False Claims lawyer Fairfax, VA

Federal false claims investigations can begin quietly—perhaps with an audit request, a subpoena for records, or an interview by a federal agent. By the time you realize the government suspects fraudulent claims for payment from a federal program, the matter may already be months into the hands of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and businesses facing criminal false claims allegations under 18 U.S.C. § 287, as well as civil False Claims Act investigations under 31 U.S.C. § 3729. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, appears in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and works with Of Counsel to challenge the government’s evidence, protect your interests during the investigation, and develop a defense strategy that addresses the specific statutes involved. Reach our Fairfax location by appointment at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

How Federal False Claims Charges Work in Fairfax, Virginia

When the federal government alleges that a person or business knowingly submitted a false claim for payment to a federal agency—whether that claim involved Medicare billing, defense contracting, Small Business Administration loans, or any other federal program—prosecution may occur under 18 U.S.C. § 287. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which handles federal cases arising in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax, prosecutes criminal false claims actively. Because the federal conviction rate exceeds 90 percent, early involvement of defense counsel is critical. Investigations are often conducted by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or other federal investigative agencies. A target letter, grand jury subpoena, or search warrant is a clear signal that the government has already built a file, and anything you say can be used against you.

Fairfax’s location within the Alexandria Division of the Eastern District means that prosecutions typically proceed at the Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria, a short drive from our Fairfax location. The firm appears in that courthouse and works with clients to evaluate the evidence early, identify potential procedural challenges, and, where possible, seek to resolve the matter before indictment.

Federal False Claims Act: Criminal and Civil Exposure

The criminal false claims statute, 18 U.S.C. § 287, makes it a felony to knowingly present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to any department or agency of the United States. A conviction can result in imprisonment for up to five years and substantial fines. In addition, the civil False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, allows the government to seek treble damages and per-claim penalties of tens of thousands of dollars. Often, a criminal investigation runs parallel to a civil investigation, and statements made in one proceeding can affect the other. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients manage both tracks simultaneously, protecting the client’s interests in each.

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

Early in the investigation, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on limiting the government’s access to the client’s statements. We advise clients to decline interviews without counsel and we manage the process by which documents are produced, seeking to prevent an inadvertent waiver. Once the government’s theory of the case is clearer—often after review of the investigative file and any civil investigative demands—we evaluate whether the alleged claims were in fact false, whether the client acted with the requisite knowledge, and whether the government can prove materiality. In many false claims cases, the underlying billing or contracting documents are ambiguous; the defense may turn on showing that the client’s interpretation of the applicable regulation was reasonable. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, approaches each case with an understanding of how the government builds a false claims prosecution and where the case is most vulnerable.

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

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His prosecutorial background provides insight into how federal prosecutors assemble a false claims case and where the defense should concentrate its effort. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience in federal criminal defense, and supporting counsel are available to assist with complex document reviews and motion practice. Together, they work to protect clients facing federal criminal allegations in the Eastern District of Virginia and beyond.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am under investigation for false claims in Fairfax, Virginia?

Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak with federal agents without counsel. Federal investigators may contact you before an indictment is returned, and anything you say can form the basis of a false statements charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Preserve all relevant documents, but do not alter or destroy any records. Our Fairfax location is by appointment; reach us at (888) 437-7747.

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

State false claims are prosecuted under Virginia law in the Fairfax County General District Court or Circuit Court; federal false claims are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and carry harsher sentencing guidelines with no parole. Federal charges often involve larger sums and multiple agencies. Our firm practices in both state and federal court and can advise you on the distinct procedural rules and penalties in each system. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against false claims charges?

Defense strategies may include challenging the materiality of the alleged false statement, attacking the government’s proof of knowledge, and moving to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights. In many cases, the government must show that the false claim was material to the government’s decision to pay; showing that the agency would have paid regardless is a recognized defense. An experienced federal attorney evaluates the specific facts and applicable statutes to build the strong $1. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer if I receive a grand jury subpoena for false claims in Fairfax?

Yes; a grand jury subpoena indicates you are a target, subject, or witness in a federal criminal investigation, and you should have counsel before responding. Subpoenas often require the production of business records, and producing records without legal advice can expose you to additional charges for obstruction or false statements. Our firm assists clients in responding appropriately while protecting their rights. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What are the penalties for aiding and abetting false claims?

A person who aids or abets the presentation of a false claim faces the same penalties as the principal—up to five years in prison and a substantial fine. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2, anyone who assists or encourages the commission of a federal offense is punishable as a principal. This means that billing clerks, office managers, or business partners may be exposed even if they did not personally submit the claim. Results may vary.

How do federal sentencing guidelines apply to false claims convictions?

The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines calculate a recommended sentencing range based on the loss amount, the offender’s role in the offense, and any acceptance of responsibility. For false claims, the loss amount is usually the actual or intended loss to the government. A larger loss can increase the offense level significantly, resulting in a guideline range at or near the statutory maximum of five years. The judge retains discretion, but the guidelines heavily influence the sentence. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to present mitigating factors that may support a sentence below the guideline range. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.

Can civil false claims and criminal false claims run at the same time?

Yes; the government often pursues parallel criminal and civil proceedings, and statements or evidence in one can be used in the other. The civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729) allows for treble damages and per-claim penalties, while the criminal statute (18 U.S.C. § 287) seeks incarceration. A skilled defense coordinates both tracks to avoid inconsistent positions and to minimize overall exposure. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between 18 U.S.C. § 287 and 18 U.S.C. § 1001?

Section 287 criminalizes false claims for payment from the government, while Section 1001 prohibits false statements and concealment in any matter within the federal government’s jurisdiction. A single transaction can violate both statutes: for example, a false invoice submitted for payment may constitute a false claim under § 287, and the accompanying cover letter that misrepresents the services may constitute a false statement under § 1001. Each charge carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, and sentences can run consecutively. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a federal false claims case take in Virginia?

The timeline varies; the Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest and trial within 70 days of indictment, but in practice, complex false claims cases can take from six months to two years or more. The number of documents, the involvement of multiple agencies, and the need for expert testimony all contribute to the length. Our firm works to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while building the strong $1. Results may vary.

Can federal false claims charges be dropped in Virginia?

Yes, charges may be dismissed if the government determines it cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, or if a motion to dismiss is granted. Early engagement of counsel can sometimes persuade the prosecutor not to seek an indictment or to narrow the charges. Even after indictment, a successful motion to suppress evidence or to dismiss the indictment based on a legal defect can end the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every avenue to seek dismissal. For a consultation, reach us at (888) 437-7747.

Internal links – related pages:

Virginia federal criminal defense practice
Fairfax County federal criminal lawyer
Falls Church federal criminal lawyer
Prince William County federal criminal lawyer
Manassas federal criminal lawyer

Primary source authority:

18 U.S.C. § 287 — False, fictitious or fraudulent claims
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Virginia Judicial System

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax Location, by appointment only. (888) 437-7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.