Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Lawyer Arlington County — Federal Defense Strategy
A federal conspiracy to commit fraud charge in Arlington County is a serious felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1349, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and massive fines. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases aggressively. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Statute and Definition
Conspiracy to commit fraud is a federal offense codified under 18 U.S.C. § 1349. The law makes it a crime to agree with one or more persons to execute a scheme or artifice to defraud, or to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises. The government does not need to prove the underlying fraud was completed, only that an agreement existed and that at least one conspirator took an overt act to further the scheme. This charge is often paired with substantive fraud counts like wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) or bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344).
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has decades of combined experience handling complex federal cases. We approach each conspiracy to commit fraud case with a detailed understanding of the federal rules of evidence and procedure.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal fraud conspiracy statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the local federal court handling these cases in Northern Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Local Federal Court Process for Fraud Conspiracy Charges
Federal fraud conspiracy cases in Arlington County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division). The process is markedly different from state court. Investigations are typically lengthy, conducted by agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Secret Service. A grand jury indictment is required before formal charges are filed. The Speedy Trial Act sets strict timelines, but complex fraud cases often involve extensive pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Federal Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents or receive a target letter. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The prosecution presents evidence to a secret grand jury to obtain an indictment.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge, be formally charged, and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review thousands of pages of evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in U.S. District Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount, number of victims, and your role in the conspiracy.
Potential Penalties for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud
In Arlington County, a federal conviction for conspiracy to commit fraud carries penalties identical to the underlying fraud offense, often including decades in prison, restitution, and forfeiture.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, forfeiture of assets, supervised release |
| Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, permanent criminal record |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (per count) | Substantial fines | Exclusion from federal health care programs, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Fraud Conspiracy Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have the depth to handle complex federal defenses. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting complex financial fraud allegations. We understand that a conspiracy to commit fraud charge is not just a legal problem but a threat to your liberty, reputation, and financial future.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. While every case is unique, our strategic approach is designed to challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every stage. For a conspiracy to commit fraud charge, a strong defense often involves attacking the alleged agreement, the intent element, or the sufficiency of the overt act. Attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, brings additional depth to building these defenses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 718-8440
By appointment only.
Our Arlington location serves clients facing federal charges at courthouses throughout Northern Virginia. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. As a federal criminal defense lawyer near Arlington County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between conspiracy and the actual fraud?
Yes, there is a major difference. Conspiracy is the agreement to commit the crime, while the actual fraud is the execution of the scheme. You can be convicted of conspiracy even if the fraud was never completed, as long as the government proves an agreement and an overt act.
Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same fraud scheme?
It depends. Under the Dual Sovereignty Doctrine, yes. State and federal governments are separate sovereigns. A scheme to defraud charge lawyer Arlington County must analyze whether the alleged conduct violates both state and federal laws. You could face prosecution from the Virginia Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
What is an “overt act” in a conspiracy case?
An overt act is any step taken by any conspirator to move the plan forward. It can be a seemingly minor action like sending an email, making a phone call, or opening a bank account. The act itself does not need to be illegal; it just needs to further the conspiracy’s objective.
What are common defenses to a fraud conspiracy charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, withdrawal from the conspiracy before an overt act occurred, challenging the existence of a genuine agreement, or demonstrating that your actions were not in furtherance of the alleged scheme. A fraud conspiracy defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate which strategy fits your case.
Why do I need a lawyer for a target letter or interview request?
Yes, you absolutely need an attorney. Anything you say to federal agents can be used against you. A lawyer can negotiate the terms of an interview, protect your rights, and potentially avoid charges altogether. Early intervention by a skilled conspiracy to commit fraud lawyer Arlington County is critical.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Alexandria. If you are facing other charges, explore our related services such as Arlington County Business Law representation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.