Virginia Fraud Law
Virginia Fraud Attorneys
Fraud involves deceiving others for personal gain, and Virginia has various laws addressing different types of fraud, including forgery, false statements, credit card theft, and money laundering. If you are facing fraud charges in Northern Virginia (NoVa), it’s crucial to have the support of an experienced Virginia fraud lawyer to effectively represent you in court.
Types of Fraud
Virginia Code § 18.2 defines numerous fraud-related crimes. If you’re charged with fraud, it’s likely you may face related charges or multiple counts of fraud, further complicating your legal situation. Here are some common types of fraud in Virginia:
- Falsifying transcripts or diplomas (§ 18.2-172.1): Falsifying or altering academic documents for personal gain can result in a Class 3 misdemeanor.
- False statements to obtain property or credit (§ 18.2-186): Providing false information, electronically or on paper, to acquire something of value can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Credit card theft (§ 18.2-192): Knowingly possessing or using someone else’s credit card information without consent can result in up to 20 years in prison.
- Money laundering (§ 18.2-246.3): Engaging in activities to convert proceeds from a felony into another form can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor or Class 6 felony.
- Due to the interconnected nature of these crimes, you may face multiple charges simultaneously. Law enforcement may also add multiple counts if you commit fraud multiple times. For example, each fraudulent use or sale of a credit card can be charged as a separate count. The severity of punishment increases with the number of counts. Consulting a Virginia fraud lawyer promptly is crucial for your case’s best outcome.
Fraud Penalties
Fraud charges carry a range of penalties, from Class 4 misdemeanors (with a $250 fine) to serious felonies resulting in up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. For instance, if you’re charged with a Class 4 felony like embezzlement, additional fraud charges may be added if it is alleged that you employed fraudulent tactics in committing the embezzlement. Penalties may also include probation, restitution, or other forms of punishment in addition to or instead of incarceration.
Misdemeanor Fraud
Misdemeanor punishments in Virginia, detailed in § 18.2-11 of the Virginia Code, range from Class 4 (least severe) to Class 1 (most severe). Committing a misdemeanor near children can result in a restriction from being within 100 feet of child daycares, primary schools, or secondary schools. Fraud misdemeanors carry jail time of less than a year and a relatively small fine, but penalties can escalate with multiple fraud counts.
Examples of misdemeanor fraud include impersonating an officer (Class 1 misdemeanor), illegal use of insignia (Class 4 misdemeanor), and audiovisual recording of motion pictures in a privately owned theater (Class 1 misdemeanor).
Felony Fraud
Felony charges compound punishment for serious forms of fraud. Some examples of fraud felonies in Virginia include forging coins or banknotes (Class 4 felony), identity theft (Class 1 misdemeanor or Class 6 felony), issuing bad checks (up to a Class 6 felony), and obtaining money or signatures by false pretense (Class 4 felony). Punishments for felonies are outlined in § 18.2-10 of the Virginia Code and range from Class 6 (up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine) to Class 1 (punishable by death). However, fraud charges do not fall under Classes 1, 2, or 3 felonies. If you’re uncertain about the severity of your charge, consult a Virginia fraud lawyer for clarification.
After a Fraud Conviction
After a fraud conviction, various sentencing possibilities exist, making it crucial to consult a Virginia fraud lawyer about your specific situation. Fraud is a serious offense in Virginia and may also result in federal charges. Skilled representation is essential. Contact our Virginia fraud lawyers today.