False Claims lawyer Manassas Park, VA

Federal false claims investigations can begin quietly—a subpoena arrives, a federal agent calls, or a routine business audit suddenly shifts into something more serious. When the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia turns its attention to allegations of false or fraudulent claims against the government, the stakes are substantial. Criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carry a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment per count, while civil enforcement under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, exposes defendants to treble damages and per-claim civil penalties. In Manassas Park and throughout Northern Virginia, individuals and businesses facing these allegations benefit from experienced legal guidance. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in federal false claims matters, working to protect their rights at every stage—from investigation through resolution. To speak with counsel, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Federal False Claims Means in Manassas Park

The term “false claims” covers a broad range of federal allegations involving the submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent claims for payment or reimbursement from the United States government. Criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 arise when prosecutors allege a person knowingly made or presented a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to a federal agency. On the civil side, the False Claims Act authorizes the government—and in some cases, private whistleblowers—to pursue treble damages and substantial per-claim penalties for alleged fraud against federal programs. Both criminal and civil enforcement actions can proceed simultaneously, compounding the legal exposure.

For residents and businesses in Manassas Park, federal false claims cases are typically prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, with the main courthouse located at 401 Courthouse Square in Alexandria. The EDVA is known for its efficient docket and its experienced federal prosecutors. Investigations frequently involve agencies such as the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, or the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, depending on the nature of the alleged false claim. Because federal investigative resources are substantial, and because federal prosecutors review cases thoroughly before seeking indictment, the period between initial contact with investigators and formal charges can involve months of uncertainty. Early involvement of counsel familiar with the EDVA and federal false claims practice is often critical.

Manassas Park, an independent city within the Northern Virginia region, falls within the coverage area of the firm’s Fairfax Location. The proximity of the Fairfax Location to both the EDVA courthouse in Alexandria and the communities of Manassas Park, Manassas, and Prince William County allows for consistent client communication and regular court appearances. Federal false claims matters are not handled in the Manassas Park General District Court, which is a state-level court; instead, all federal criminal and civil false claims proceedings take place in the U.S. District Court. Understanding the distinction between state and federal court procedures—and the specific practices of the EDVA—is an important part of mounting a thorough defense.

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

A federal false claims case typically begins well before an indictment is returned. Federal agents may conduct interviews, execute search warrants, issue subpoenas for documents and financial records, and engage with the target of an investigation over an extended period. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys engage early in the process—often at the investigative stage—to assess the government’s theory of the case, to review the relevant documentary evidence, and to determine whether a negotiated resolution is achievable or whether litigation is the appropriate path forward. Early engagement can influence charging decisions, the scope of the indictment, and the ultimate disposition of the matter.

When a case proceeds to indictment, the Speedy Trial Act governs the timeline, requiring that trial commence within seventy days of the initial appearance, subject to excludable delays for motion practice and other procedural matters. The discovery phase in a federal false claims prosecution can involve voluminous records—financial statements, billing records, correspondence with government agencies, and internal business documents. The defense approach depends on the specific facts: whether the alleged false statement was material to the government’s payment decision, whether the defendant acted with the requisite intent, whether the claim was in fact false, and whether the government sustained any actual loss. Sentencing in federal criminal cases is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, with judicial discretion applied post-Booker. There is no parole in the federal system, which makes the pretrial and trial phases particularly significant.

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 and is a former prosecutor. His background in criminal trial work informs the firm’s approach to federal defense: evaluating cases from the government’s perspective, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence, and building a defense strategy tailored to the specific charges and circumstances. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he appears regularly in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience across multiple practice areas, including federal criminal defense. They work collaboratively with Mr. Sris on case preparation, motions practice, and court appearances. This structure allows the firm to devote substantial attention to each matter while drawing on a breadth of legal experience. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm serves clients in Manassas Park and throughout Northern Virginia from its Fairfax Location. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a federal false claim under 18 U.S.C. § 287?

A federal false claim under 18 U.S.C. § 287 is a criminal charge alleging that a person knowingly submitted a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim for payment or reimbursement to the United States government. The statute covers claims made to any federal department or agency. To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the defendant knew the claim was false and acted willfully. The charge is a felony, and each separate false claim can be charged as an individual count. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecutes these cases in federal court. Civil liability under 31 U.S.C. § 3729 may also apply, with the potential for treble damages and per-claim penalties.

What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a false claims investigation?

If federal agents contact you regarding a false claims investigation, you should decline to answer substantive questions and request to speak with counsel before any interview takes place. Statements made to federal agents—even statements you believe are exculpatory—can form the basis of a false statements charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 in addition to the underlying false claims allegations. You are not required to consent to a search of your home, business, or electronic devices absent a warrant. Contact an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense as soon as you become aware of an investigation. Preserve all potentially relevant documents, but do not alter or destroy any records.

Can a federal false claims case be resolved without a trial?

Many federal false claims cases are resolved without trial through negotiated dispositions, pretrial motions, or, in civil cases, settlement agreements. In criminal matters, plea negotiations may result in reduced charges or a favorable sentencing recommendation from the government. In civil False Claims Act cases, settlement is common because both the government and the defendant often seek to avoid the expense and uncertainty of trial. The feasibility of a pretrial resolution depends on the strength of the evidence, the defendant’s role in the alleged conduct, the amount of the claimed loss, and the prosecutor’s assessment of the case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate these factors at every stage.

How does a federal false claims case differ from a state fraud case in Virginia?

A federal false claims case differs from a state fraud case in the prosecuting authority, the court where the case is heard, the applicable procedural rules, and the sentencing framework. Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court, while Virginia state fraud cases are handled by Commonwealth’s Attorneys in the General District Court or Circuit Court. Federal sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and there is no parole in the federal system. Federal investigations also tend to involve specialized agencies—such as the FBI, IRS-CI, or HHS-OIG—with substantial resources. These differences make familiarity with federal practice important when facing false claims allegations.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for false claims but have not been charged?

Yes—engaging counsel at the investigative stage, before charges are filed, can significantly affect the course of a federal false claims matter. An attorney can communicate with investigators and prosecutors on your behalf, present exculpatory evidence before charging decisions are made, and negotiate the scope of any subpoena or document request. In some cases, early involvement leads to a declination of prosecution or a more limited set of charges. The period before indictment is often the most consequential phase of a federal case, and having experienced counsel during this window can help protect your rights and options.

What are the potential consequences of a federal false claims conviction?

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 for making false claims against the United States carries a maximum sentence of up to five years of imprisonment per count, along with fines, supervised release, and restitution. The actual sentence depends on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines calculation, which considers the amount of loss, the defendant’s role in the offense, acceptance of responsibility, and criminal history. There is no parole in the federal system; good-time credit may reduce a sentence by up to fifty-four days per year. A felony conviction also carries collateral consequences, including potential loss of professional licenses, restrictions on federal employment, and firearm disabilities under federal law. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Primary sources:

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

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