the charge can be prosecuted as larceny. The grading of the offense depends on the value of what was obtained: property valued at $1,000 or more results in a felony, while a lower value is a misdemeanor. In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases in the Henrico County General District Court for misdemeanors and the Henrico County Circuit Court for felonies. Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico, including the Glen Allen, Short Pump, and Tuckahoe communities.

Under Virginia law, a Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500; a Class 5 felony carries a term of imprisonment of one to ten years, or up to 12 months in jail at the discretion of the jury.

Source: Va. Code §§ 18.2-8, 18.2-9. Virginia Code, Title 18.2, Chapter 1

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Because police ID fraud charges often hinge on whether the accused knew the ID was fake and intended to defraud, the outcome can turn on subtle facts: what was the accused trying to accomplish, how was the ID obtained, and did any actual loss occur? At the Henrico County General District Court, located at 4301 East Parham Road, a preliminary hearing in a felony matter must be held within a timeframe set by law, while a misdemeanor trial may be scheduled on a shorter timeline. An experienced defense attorney who understands the local court’s procedures can help evaluate whether the charge should be challenged at the preliminary hearing stage or negotiated with the Commonwealth’s Attorney before trial.

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

Every defense begins with a careful examination of the evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the police report, the alleged fake ID, and any statements the accused made to law enforcement. In many police ID fraud cases, the central question is whether the prosecution can prove the required intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt. If the ID was never used to obtain anything of value, the defense may move for dismissal or negotiate a reduction to a lesser offense. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in Henrico County General District Court and Henrico County Circuit Court, which allows them to anticipate how particular charges are likely to be handled by the local Commonwealth’s Attorney and assigned judges.

Because Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state firm, the defense team is also alert to consequences that reach beyond Virginia: a fraud conviction can affect immigration status, professional licensing in other states, and security clearances. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to address both the immediate criminal charge and the long-term collateral impact. Results may vary. in any individual case.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, has represented clients in criminal matters since 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience between them and Mr. Sris. When you reach the firm at (888) 437-7747, you can speak with a professional who understands how Henrico County criminal cases are prosecuted and defended.

Because the firm maintains a Richmond location at 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225, clients from Henrico County are able to meet with counsel by appointment without traveling to a distant city. Appointments are available by calling (888) 437-7747. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly at the Henrico County General District Court on Parham Road and the Henrico County Circuit Court, so they are familiar with the local court calendar, bonding practices, and prosecutorial approach. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must the prosecutor prove in a police ID fraud case in Virginia?

The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you obtained money, property, or a signature by using a false identification card with the intent to defraud. The key elements are (1) the ID was fake, (2) you used it to get something of value, and (3) you intended to deceive. If any element is missing—for example, you did not actually receive anything—the charge may be challenged. In Henrico County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may assess the strength of the evidence during the preliminary hearing and could agree to amend or withdraw the charge. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can a police ID fraud charge be reduced or dismissed in Henrico County?

Yes, it is possible to have a police ID fraud charge reduced or dismissed in Henrico County depending on the evidence and your background. If the accused has no prior record and the value involved is minimal, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may agree to reduce the charge to a lesser misdemeanor or to dismiss it after the accused completes community service or an educational program. In felony cases where the evidence of intent is weak, the defense may move to dismiss at the preliminary hearing. Every case is different. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer if I am only charged with a misdemeanor for a fake ID?

Yes, even a misdemeanor conviction for police ID fraud can create a permanent criminal record and affect your future. A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A conviction also becomes part of your public record, which can make it harder to find a job, rent an apartment, or obtain a professional license. An experienced attorney can review the police report for constitutional or procedural errors and may be able to negotiate a resolution that avoids a conviction. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

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

A police ID fraud case in Henrico County begins with an arrest or summons and an initial court date in the General District Court. If the charge is a misdemeanor, trial is held in the General District Court. If it is a felony, the General District Court holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Henrico County Circuit Court for a jury trial. At any stage, the defense can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. The timeline varies depending on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case. To understand more about local court procedure, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if police accused me of using a fake ID during a traffic stop in Henrico?

Remain calm, do not argue with the officer, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not make any statements about the ID or why you had it. Anything you say can be used against you. As soon as you are released or receive a summons, contact an attorney. The sooner a defense is prepared, the more options may be available. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can be reached at (888) 437-7747 to discuss a pending charge or upcoming court date.

Will a police ID fraud conviction affect my immigration status?

Yes, a conviction for a crime involving fraud or dishonesty can have serious immigration consequences, including removal or denial of a future immigration benefit. Offenses categorized as crimes involving moral turpitude—which often include fraud—can make a noncitizen inadmissible or deportable. If you are not a U.S. Citizen and face a police ID fraud charge, it is critical that your criminal defense attorney coordinate with immigration counsel. The firm’s attorneys consider the immigration consequences as part of the defense strategy. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Authoritative Resources
Virginia Code, Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) •
Henrico County General District Court •
Henrico County Circuit Court

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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.