Accusations of fraud can have a swift impact on your professional reputation. If you are under investigation for fraud, or if you have been arrested on a complaint of obtaining money or property by false pretenses, a Fairfax fraud attorney can help you minimize the damage and fight a criminal charge. Call today to speak with a fraud lawyer in Fairfax.
Fraud is a broad term. In Virginia Code Title 18.2 Chapter 6, there are dozens of statutes dealing with “Crimes Involving Fraud.” These include forgery, credit card fraud, issuing bad checks, identity theft, and any act of obtaining money or property by false pretense.
Typically, in a fraud case, the prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These include willful misrepresentation of a material fact; intent to defraud; and an attempt to obtain money, property, or signature as a result of the deception or misrepresentation of fact.
A fraud defense lawyer will work to discredit the allegations of misrepresentation and intent to defraud. Your Fairfax fraud attorney can work with you to provide legal counsel and representation that can bring your case to the best possible resolution.
In Virginia, fraud cases are handled in the county in which the fraud was allegedly committed or where the defendant resides. A fraud attorney in Fairfax who has appeared before the local courts and is familiar with the court system can be helpful in defending against larceny and fraud charges in Fairfax County.
The penalties for fraud in Virginia depend upon the specific offense of which a person is convicted. Typically, the penalties are determined by the offense and the value of the money or property involved.
The general fraud statute is found in Virginia Code Section 18.2-178, “Obtaining Money or Signature, Etc. by False Pretense”. Under this statute, receiving money or property by false pretense is considered the larceny of such property. Fraudulent receipt of money or property valued at less than $200 would be petit larceny, a misdemeanor. If the property is valued at $200 or greater, it would be grand larceny, a felony punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Obtaining a signature by false pretense is treated as forgery, a Class 4 felony associated with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Other common acts of fraud in Virginia include the following:
Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony fraud charges in Fairfax County, it is important to find a Fairfax fraud lawyer who will handle your case with the attention to detail and the commitment to success that you deserve.
To learn more about how our Fairfax fraud attorneys can help you, or to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a local lawyer handling fraud defense in Fairfax County, call today.
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