Virginia criminal charge
Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense in Virginia
Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense is a class 4 felony under Virginia criminal law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178. As a class 4 felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Virginia sets for that offense class. Virginia classifies offenses as Class 1 through Class 6 felonies and Class 1 through Class 4 misdemeanors (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-9), with the standard punishment ranges set by §§ 18.2-10 and 18.2-11 — and a substantial number of offenses are unclassified, with the penalty stated in the defining section itself. Traffic infractions are not criminal offenses (§ 18.2-8).
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.
What is the penalty for obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 2 years to 10 years | mandatory | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $100,000 (only together with imprisonment (§ 18.2-10(g))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
Applies to current.
Common questions about obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense in Virginia
Is obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense is a class 4 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178.
What are the penalties for obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense in Virginia?
As a class 4 felony, obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense carries 2 years to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000 (no mandatory minimum) under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 (current).
Which Virginia statute covers obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense?
Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-178 (Obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.