False Claims lawyer Near Me
Federal false claims investigations can upend your life overnight. If you are facing a charge under 18 U.S.C. § 287 in Virginia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is already building a case against you, and the federal sentencing guidelines leave little room for error. You need an experienced defense attorney who understands how these cases unfold in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices federal criminal defense from our Virginia locations, and our attorneys have handled federal matters since the firm was founded in 1997. To discuss your situation, reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal False Claims Means in Virginia
Federal false claims charges arise when the government alleges that a person or company knowingly presented a fraudulent claim for payment to a federal agency. In Virginia, these prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) or the Western District of Virginia (WDVA), depending on where the alleged conduct occurred. The EDVA’s Alexandria division is known for its fast-paced docket and its experience with complex fraud cases, while the WDVA handles matters across a wider geographic area, from Roanoke to Abingdon.
Criminal false claims are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 287, which carries a potential sentence of up to 5 years of imprisonment and substantial fines. The government often couples a § 287 charge with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, or money laundering statutes, which can multiply the exposure. Because there is no parole in the federal system, a conviction means serving a significant portion of any sentence imposed.
Federal investigations frequently involve the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or other specialized agencies. These investigations often begin long before a target is aware of them, with agents reviewing documents, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining grand jury subpoenas. By the time a person learns of the investigation, the government may already have a substantial file. Early engagement of defense counsel can shape how the investigation unfolds and whether charges are filed at all.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle False Claims Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our first priority is to understand the specific allegations and the government’s theory of the case. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, works alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to evaluate the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a strategy tailored to the facts. Our approach focuses on protecting your rights during every phase of the proceedings—from the investigation through any potential trial or sentencing.
Because federal false claims cases are document-intensive, we often engage forensic accountants and other professionals to analyze the financial records at the heart of the government’s allegations. The defense may involve challenging the materiality of the alleged false statement, demonstrating a lack of intent, or showing that the claim was not actually false. In many cases, we work to negotiate a resolution that limits exposure, but we also prepare every case as though it will go to trial.
The federal system operates on a different timeline and with different procedural rules than Virginia’s state courts. Grand jury indictments, pretrial detention hearings, discovery obligations, and sentencing calculations all follow federal law. Our attorneys are experienced in federal practice and appear regularly in the U.S. District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since establishing the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background includes an accounting and information systems foundation, which is particularly useful in fraud cases that involve financial analysis. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring significant federal and state court experience to every matter. They are independent practitioners who work collaboratively with Mr. Sris on complex criminal defense, including federal false claims. Every attorney who works on a case has practiced for well over a decade. The team’s combined perspective—from prosecution, law enforcement, and defense—informs case strategy at every stage.
We offer consultations at our Virginia locations by appointment. To speak with Mr. Sris about your federal false claims matter, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am being investigated for federal false claims in Virginia?
Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the investigation with anyone else. Federal agents may attempt to interview you before charges are filed, and anything you say can be used against you. Preserve all relevant documents, but do not attempt to explain or clarify matters to investigators without counsel. Early intervention can influence whether the government proceeds with criminal charges or resolves the matter civilly. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is available at (888) 437-7747.
How does a federal false claims case proceed in Virginia?
Federal false claims cases typically begin with a grand jury investigation, followed by an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Virginia. After an initial appearance and arraignment, the court schedules pretrial hearings, and the parties engage in discovery. The government must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Cases can resolve through plea negotiations or proceed to trial. Sentencing, if convicted, is governed by the federal sentencing guidelines.
What are the penalties for criminal false claims under 18 U.S.C. § 287?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carries a maximum prison term of up to 5 years and fines. The actual sentence depends on the specific conduct, the amount of loss, the defendant’s role, and any prior criminal history. Federal judges also consider the advisory sentencing guidelines, which provide a range based on the offense level. There is no parole in the federal system. An attorney can explain how the guidelines may apply in your case.
Do I need a lawyer if the government only wants to talk to me about false claims?
Yes—you should have a lawyer present for any discussion with federal agents, even if you believe you are only a witness. Agents often begin by treating a person as a witness but later become convinced the person is a target. Making a false statement to a federal agent is itself a separate felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Having counsel ensures your rights are protected and that you do not inadvertently say something that could be used against you.
Why choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a federal false claims case?
The firm has practiced federal criminal defense since 1997 and has attorneys admitted in all five Virginia-adjacent jurisdictions. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, personally involves himself in case strategy, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add decades of courtroom experience. We are familiar with the federal judges, prosecutors, and procedures in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia. To discuss your matter, call (888) 437-7747.
What geographic areas does the firm serve for federal false claims?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients throughout Virginia, including those whose cases are in the Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, or Newport News divisions of the Eastern District, as well as the Roanoke, Harrisonburg, or Abingdon divisions of the Western District. Our Virginia locations in Fairfax and Richmond provide convenient meeting points by appointment. We also accept federal cases from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, see our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Virginia, Health Care Fraud Defense, and Mail Fraud Defense.
Primary legal resources: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Fraud Section.
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