Fraud Lawyer Manassas, VA

Fraud charges in Manassas, Virginia, can permanently alter your life. A conviction for obtaining money by false pretenses under Va. Code § 18.2-178—treated as larceny for punishment purposes—may result in a felony record, jail time, and lasting damage to your career and reputation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has defended clients against fraud allegations in Manassas since 1997. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team appear regularly at the Manassas General District Court, located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Suite 230, Manassas, VA 20110, and the Manassas Circuit Court. The firm’s combined legal experience and deep familiarity with how the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes fraud cases allow it to build a thorough defense from the outset. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony fraud charge, early representation can make a critical difference. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Fraud Charges Mean in Manassas

Virginia law defines fraud as obtaining money, property, or a signature by false pretenses with intent to defraud. Under Va. Code § 18.2-178, the offense is punished according to the larceny grading system. If the value involved is $1,000 or more, the Commonwealth’s Attorney may charge the offense as grand larceny, a felony. Values below that threshold are generally charged as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Misdemeanor fraud cases are tried in the Manassas General District Court, while felony fraud cases proceed through a preliminary hearing in the General District Court and, if certified, to the Manassas Circuit Court for trial. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court. A fraud conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, security clearances, and immigration status. Because fraud is a crime of dishonesty, a permanent record may create barriers long after any sentence is served.

The penalties for fraud in Virginia range from a Class 1 misdemeanor—up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine—to a felony, which can carry a prison term of one to five years for a Class 6 felony, or one to ten years for a Class 5 felony, depending on the circumstances. The court determines the sentence based on the value of the property or money obtained, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the offense involved aggravating factors such as identity theft or a position of trust. In appropriate cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2, which allows the court to dismiss the charge upon successful completion of probation. The timeline for a fraud case depends on the complexity of the evidence and the court’s docket; no two cases follow the same schedule. An experienced defense lawyer can evaluate whether negotiation with the prosecutor or a trial strategy serves your best interests.

Manassas General District Court handles both the initial arraignment and any misdemeanor trials, while Manassas Circuit Court is the venue for felony jury trials and appeals from the lower court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Manassas prosecutes fraud offenses brought within the city’s jurisdiction. If a charge is resolved in your favor—through acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal—you may petition the Circuit Court to expunge the related police and court records under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Because expungement is available only for non-conviction outcomes, protecting your record from the start is essential.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Fraud Cases

Fraud cases often involve extensive documentary evidence—bank records, contracts, emails, and financial statements—and require a thorough, detailed defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by examining the state’s evidence for procedural weaknesses, including whether the prosecutor can prove the element of intent to defraud. A charge of obtaining money by false pretenses requires more than a broken promise or a failed business deal; the prosecution must prove that you knowingly made a false representation with the specific purpose of depriving another of property. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team understand how the Commonwealth builds a fraud case and know where to look for gaps in the evidence.

The team’s approach includes challenging the credibility of witnesses, scrutinizing the chain of financial documents, and negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce charges when the evidence does not support the original allegation. If a plea to a lesser offense or a deferred disposition is in your best interest, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel will pursue that course. If trial is the right path, the team is prepared to present your defense in court. Every fraud case is unique, and the firm’s strategy is tailored to your specific factual circumstances and goals.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and brings insight into how the state prepares and prosecutes fraud cases. 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. The firm’s lawyers collectively have extensive combined legal experience. The Of Counsel team includes a former Virginia State Trooper with 15 years of law enforcement experience, which supplies additional perspective on investigative techniques and evidence collection in fraud investigations.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented thousands of case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The firm serves clients from its Fairfax location and appears regularly in Manassas courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for a fraud conviction in Manassas, Virginia?

Fraud penalties depend on whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony and the value of the property obtained. Under Va. Code § 18.2-178, obtaining money by false pretenses is punished according to the larceny statutes. If the value is less than $1,000, the charge is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense may be charged as grand larceny, a felony. Class 5 felonies carry one to ten years in prison, and Class 6 felonies carry one to five years. The court has discretion to impose a jail sentence of up to 12 months for certain felonies under specific circumstances.

Can a fraud charge be expunged in Manassas?

Yes, a fraud charge can be expunged if the case ended in acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal. Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, allows a person to petition the Manassas Circuit Court to remove police and court records related to a charge that did not result in a conviction. If you were convicted of fraud, expungement is generally not available for that conviction. Achieving a non-conviction resolution—through dismissal, deferred disposition, or trial—is often a primary goal in fraud defense because it preserves the option to expunge the record.

What is the difference between fraud charged as a misdemeanor versus a felony in Virginia?

The main difference is the value of the property or money involved and the potential punishment. In Virginia, fraud offenses that involve property or money valued at less than $1,000 are typically charged as petit larceny, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Misdemeanor cases are tried in the General District Court and carry up to 12 months in jail. When the value is $1,000 or more, the offense can be charged as grand larceny, a felony. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, where a conviction can result in a state prison sentence of one year or more. A felony conviction also brings collateral consequences, such as loss of firearm rights and voting restrictions.

Do I need a lawyer if I am facing a fraud charge in Manassas?

Yes, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Fraud charges are serious and may result in a permanent criminal record, jail time, and professional consequences. Even a first-offense misdemeanor can harm your future. An attorney can evaluate whether the prosecutor can prove intent to defraud, identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and, if appropriate, seek a deferred disposition or a dismissal. Early involvement of counsel can protect your rights from the initial court appearance through trial.

How does the court process work for a fraud charge at the Manassas General District Court?

For a misdemeanor fraud charge, the case begins with an arraignment at the Manassas General District Court, where you will be formally advised of the charge and a trial date will be set. The case then proceeds to trial before a judge, as there is no jury in General District Court. If the charge is a felony, the General District Court conducts a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to send the case to the Manassas Circuit Court for indictment and a jury trial. At each stage, your attorney can challenge the evidence, present arguments, and negotiate with the prosecutor. The timeline for each phase depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the case.

Is a first-offender program available for fraud charges in Virginia?

Yes, first-time offenders charged with certain fraud offenses may be eligible for deferred disposition under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2. This statute, which covers many property crimes, allows the court to place a defendant on probation without entering a conviction. If the defendant successfully completes probation—typically including community service and good behavior—the court dismisses the charge. Eligibility depends on the specific charge, the defendant’s criminal history, and the agreement of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Not all fraud cases qualify, and the decision to grant deferred disposition is at the court’s discretion.

For more local defense resources, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal defense, Prince William County criminal defense, and Manassas Park criminal defense.

For additional information, consult the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (Crimes and Offenses) and the Manassas General District Court.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.