Bank Fraud Lawyer New Kent Virginia — Federal Financial Crime Defense
Bank fraud is a serious federal felony prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, carrying penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment and $1,000,000 in fines. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a Bank Fraud Lawyer New Kent Virginia with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Bank Fraud Statute and Penalties
Bank fraud is defined federally under 18 U.S.C. § 1344. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly execute, or attempt to execute, a scheme or artifice to defraud a financial institution, or to obtain any of the moneys, funds, credits, assets, securities, or other property owned by, or under the custody or control of, a financial institution, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal Courts | Virginia Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how the government builds cases, which is critical for mounting an effective defense against complex financial allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal bank fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (U.S. Code). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defending Federal Bank Fraud Charges in New Kent
Federal bank fraud cases originating in or affecting New Kent County are typically investigated by the FBI, Secret Service, or FDIC-OIG and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are heard in federal court, not New Kent County courts. The Richmond or Newport News divisions of the Eastern District are the likely venues. A fraud attorney must handle federal rules of evidence, complex financial discovery, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents. Do not speak to them without your attorney present. Your Bank Fraud Lawyer New Kent Virginia will engage to understand the scope of the investigation.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court, where you enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your defense team reviews thousands of pages of financial discovery. Pre-trial motions may challenge the sufficiency of evidence or seek to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your white collar defense lawyer will negotiate with the Assistant U.S. Attorney for a potential plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a federal jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount, number of victims, and your role.
Potential Penalties for Federal Bank Fraud
In the Eastern District of Virginia, a federal bank fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Restitution, Asset Forfeiture, Felony Record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Financial Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We approach federal fraud charges defense with a team strategy, often collaborating with forensic accountants to dissect the government’s financial case. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex federal matters.
For federal cases, our team includes Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of litigation experience, including former death penalty certification and extensive work on complex criminal matters.
Local Representation for New Kent County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton who are facing federal charges. Federal bank fraud cases are heard in U.S. District Court, not local county courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Bank Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the federal statute for bank fraud?
Yes. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1344. It criminalizes schemes to defraud a financial institution or to obtain its assets by false pretenses.
What agencies investigate bank fraud?
It depends on the case. Common investigating agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Can I go to state court for bank fraud?
No. Bank fraud is almost exclusively a federal crime prosecuted in U.S. District Court. You need a Bank Fraud Lawyer New Kent Virginia experienced in federal procedure, not just state court.
What is a common defense to bank fraud charges?
A key defense is challenging the element of “specific intent to defraud.” A fraud attorney may argue you lacked this intent, perhaps due to a misunderstanding, mistake, or reliance on professional advice. Lack of materiality or insufficient evidence are also common defense avenues.
What is the role of a financial crime lawyer in these cases?
A financial crime lawyer analyzes complex financial records, works with forensic experts, understands federal sentencing guidelines related to loss amounts, and negotiates with federal prosecutors who have vast resources. This specialized knowledge is essential for an effective fraud charges defense.
Contact a Federal Bank Fraud Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or charged with bank fraud in New Kent County, immediate action is critical. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation. We provide defense for federal financial crimes.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Henrico County | New Kent Criminal Defense Lawyer
If your case reaches beyond New Kent County, our page on bank fraud charges across Virginia sets out what to look for at each stage.