Richmond Fraud Attorney Protects Your Rights
If you are facing fraud charges in Richmond, you could be looking at decades in prison. You should not have to face this terrifying prospect without the assistance of a compassionate and experienced Richmond fraud defense lawyer — someone who will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
As a defendant in a Virginia fraud case, you have rights, and the state must respect them. One of the most important of these is the right to be represented by an attorney. Your Richmond fraud lawyer will be on your side, protecting your rights throughout your case. When facing serious charges, you can’t afford to go through a trial without a competent Richmond fraud charges lawyer fighting for your freedom.
Richmond fraud defense attorney Cody Villalon has been representing fraud defendants since 2010. He will help you understand your options and determine the most effective path to minimize or avoid jail time and other penalties.
Why Hire Cody Villalon?
When you are facing fraud charges in Virginia, it can feel like the entire world is against you. The state is backed by a seemingly endless supply of police officers, prosecutors, and investigators. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the power wielded by the government. Cody Villalon understands your fears and will help relieve your stress, starting with the first consultation. Throughout your case, he will give you constant updates and always make time for you, to ensure you never feel like you are in the dark.
Cody Villalon is a solo practitioner Richmond fraud defense lawyer with an exceptional work ethic. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Richmond court system and familiar with local prosecutors and judges. This knowledge will allow him to advocate zealously on your behalf and give you the defense you deserve.
The law firm of Cody Villalon offers a free initial consultation to potential clients. If you need a Richmond fraud defense attorney, call us at (804) 316-0765.
How a Richmond Fraud Lawyer Can Help You
Chapter 6 of the Code of Virginia describes the criminal offense of fraud. A wide range of actions are considered fraud, from writing a bad check to stealing someone’s entire life through identity theft. With roughly 100 different crimes that count as fraud, it is almost too easy for the state to charge you with the crime. But just because you have been charged, this doesn’t mean you are guilty. When you’ve been incorrectly charged, your Richmond fraud attorney is dedicated to keeping you from being found guilty of something you didn’t do.
When you retain Cody Villalon to defend you, expect immediate action from your Richmond fraud defense lawyer and his team. They will:
- Examine the facts of your case and develop a comprehensive defense plan
- Identify any violations of your rights by police or prosecution and petition the court to take corrective action
- Protect you from violations of your rights throughout the remainder of the case
- Discover any errors present in the evidence the prosecution is using against you
- Explain the court process to you and prepare you for every step of your case
- Keep you fully informed throughout your case, so you are never caught unaware by developments
- File all motions and paperwork with the court on time
- When appropriate, negotiate a plea deal that lessens the charges or punishment
- Fight zealously for you if the case goes to trial.
Before he considers negotiating a plea agreement, Richmond fraud charges lawyer Cody Villalon will determine whether the charges are legitimate and get your approval about how to approach the case. In some cases, a plea deal may get optimal results; at other times, clients will likely be better off going to trial. Your attorney will help you make the best decision between the available options.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent until your attorney is present. No matter what the police or prosecution says, never answer any questions unless Cody Villalon is at your side to advise you. Always follow his advice until your case is complete. He will ensure that you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself or harm your case.
Understanding Virginia Fraud Charges
Explanation by a Richmond Fraud Attorney
The Code of Virginia chapter on crimes involving fraud has 10 articles, each with multiple sections. Each article describes a distinct category of fraud. Most instances of fraud are felonies, though a few are misdemeanors.
Article 1: Forgery
Forgery is the act of creating a false representation of a record, signature, banknote, or coin. Forging such an item or possessing something that facilitates a forgery is a Class 4 felony. However, simply possessing a forged item is usually a misdemeanor.
Article 2: Impersonation
Impersonation covers the act of pretending to be a public official, law enforcement officer, or military personnel. A first offense for impersonation is a misdemeanor. In some cases, this charge becomes a Class 6 felony in second and subsequent offenses.
Article 3: False Pretenses
Article 3 covers two very different acts. The more serious crime involves financially exploiting vulnerable adults or obtaining something of value through false pretenses. This crime is prosecuted as larceny or a Class 4 felony, depending on the exact act.
The other types of crimes covered by this article are the unlawful use of coin-based technology (like parking meters or vending machines) or the manufacture of items for unlawful operation. These acts are misdemeanors.
Article 4: Bad Check Law
Article 4 covers bad checks and their issuance. Writing bad checks usually results in misdemeanor charges, but it may be prosecuted as a Class 6 felony if the value of the bad checks is high enough.
Article 5: False Representations to Obtain Property or Credit
The fifth article is similar to Article 3, except that the value gained from false pretenses is either credit or property. Identity theft is also covered in this article. Acts of identity theft are typically charged as felonies, while other acts are mostly misdemeanors.
Article 5.1: Offense Involving Electronic Communication Devices
Article 5.1 is a relatively new and specific article that covers the manufacture, sale, and possession of unlawful electronic communication equipment. If you are charged with a crime under these statutes, you will be facing a Class 6 felony.
Article 6: Offenses Relating to Credit Cards
Credit card theft, forgery, and fraud are all covered by Article 6. The theft of a credit card (or a credit card number) is punishable as grand larceny. Forging a credit card is a Class 5 felony. All other acts covered by this article are charged as Class 6 felonies.
Article 7: Miscellaneous False and Fraudulent Acts
Article 7 covers almost two dozen distinct acts. Some of them are charged as larceny cases, while others are just misdemeanors. Your Richmond fraud charges lawyer will explain the specifics if you are charged under this article.
Article 8: Misrepresentations and Other Offenses Connected With Sales
The eighth article regulates the actions of individuals or businesses that sell products in Virginia. It limits deceptive practices or misrepresentations involved in otherwise legal sales. Most acts in this article are charged as Class 1 misdemeanors.
Article 9: Virginia Comprehensive Money Laundering Act
If you perform financial transactions that obfuscate the proceeds of illegal behavior, you are engaging in money laundering. Money laundering has some of the harshest penalties of any crime covered by this chapter of the Virginia code. If you are found guilty of money laundering, you could face up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Article 10: Cigarette Delivery Sale Requirements
The majority of Article 10 covers the legal sale requirements of cigarettes. It also discusses the sale of counterfeit cigarettes. This act is a Class 1 misdemeanor if it involves fewer than ten cartons and a Class 6 felony otherwise.
How to Fight a Fraud Charge in Virginia
Defense Strategies Your Richmond Fraud Defense Attorney Might Use
There are several ways to fight fraud charges in Virginia. Your Richmond fraud lawyer will typically follow multiple defense strategies, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case.
One common approach to fighting fraud charges is requesting that the court drop the charges due to a lack of evidence or violations of your rights. Cody Villalon will always investigate any allegations that your rights were violated and endeavor to get the charges dropped or evidence excluded.
In some cases, your Richmond fraud attorney will negotiate for lesser charges. Cody Villalon may be able to get your charges significantly reduced if you provide evidence against another target of an investigation.
Another tactic is negotiating for lesser penalties for the filed charges. Most charges allow for a large range of penalties. In some cases, you are likely to have a better outcome by negotiating for a lesser penalty.
Finally, Cody Villalon might attempt to prove that you acted in good faith or counter any evidence the prosecution has that you did not act in good faith. Fraud charges usually depend on proving that you intentionally misrepresented a situation. If the prosecution can’t prove this, they can’t win the case.
Our Richmond Fraud Defense Lawyer Answers Your Questions
If you are facing criminal charges for the first time, you probably have lots of questions. Here are answers to the questions that Cody Villalon most commonly receives.
Yes, but you can probably make a deal to have the charges dropped if you testify against your employer. Prosecutors usually want to punish the people in charge.
The state has two years to file charges against you. However, the clock doesn’t start until the fraud is discovered.
This depends on the facts surrounding your case. Most criminal cases are resolved through a plea deal. However, you should only commit to a plea deal after your attorney has recommended that course of action.
You should consult with a lawyer as soon as you are arrested. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your attorney to help you.
If you have more questions, Cody Villalon will always take time out of his schedule to answer them.
Contact Cody Villalon to Handle Your Virginia Fraud Charges
Cody Villalon is a Richmond fraud lawyer who believes that all clients deserve his full attention. When he represents you, he ensures that you are well informed while providing skilled, knowledgeable defense.
Don’t risk high fines or jail time. Call Cody Villalon at (804) 316-0765 today if you are facing fraud charges in Richmond.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY CODY VILLALON
Cody Villalon is a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA representing clients accused of violent offenses and DUIs, and he specializes in serious criminal charges. He possesses more than 10 years of legal experience, has defended more than 1,000 cases, and has spent more than 5,000 hours in court. He is highly professional and well-respected by prosecutors and judges. [ Attorney Bio ]
