Bank Fraud Lawyer Henrico County — Federal Defense Strategies
Bank fraud is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia. A conviction can result in decades in prison and massive fines. As a bank fraud lawyer in Henrico County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against these complex charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Bank Fraud Law and Penalties
Bank fraud, defined in 18 U.S.C. § 1344, involves knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain its money, funds, or assets by false pretenses. This is a federal crime investigated by agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, or FDIC-OIG. Each count carries a penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and fines up to $1,000,000. Sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount, number of victims, and the defendant’s role.
For official statute information, refer to 18 U.S.C. § 1344. Court procedures for the Eastern District of Virginia can be found at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (FBI, Secret Service) will conduct interviews and gather financial records. Do not speak to agents without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment. This process is secret, and you will not be present.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a federal magistrate judge to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs months later, guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Federal Bank Fraud
In federal court, a bank fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries severe penalties, including decades in prison and restitution orders that can last a lifetime.
| Offense Level | Statute | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Fraud (per count) | 18 U.S.C. § 1344 | 30 years | $1,000,000 | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (if involved) | 18 U.S.C. § 1028A | 2 years (mandatory, consecutive) | – | Mandatory minimum sentence |
| Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1349 | Same as underlying offense | Same as underlying offense | Holds all conspirators liable for acts of co-conspirators |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and the unique procedures of the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, maintains a multi-state practice and accepts a limited number of complex federal matters, ensuring focused attention. Our collaborative approach means your case benefits from the collective insight of our entire team.
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
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results in Henrico County are not publicly listed for this federal charge, our firm-wide record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In federal courts, we work to achieve outcomes such as pre-indictment diversion, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements that minimize prison time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment.
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Henrico County and is accessible via I-64, I-95, and I-295. We are a bank fraud lawyer near Henrico County, Glen Allen, and Short Pump. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Bank Fraud Defense FAQs
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 assets through false pretenses, representations, or promises.
What agencies investigate bank fraud?
Multiple federal 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 Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
Is bank fraud a state or federal crime?
It is primarily a federal crime. Because most banks are federally insured, fraud against them falls under federal jurisdiction and is prosecuted in U.S. District Court, such as the Eastern District of Virginia.
What are common defenses to bank fraud charges?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistaken identity, entrapment, challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, and procedural defenses like violations of the Speedy Trial Act or flaws in the search warrant. A federal bank fraud defense lawyer Henrico County can evaluate the best strategy.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement agents without your lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on your rights and potentially intervene before charges are filed.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like business law in Henrico County. If you are in a neighboring area, our federal criminal lawyer in Alexandria can help.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for up-to-date guidance.