False Claims lawyer Manassas, VA
Federal false claims charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carry serious consequences, including a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count and the possibility of substantial fines. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia—which covers the Manassas area—prosecutes these cases actively, and there is no parole in the federal system. If you are under investigation or have been indicted for making, presenting, or conspiring to make a false claim against the federal government, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the local federal court procedures and the stakes involved. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. have handled federal criminal matters throughout Virginia since 1997. To discuss your situation and learn how we can help, call (888) 437-7747 today. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal False Claims Charges Mean in Manassas, Virginia
The federal False Claims Act covers a broad range of conduct—submitting false or fraudulent claims to any United States government agency, making material misrepresentations to obtain federal funds, or conspiring to do so. Criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 are separate from the civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729), and a conviction can result in imprisonment, supervised release, and an order to pay restitution. Because federal agencies routinely scrutinize Medicare and Medicaid billing, defense contracts, grant applications, and other claims for payment, anyone who deals with federal dollars—whether a small business owner, a healthcare provider, or an individual benefit recipient—could find themselves facing a federal investigation in the Manassas area.
For residents of Manassas and surrounding Prince William County communities, the Eastern District of Virginia (“EDVA”) is the relevant federal court. EDVA’s Alexandria division handles the vast majority of federal criminal cases arising from this region. The court is known for its “rocket docket,” meaning that once an indictment is returned, pretrial motions and trial dates tend to be scheduled more quickly than in many other federal districts. This accelerated timeline makes it critical to retain counsel who is familiar with the local rules and the expectations of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the federal magistrate judges who often preside over initial appearances and detention hearings in false claims cases. Mr. Sris and his team—working from the firm’s Fairfax location—are well-acquainted with EDVA practice and have represented clients in federal matters across Northern Virginia for decades.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal False Claims Cases
Federal false claims prosecutions generally follow a similar pattern: the case begins with an investigation by a federal agency such as the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or another applicable watchdog. Investigators may execute search warrants, issue grand jury subpoenas for documents, and interview witnesses and targets. If you learn you are under investigation, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can intervene early—contacting the prosecutor to discuss the scope of the investigation, preserving evidence, and seeking to prevent a charge from being filed or to narrow the indictment before it is returned.
If an indictment is handed down, your defense team will evaluate the government’s evidence, file appropriate pretrial motions—including motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights or motions to dismiss the indictment for legal insufficiency—and, when warranted, negotiate a plea agreement that limits the exposure to incarceration and financial penalties. Should the case proceed to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly, challenging the government’s proof on every element of the offense, presenting mitigating evidence, and cross-examining witnesses actively. With over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, the firm draws on thorough knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines to advocate for the most favorable outcome possible. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds a criminal case. Since founding the firm in 1997, he has concentrated his practice on criminal defense, including federal matters, and has appeared in federal courts throughout Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. His team of Of Counsel includes attorneys with extensive litigation experience, including a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney and other seasoned advocates who contribute to a rigorous defense strategy in every case. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results to complex federal prosecutions. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a federal false claims charge under 18 U.S.C. § 287?
A federal false claims charge under 18 U.S.C. § 287 makes it a crime to knowingly present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to any agency or department of the United States government. This includes billing Medicare for services not rendered, submitting inflated invoices for government contracts, or making false statements to obtain federal grants or benefits. The statute is broad and does not require the government to have actually paid the claim—the mere act of presenting a false claim is enough. A conviction can carry a prison term of up to five years for each separate false claim, as well as fines and restitution. Because federal investigators and prosecutors take this offense seriously, anyone facing such a charge needs counsel experienced in federal criminal law. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a federal false claims case differ from a state fraud case in Virginia?
Federal false claims cases differ from state fraud prosecutions in several fundamental ways. First, federal cases are investigated by federal agencies—such as the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or HHS-OIG—rather than local police. Second, they are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, where the rules of procedure, the jury pool, and the sentencing framework are all federal. Third, there is no parole in the federal system, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines apply, meaning a convicted person will serve at least 85% of any sentence imposed. Finally, federal prosecutors have extensive resources and a high conviction rate. Because the stakes are so high, anyone targeted in a federal false claims investigation should seek an attorney who practices regularly in federal court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about a false claims investigation in Manassas?
If a federal agent—whether from the FBI, an Inspector General’s office, or another agency—contacts you in connection with a false claims investigation, the most important thing you can do is exercise your right to remain silent and state clearly that you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions, provide documents, or agree to be interviewed without counsel present, even if the agent appears friendly or suggests that cooperation will help you. Federal agents are trained to gather evidence, and anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to speak and call Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747 right away. Early intervention by an attorney can significantly influence the course of an investigation.
What are the potential penalties for a federal false claims conviction?
A person convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 287 faces up to five years of imprisonment for each count of making a false claim, plus a term of supervised release and a fine. In addition, the court will almost always order restitution to the government agency that was the target of the fraud. If multiple false claims are involved—for example, repeated fraudulent billings to a federal healthcare program—the total prison exposure can be substantial. Federal judges have discretion under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, but sentences are influenced by the dollar amount of the false claims, the defendant’s role in any scheme, and whether the defendant accepted responsibility. Because no parole is available, a conviction results in the service of at least 85% of the sentence. To understand how the guidelines might apply in your case, you should speak with an attorney. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Why should I consider Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a false claims case in the Manassas area?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has served clients in Northern Virginia since 1997, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience defending federal criminal charges, including false claims and related fraud offenses. The firm’s familiarity with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and its understanding of how federal prosecutors build these cases allow the team to develop tailored defense strategies early. The firm is available during business hours to take your call, and consultations can be arranged promptly. With a collective legal background spanning more than 120 years and over 4,739 documented firm-wide results, the team brings a depth of knowledge that is critical when facing the federal government. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Related Practice Areas: Fairfax County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Fairfax City Federal Criminal Lawyer | Falls Church Federal Criminal Lawyer | Prince William County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Manassas Park Federal Criminal Lawyer
Authoritative Sources: 18 U.S.C. § 287 (U.S. Code) | 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.