False Claims lawyer Manassas, VA

If you are facing a federal investigation or have been charged with defrauding the government in Manassas, the stakes are high. The False Claims Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 287 for criminal conduct and 31 U.S.C. § 3729 for civil actions, authorizes the prosecution of individuals and businesses that submit false or fraudulent claims for payment to a federal agency. In the Eastern District of Virginia, where Manassas cases are heard, these matters are pursued actively by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. An experienced defense attorney is crucial when your liberty and livelihood are at risk. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice on representing clients in federal criminal matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who now provides defense representation informed by his understanding of how the government builds its case. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On This Page

What Federal False Claims Means in Manassas

Federal false claims cases in Manassas fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, specifically the Alexandria Division, which covers both the city of Manassas and Prince William County. A false-claims charge can arise from a wide variety of government-facing activities: Medicare and Medicaid billing, defense contractor invoices, federally funded research grants, disaster-relief applications, or Small Business Administration loan submissions. The criminal statute, 18 U.S.C. § 287, makes it a felony offense to present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to any department or agency of the United States. The civil counterpart, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, exposes defendants to treble damages and significant per-claim statutory fines.

Manassas residents and businesses that contract with the federal government are subject to the same enforcement priorities as any other federal defendant. Investigations are typically conducted by the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The government’s decision to charge criminally rather than pursue a civil recovery depends on factors such as the amount of the alleged loss, the sophistication of the scheme, and the defendant’s role. Being under investigation is a serious matter; retaining counsel early can affect the direction of the inquiry before charges are filed.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle False Claims Cases

Federal false-claims cases follow a path distinct from state criminal proceedings. After a grand jury indictment is returned in the Eastern District of Virginia, the defendant makes an initial appearance before a magistrate judge, where conditions of pretrial release are set. Discovery follows, involving voluminous documentary evidence—invoices, email correspondence, financial records, and sometimes experienced attorney forensic accounting reports. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with Mr. Sris to review the government’s evidence, identify factual and legal weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and challenge the admissibility of evidence through pretrial motions.

Sentencing in the federal system is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Key variables include the loss amount attributed to the defendant, the defendant’s role in the offense, and acceptance of responsibility. Because the federal system has no parole, every sentencing decision is critical. The firm’s team focuses on preparing a robust presentence submission, which may include mitigation arguments, character letters, and—when applicable—a motion for a downward departure or variance. Throughout the process, clients in Manassas are represented from the firm’s Fairfax Location, with meetings arranged by appointment. Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and concentrates his practice on federal criminal defense.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include lawyers with substantial backgrounds in complex federal litigation, including matters involving fraud, money laundering, and public-corruption offenses. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm’s Fairfax Location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Manassas, by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal false-claims charges?

Federal false-claims charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in federal court and carry potentially severe penalties with no parole, whereas state fraud charges are handled in Virginia’s General District or Circuit Courts. Federal cases often involve multi-agency investigations—FBI, IRS‑CI, or the HHS‑OIG—and are subject to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The procedural rules are distinct, and the consequences of a federal conviction typically include longer incarceration and broader collateral consequences. Having counsel with federal court experience is essential.

How does a federal false-claims case proceed in Virginia?

A federal false-claims case begins with an investigation, typically by a federal agency, and if prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence, the case is presented to a grand jury for indictment. After indictment, the defendant appears before a magistrate judge for an initial hearing and arraignment. Pretrial discovery and motion practice follow. If the case is not resolved by plea or dismissal, it proceeds to trial before a district judge. Sentencing occurs after conviction or a guilty plea, guided by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

What should I do if I am under investigation for false claims?

You should contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and refrain from speaking with investigators until counsel is present. Do not discuss the matter with colleagues, business partners, or friends. Preserve all relevant documents and electronic records, but do not alter or destroy anything—that can lead to obstruction charges. Early legal intervention can shape the investigation’s course, including the possibility of avoiding charges through a declination or a pre-indictment resolution. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.

Do I need a lawyer for federal false-claims charges?

Yes, retaining a lawyer with federal criminal defense experience is critical because federal false-claims charges can lead to imprisonment, substantial fines, and long-term professional and reputational harm. Federal court procedures are complex, and the government typically has extensive resources. An attorney can evaluate the strength of the evidence, advise on plea options, negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and, if necessary, mount a defense at trial. Without representation, you risk making decisions that harm your future.

What are the potential consequences of a false-claims conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287?

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment and a fine, with the specific sentence determined by the court after considering the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The guidelines calculate the offense level based primarily on the dollar amount of the intended loss. Additional enhancements may apply if the scheme involved multiple victims, sophisticated means, or abuse of a position of trust. Collateral consequences can include loss of professional licenses, exclusion from federal programs, and damage to business relationships. Civil liability under 31 U.S.C. § 3729 may also be pursued concurrently.

Can false-claims charges be dismissed?

Yes, federal false-claims charges can be dismissed if the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, if constitutional violations occurred during the investigation, or if pretrial motions successfully challenge the indictment. While dismissal rates in federal cases are not high, experienced defense counsel can identify weaknesses in the government’s case—such as a lack of specific intent to defraud or procedural defects in the grand-jury process—that may lead to dismissal or a significant reduction in charges. In other instances, a deferred prosecution agreement or pretrial diversion may be an appropriate resolution.

Virginia Federal Criminal Resources:
18 U.S.C. § 287 – Criminal False Claims |
31 U.S.C. § 3729 – Civil False Claims Act |
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.