False Claims lawyer Virginia, VA
You own a small consulting firm in Northern Virginia that has held several government contracts. One afternoon, an agent from the FBI or the U.S. Inspector General’s office appears at your door, asking about invoices you submitted for work you believed was properly performed. The questions turn toward whether you falsely certified compliance, inflated hours, or billed for services never rendered. Under federal law, presenting a false claim to the government is a serious offense. The principal criminal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 287, which makes it a felony to knowingly make or present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to any department or agency of the United States. A conviction can lead to substantial penalties. If you are facing a false claims investigation or indictment in Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation. Reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
A criminal conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carries a maximum prison term of five years and a fine as provided by the statute.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 287. U.S. Code
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What False Claims Means in Virginia
Federal false claims prosecutions in Virginia are brought by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) and the Western District of Virginia (WDVA). Both districts have a strong track record of pursuing fraud against the government, including healthcare fraud, defense-contractor overbilling, grant fraud, and False Claims Act qui tam actions that result in parallel criminal referrals.
The investigation is typically conducted by federal agencies—the FBI, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. A grand jury indictment may follow, and the case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Virginia, depending on where the alleged fraud occurred. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply, and because there is no parole in the federal system, an early strategic response can materially influence the course of the matter. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have experience navigating the expectations of federal prosecutors in Virginia’s district courts, where the docket moves faster than in most other federal jurisdictions.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal False Claims Cases
When a client first learns of a false claims investigation, the immediate priority is to stop any voluntary communication with investigators and to preserve potentially relevant records. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the matter can be resolved before indictment through cooperation, restitution, or early resolution negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If charges are filed, the defense team examines the government’s evidence for weaknesses—whether the claim was truly false, whether the defendant acted with the requisite knowledge, or whether any material misrepresentation occurred.
Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on protecting the client’s rights and professional reputation. They challenge discovery, file motions to suppress when appropriate, and, where settlement is not achievable, prepare for trial before an experienced federal judiciary. Every step is guided by the unique procedural and evidentiary demands of federal court in Virginia. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how law-enforcement agencies build fraud cases. Working alongside him is a team of Of Counsel attorneys, each with deep litigation experience. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a federal false claims charge under 18 U.S.C. § 287?
It is the criminal offense of knowingly presenting a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to a U.S. Government agency or department. The statute covers claims for payment, reimbursement, or other benefits. The government must prove the defendant knew the claim was false. It is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine. Cases are often investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, or an inspector general and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern or Western District of Virginia.
Do I need a lawyer for false claims accusations in Virginia?
Yes—engaging an experienced federal criminal lawyer early is essential. False claims investigations can begin with a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or a search warrant. Speaking with agents without counsel can inadvertently strengthen the government’s case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can communicate with prosecutors on your behalf, assess the strength of the evidence, and work to avoid indictment or negotiate a favorable resolution. Early representation can make a material difference.
How does a federal false claims investigation work?
The process typically begins with an audit by a government agency, then a referral to criminal investigators, then a grand jury inquiry, and finally an indictment or declination. In Virginia, the USAO for the EDVA or WDVA works closely with the investigating agency. Once an indictment is returned, the defendant is arraigned, and the case proceeds through motion practice and trial preparation. The timeline can range from several months to years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients navigate each stage.
What are the penalties for false claims under 18 U.S.C. § 287?
The maximum sentence is five years in prison, a fine, and a term of supervised release. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines determine the advisory range based on the loss amount, the defendant’s role, and criminal history. There is no parole in the federal system. Additionally, a conviction may lead to professional license consequences, debarment from government contracts, and civil False Claims Act liability with treble damages. Results may vary. Consult counsel about your particular circumstances.
Can I face both criminal and civil liability for false claims?
Yes, a person can face criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 287 and, separately, civil liability under 31 U.S.C. § 3729 for the same underlying conduct. The civil False Claims Act allows the government to recover treble damages and civil penalties per false claim. Often, a qui tam whistleblower lawsuit precedes or parallels a criminal case. Defending both matters simultaneously requires careful coordination to avoid waiver of Fifth Amendment rights and adverse statements.
What should I do if I am under investigation for false claims in Virginia?
Immediately retain a federal criminal defense lawyer, do not speak to investigators without counsel, and preserve all relevant documents. Do not destroy, delete, or modify any records—obstruction of justice is a separate felony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can contact the investigating agency promptly to determine the scope of the inquiry and seek to present exculpatory information before an indictment is filed. The goal is to resolve the matter at the earliest possible stage.
How does Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach a false claims defense?
The defense strategy starts with a thorough analysis of the government’s allegations and the governing statute and guidelines, then builds a factual and legal roadmap to challenge the prosecution’s case. Where appropriate, the team negotiates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a declination, deferred prosecution, or plea agreement that minimizes consequences. If trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to contest the government’s evidence of knowledge and materiality before a federal jury.
What should I bring to a consultation about a false claims case?
Bring any documents you have received from the government, including subpoenas, target letters, search warrant affidavits, and any correspondence from investigators or auditors. Also gather records related to the alleged claims—contracts, invoices, timesheets, emails, and internal compliance documents. Organizing the materials chronologically helps counsel evaluate the timeline and identify key factual issues. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.
Internal resources: Fairfax County federal criminal defense · Fairfax City federal criminal defense · Prince William County federal criminal defense · Manassas federal criminal defense
Primary source authority: 18 U.S.C. § 287 · U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDVA · Federal Sentencing Guidelines
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.