False Claims lawyer Manassas Park, VA

Federal false claims investigations can begin quietly—through an audit from the Department of Health and Human Services, a whistleblower lawsuit unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice, or a subpoena served by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. For residents of Manassas Park, Virginia, the next step is often a summons to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, where Assistant U.S. Attorneys pursue charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 with few resources spared. The consequences are severe: there is no parole in the federal system, sentencing is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and even a first-time false claims conviction can carry years of imprisonment. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients from Manassas Park and throughout Northern Virginia in these complex federal matters, drawing on decades of collective courtroom experience to challenge the government’s case at every stage. If you have been contacted by federal agents or are concerned about a pending investigation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What False Claims Means in Manassas Park, VA

Although Manassas Park is an independent city with its own local court—the Manassas Park General District Court—federal false claims prosecutions unfold in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, primarily at the Albert V. Bryan United States Courthouse in Alexandria. This means a Manassas Park business owner, healthcare provider, or government contractor facing a false claims allegation will not have the matter heard in the local courthouse on Lee Avenue. Instead, the case proceeds in a federal forum where the rules of evidence, discovery, and sentencing are governed by Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

A false claims charge typically arises when the government alleges that a person knowingly submitted a fraudulent bill, invoice, or reimbursement request to a federal agency or program. Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations often originate with the Office of Inspector General; defense-contractor overbilling may be referred by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Regardless of the industry, the government must prove that the defendant acted with intent to defraud. The mere fact that a claim was mistaken or inaccurate is not enough—prosecutors must establish knowing and willful misconduct. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus heavily on the intent element in building a defense, as it is often the most vulnerable part of the government’s proof.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 287, a person convicted of making or presenting a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to the United States faces imprisonment of not more than five years, in addition to any fine imposed by the court.

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 287. United States Code, Title 18, Section 287

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

The civil False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, operates in parallel and is frequently used by the government to recover funds even when criminal charges are not filed. Under the civil statute, a defendant may be liable for treble damages—three times the amount the government lost—plus a per-claim penalty that is adjusted annually for inflation. Civil cases often proceed alongside criminal investigations, and statements made in a civil deposition can be used against the defendant in a later criminal trial. This dual exposure makes early legal guidance critical.

Under the civil False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, a person who knowingly presents a false claim for payment to the United States is liable for a civil penalty plus three times the amount of damages sustained by the Government.

Source: 31 U.S.C. § 3729. United States Code, Title 31, Section 3729

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

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

Federal false claims investigations rarely begin with an arrest. More often, a target first learns of the scrutiny through an administrative audit, a grand jury subpoena for documents, or a search warrant executed at a home or business. The investigating agency—commonly the FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS, or the IRS Criminal Investigation Division—may have been building a file for months before any contact with the defendant. During this period, the government is under no obligation to notify the subject of the investigation, and casual conversations with colleagues or investigators can unintentionally create evidence that later appears before a grand jury.

When the firm is retained early, the immediate priority is to establish a relationship with the Assistant U.S. Attorney assigned to the case and to preserve all relevant records. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, many of whom bring backgrounds that include prior federal prosecution, understand the decision-making process inside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. This insight helps in evaluating whether the government’s case is likely to move toward indictment or whether a declination—or even a civil resolution—is possible. If charges are filed, the defense will scrutinize the government’s proof of intent, challenge the admissibility of statements made to investigators, and, where appropriate, retain forensic accountants and other attorneys to reconstruct billing and contracting data.

Federal sentencing is a separate and serious phase of any false claims case. The advisory Sentencing Guidelines consider the amount of loss, the defendant’s role in the offense, and whether the defendant has accepted responsibility. Judges have discretion to depart or vary from the guideline range, but persuasive arguments require a detailed presentation of the defendant’s personal history, role in the community, and mitigating circumstances. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare thoroughly for this stage, knowing that a well-supported sentencing memorandum can meaningfully affect the outcome.

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. A former prosecutor, he brings a working understanding of how charging decisions are made, how government investigators build cases, and which arguments are most likely to resonate with federal prosecutors. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and regularly appears in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Results may vary.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add substantial depth to the federal criminal defense practice. Their experience includes handling multi-defendant fraud conspiracies, motions to suppress, and complex sentencing proceedings. Together with Mr. Sris, they work to protect the rights of clients facing false claims allegations, drawing on extensive collective experience to address both the legal and personal dimensions of a federal prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am facing false claims charges in Virginia?

Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Federal investigators often interview witnesses and targets before charges are filed, and any statement you make—even one you believe is helpful—can be used against you later. Preserve all relevant documents, contracts, billing records, and correspondence, but do not share them with investigators until your attorney has had an opportunity to review the scope of the inquiry. A lawyer can also begin communication with the assigned Assistant U.S. Attorney to assess the status of the investigation and explore whether a pre-indictment resolution is possible.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against false claims charges?

Defense strategies for false claims cases turn heavily on whether the government can prove the defendant acted with knowing intent to defraud. Under 18 U.S.C. § 287, a criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly submitted a false claim. An experienced defense attorney will examine whether the billing errors were unintentional, whether the defendant reasonably relied on legal or accounting advice, and whether the government’s evidence was gathered in compliance with constitutional standards. Negotiation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office can sometimes result in a reduced charge or a civil settlement, particularly when the alleged loss is modest and the defendant has no prior record.

What are the penalties for false claims in Virginia?

Under federal law, a false claims conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carries a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment, a fine, and a term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system, so a defendant serves at least 85% of the sentence imposed. The civil False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, subjects violators to treble damages and a per-claim civil penalty that is adjusted each year for inflation. Because criminal and civil proceedings often run concurrently, a defendant may face both a prison term and a substantial financial judgment arising from the same underlying conduct.

What is the difference between state and federal charges?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in a federal district court and generally carry harsher sentencing consequences than comparable state offenses. For false claims in particular, there is no state-law equivalent—the matter is exclusively federal because it involves fraud against the United States government. Federal cases are investigated by agencies such as the FBI or HHS-OIG, and there is no parole in the federal system. An attorney who regularly appears in the Eastern District of Virginia is familiar with the local rules, judges, and practices that can materially affect the defense.

Do I need a lawyer for federal false claims charges?

Yes—federal false claims allegations are serious matters that can result in a felony conviction, a term of imprisonment, and a civil judgment that may far exceed the amount of the alleged overbilling. The government is represented by experienced Assistant U.S. Attorneys who have access to substantial investigative resources. Without counsel, a defendant may inadvertently waive important rights, misjudge the strength of the government’s evidence, or accept terms that have long-term professional and personal consequences. Early representation gives you the trusted opportunity to shape the direction of the case before formal charges are filed.

How can I find a false claims lawyer near Manassas Park?

You can request a consultation with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys by calling (888) 437-7747. The firm’s Fairfax Location serves clients in Manassas Park and throughout Prince William County, with appearances in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Because federal practice is not limited by county boundaries, you are not restricted to lawyers who maintain a physical location in Manassas Park—you may choose counsel whose experience and federal-court familiarity best matches your defense needs.

Primary Source References:
Title 18, United States Code
Title 31, United States Code
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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