Bank Fraud Lawyer Manassas Park — Federal Defense Strategy
Bank fraud lawyer Manassas Park: Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 is a serious felony prosecuted in U.S. District Court, carrying up to 30 years imprisonment and $1,000,000 in fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for Manassas Park residents facing federal investigations by the FBI, FDIC-OIG, or Secret Service.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code.
Federal Bank Fraud Law and Penalties
The primary federal statute for bank fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1344. The law 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. This statute covers a wide range of conduct, from check kiting and loan fraud to sophisticated cyber schemes targeting banks.
Bank fraud is always a federal felony. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Sentences are guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the intended or actual loss amount, the number of victims, the defendant’s role, and criminal history. Restitution to the victim financial institution is mandatory.
For official statute text, see 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (official U.S. Code). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Initial Federal Investigation: The case typically begins with a grand jury subpoena for records or an interview request from federal agents (FBI, FDIC, Secret Service). Do not speak to agents without an attorney.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court, plead not guilty, and the court will address detention or bond.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney will review thousands of pages of financial records, audit trails, and electronic evidence. Key motions may challenge the sufficiency of the indictment or seek to suppress evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The U.S. Attorney’s Office may offer a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, either by plea or trial, sentencing follows under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, with a separate hearing before a federal judge.
In federal court, a bank fraud conviction carries a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine per count, with sentencing heavily influenced by the calculated loss amount.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Mandatory restitution, forfeiture, supervised release. |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) | Federal Felony (Mandatory Consecutive) | 2 years (mandatory, consecutive to other sentence) | – | Must be served after any other sentence. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | All conspirators liable for foreseeable acts of co-conspirators. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Federal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal white-collar defense. We understand that a bank fraud charge is not just a legal crisis but a significant personal and professional threat. Our approach involves immediate engagement with federal prosecutors and parallel work with forensic accountants to dissect the government’s loss calculation—often the single most critical factor at sentencing.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our financial institution fraud lawyer Manassas Park team approaches each case with a detailed strategy. In federal cases, associate attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, contributes significant trial and complex case management skills.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365. Office by appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas Park. We are accessible via Route 28, Route 234, and I-66. Serving Manassas Park and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Bank Fraud Lawyer Manassas Park FAQ
What is the federal definition of bank fraud?
Yes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, bank fraud is knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to obtain its property by false pretenses. This includes actions like check kiting, fraudulent loan applications, and unauthorized electronic transfers.
Who investigates federal bank fraud?
Multiple agencies can investigate, including 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. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
What are the possible defenses to bank fraud?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good faith belief in the legitimacy of the transaction, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence, and challenging the government’s loss calculation. Procedural defenses may involve statute of limitations or violations of constitutional rights during the investigation.
Is bank fraud a state or federal crime?
It is almost exclusively federal. While states have their own fraud statutes, bank fraud specifically targets federally insured financial institutions, giving the federal government primary jurisdiction. You need a federal bank fraud defense lawyer Manassas Park.
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a bank fraud investigation?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not provide any documents or statements. Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like business law in Manassas Park and DUI defense in Manassas Park.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.