Fraud

Fraud Attorney in Alexandria

Personalized Fraud Defense for Investigations & Criminal Charges

Fraud allegations often turn on details that aren’t clear from a transaction alone: what was represented, what the accused knew, whether the conduct was authorized, and what the records and communications show. Before answering investigators, producing records, or explaining a transaction, it’s important to understand the nature of the contact and its possible legal consequences.

We provide criminal defense for people facing allegations in Alexandria and throughout Virginia. A fraud lawyer can assess the available information, identify relevant legal issues, and determine how to respond based on whether the matter involves an investigation, a filed charge, or potential state or federal exposure.

Call (703) 721-4773 to request a free consultation about a fraud investigation, accusation, or criminal charge.

A Boutique Approach Built Around Your Case

At Silis & Associates, we develop an individualized approach rather than applying the same strategy to every case. In a fraud matter, that means considering the specific offense, procedural stage, financial records, electronic communications, and your account of what occurred.

We stay current with legal processes and procedures while providing direct, personalized attention. We can explain the allegations, the decisions ahead, and the information needed to assess your options.

Start With a Free Consultation & Flexible Fee Options

An initial consultation can clarify whether the issue involves an investigator’s request, a subpoena, an arrest, a summons, an indictment, or an active prosecution. Bring or identify any legal documents you’ve received, but don’t delete, alter, conceal, or dispose of potentially relevant records, messages, files, or devices.

We offer retainer and flat-fee payment options based on the scope of representation and the circumstances of the case.

Virginia Fraud Charges & Related Offenses

Virginia law addresses multiple forms of alleged fraud rather than a single universal offense. The applicable statute determines what prosecutors must prove, how the charge may be classified, and which consequences may apply.

Fraud-related allegations may involve:

False pretenses: Allegedly obtaining property through an intentional false representation
Computer fraud: Alleged unauthorized computer or network use to obtain services or property, commit larceny or embezzlement, or convert property
Identity theft: Alleged misuse of another person’s identifying information
Forgery: Allegedly creating or using a false document with fraudulent intent
Credit card fraud: Alleged unauthorized or deceptive use of credit card information
Bad checks or false statements: Alleged use of payment instruments or representations to obtain property, money, or credit

The alleged value, evidence, and required mental state can also affect the charge. The word “fraud” alone doesn’t establish which law applies.

How Virginia Charges Differ From Federal Fraud Allegations

Not every fraud allegation is federal. Jurisdiction may depend on the charging statute, alleged conduct, communications used, location of relevant acts, and involvement of federal agencies or interests.

Mail fraud generally concerns an alleged scheme to defraud involving the use of mail to carry out or attempt the scheme. Wire fraud generally involves an alleged scheme using qualifying electronic or interstate communications. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has an Alexandria Division, but the facts and charging authority determine where a particular case proceeds.

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Why Choose Silis & Associates?

Affordable Services

We make our top-notch legal counsel accessible to the entire state of Virginia.
Client-Centered Legal Counsel
We keep your best interests in mind from day one.
A Boutique Firm

Silis & Associates provide personalized representation to every client served.
Well-Versed in Multiple Areas of Law

Our firm can thoroughly navigate you through the complexities of your case.

How Evidence & Intent Shape a Fraud Case

Prosecutors may rely on financial records, contracts, applications, emails, text messages, transaction histories, computer data, and witness testimony. A document’s significance depends on its authenticity, timing, context, and connection to the charged conduct.

Intent is often central. The prosecution may need to establish what a person knew, intended, represented, authorized, or obtained. A failed business deal, accounting mistake, disputed transaction, or inaccurate statement doesn’t automatically prove a crime because each offense has specific elements and a required mental state.

What to Do After Investigator Contact or a Subpoena

First, determine whether the request is voluntary, compelled by a subpoena or other legal process, or connected to a filed criminal case. Don’t assume informal contact carries no risk, and don’t ignore a subpoena or court order.

Practical steps include:

Preserve relevant material: Keep financial documents, account information, business communications, electronic files, and devices connected to the allegations.
Avoid altering evidence: Don’t delete, edit, hide, or destroy records that may be relevant.
Limit outside discussions: Conversations with coworkers, business partners, witnesses, or alleged victims can create additional risks.
Identify the procedural stage: An investigation, search, subpoena, summons, arrest, or indictment may call for a different response.

Criminal, Financial, & Professional Consequences

Potential consequences depend on the offense, alleged amount, criminal history, evidence, and governing law. A conviction may involve incarceration, fines, or restitution, which is a court-ordered payment for qualifying losses. Some cases may also involve forfeiture, or government seizure of property allegedly connected to criminal conduct.

An allegation can also affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, business relationships, and reputation. Depending on the conduct at issue, related charges may include conspiracy, forgery, identity offenses, false statements, embezzlement, money laundering, or obstruction. Assessing the potential exposure requires reviewing the actual charges and evidence, not relying on a general label.

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More than Qualified to Handle Your Case Trust Silis & Associates to Keep Your Best Interests First

See why we are a trusted name for legal guidance in the state of Virginia.

Why Hire Us?

Questions to Raise During Your Consultation

Topics worth discussing include:

Whether contact from an investigator is voluntary or legally compelled
Which paper and electronic records should be preserved
Whether an inaccurate document or failed transaction could support the alleged offense
Whether the case falls under Virginia law or a federal mail fraud or wire fraud statute
How allegations involving a business, employee, account, or financial institution affect the analysis

Choosing Counsel for a Fraud Investigation or Charge

When comparing fraud attorneys, don’t rely on predictions about the result. No lawyer can responsibly assess a case without reviewing the charge, government evidence, your explanation, relevant records, and current procedural stage.

Ask how communication is handled, who will work on the case, what the representation covers, and how fees are structured. You should also discuss the anticipated court or investigative forum and the attorney’s familiarity with the type of allegation involved. Clear answers can help you decide whether a fraud lawyer’s approach fits your circumstances.

Discuss Your Situation With an Alexandria Fraud Attorney

We provide personalized criminal defense for clients in Alexandria and throughout Virginia, beginning with a free consultation. We can discuss the investigation or charge, identify information that may require review, and explain our retainer and flat-fee payment options.

Call (703) 721-4773 to request your free consultation with our criminal defense team.

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Hear What Clients Have to Say About Us

"Exceptional attention to detail."
I have referred friends and family to him and plan to use his firm to represent me in the purchase of my next house and creation of wills.

- Jeff
"Tom and his team are fantastic! "
I would not go anywhere else for legal representation.

- AM
"Mr. Silis stood out as the right fit. "
The outcome was favorable thanks to the hard work and consistency Mr. Sillis and his colleagues provided.

- Liza
"He treats every case as the most important case of his career. "
Attorney Silis is very professional, kind, honest, understanding, compassionate, open minded, non judgmental.

- Raquel B.
"Tom Silis did an incredible job on my highly contested divorce and custody case."
He was such a nice guy when we met in his office but when we got to court he was surprisingly aggressive and in command.

- anonymous
" He did such a great job that the prosecutor decided to drop the case. "
Bottom line, if you're in northern Virginia and you need a lawyer, hire Tom Silis. He's a great lawyer.

- Jorge
" I will definitely hire him again if the need arises."
He was professional, knowledgeable, caring and thorough.

- Vick
"Two big thumbs up from me. "
He has a powerful commanding voice in the court room and his intelligent arguments are exactly what you need in a lawyer.

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113 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
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