Fraud charges are complex prosecutions in Virginia’s criminal courts, often involving large volumes of records and years of complex issues to unravel. Fraud allegations in Warrenton carry significant consequences and penalties: jail time, substantial fines, and lasting harm to your reputation.
Ashwell & Ashwell understands the potential devastation a fraud case can cause in a defendant’s life. Our local criminal defense attorneys leverage years of criminal experience to support defendants charged with fraud and other white-collar crimes. A skilled Warrenton fraud lawyer can provide critical guidance and help you prepare to defend yourself in court.
Virginia’s criminal code defines fraud in a variety of ways – from check forgery to obtaining goods through false or misleading statements. The legal definition can be simply stated as deception used to acquire money, services, or property. The seriousness of a fraud offense often depends on the amount of money involved.
A person who obtains money or property by deception or false pretenses may be guilty of larceny as outlined in Virginia Code § 18.2-178. When the value of stolen goods or funds exceeds $1,000, the offense becomes a felony. Other applicable fraud statutes include Va. Code § 18.2-172, which criminalizes the forgery of public records or private documents—even if no benefit is gained—the simple intentional creation of forgeries is often enough.
Fraud requires proof of intent, and without that proof, the case often falls apart. Proving intent hinges on a showing that the defendant made a conscious, not accidental or mistaken, decision to deceive someone. Examples of evidence include:
Each piece of evidence presented must form a picture that shows beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was purposefully misleading others for personal gain. A fraud defense attorney in Warrenton can review the state’s evidence to determine if it meets the requirements to prove that an individual acted with the intent to defraud.
Even before charges are filed, investigators may begin collecting digital records, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing financial statements. A Warrenton attorney could help in your fraud defense charge by:
Early legal support may significantly affect how a case develops and its eventual outcome.
The prosecution’s strategy for fraud often involves the use of electronic records and data to support a narrative of intent. However, these materials may be incomplete, unclear or misinterpreted, and taken out of context.
A fraud attorney in Warrenton who is well-versed in traditional fraud defenses and stays current with the evolution of financial technology can identify potential opportunities to challenge digital evidence and work to dispute it during pretrial motions or at trial. This knowledge becomes even more important if you’re facing allegations involving online transactions or the manipulation of digital financial documents.
Fraud charges can disrupt your life in both immediate and long-term ways – a conviction can jeopardize occupational licenses, employment opportunities, and the ability to hold a position that manages sensitive client information or has fiduciary responsibilities. Individuals in finance, law, or government may face professional review boards or disqualification from future positions of trust.
Whether you have already been arrested or may currently be under investigation, Ashwell & Ashwell can help protect your future. We are dedicated to defending people in Warrenton against complex fraud allegations and other white-collar or financial crimes.
Call us today to discuss your case with a Warrenton fraud lawyer and to explore your legal options for moving forward with your livelihood intact.
