Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation in Bergen County, NJ, is a serious federal matter with potential for severe corporate and individual penalties. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., with a former prosecutor at the helm, provides immediate defense for allegations of foreign bribery and accounting violations. Our firm offers 24/7 consultations to address these federal charges.
If you or your company is under scrutiny for potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in Bergen County, securing experienced legal counsel is the most critical first step. The FCPA is a federal statute with both anti-bribery and accounting provisions, enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A conviction can result in multi-million dollar fines for companies and significant prison sentences for individuals. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations lawyer Bergen County from our firm can analyze the specific allegations, guide you through the federal investigative process, and build a defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | NJ Legislature
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq., is a U.S. federal law with two main provisions. The anti-bribery provisions prohibit U.S. persons and businesses, and certain foreign issuers of securities, from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. The accounting provisions require issuers to maintain accurate books and records and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls. An FCPA violation defense lawyer Bergen County must be well-versed in both sets of requirements, which are enforced aggressively by federal authorities.
For detailed information on the federal statute, you can review the U.S. Code provisions for the FCPA (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1). Federal proceedings for these cases are typically handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
- Initial Case Assessment: Immediately secure all relevant electronic and paper records. Conduct an internal interview to understand the facts and scope of the potential violation.
- Engage with Federal Authorities: Your attorney will communicate with the DOJ or SEC, often to negotiate the terms of the investigation and any voluntary disclosure.
- Internal Investigation: Conduct a thorough, privileged internal investigation to determine the facts, identify culpable parties, and assess exposure.
- Develop Defense Strategy: Based on the findings, build a defense that may challenge the jurisdictional elements, the definition of a “foreign official,” or the corrupt intent requirement.
- Negotiation or Litigation: Work toward a negotiated settlement (DPA/NPA) or prepare to litigate the case in federal court if the government proceeds with charges.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In Bergen County, FCPA violations carry severe federal penalties, including multi-million dollar fines for corporations and decades of imprisonment for individuals.
| Violation | Entity Type | Maximum Criminal Fine | Maximum Individual Prison Term | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery | Corporation | $2,000,000 per violation | N/A | Disgorgement of profits, SEC civil penalties, debarment from government contracts. |
| Anti-Bribery | Individual | $250,000 per violation | 5 years | Personal fines, SEC civil penalties, loss of professional licenses. |
| Accounting Provisions | Corporation | $25,000,000 | N/A | SEC enforcement actions, mandated compliance monitors, stock value decline. |
| Accounting Provisions | Individual | $5,000,000 | 20 years | Personal fines, officer/director bars, reputational damage. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a foundational understanding of government enforcement strategies to every federal case. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have handled thousands of cases across state and federal jurisdictions. This background is critical when facing an agency like the DOJ, as we understand the pressures and objectives of federal prosecutors from the inside.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in Bergen County are not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of federal investigations and corporate resolutions, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in federal and white-collar matters. We approach each FCPA case with a meticulous, detail-oriented strategy aimed at protecting our clients’ freedom, assets, and professional futures.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County FCPA Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges at the Bergen County courts and the U.S. District Court in Newark. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
We serve clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: FCPA Defense in Bergen County
What triggers an FCPA investigation in New Jersey?
Yes. Common triggers include whistleblower tips from employees or competitors, suspicious payments flagged during internal audits, disclosures in SEC filings, investigations into industry-wide practices, or referrals from foreign law enforcement agencies. A foreign bribery charge lawyer Bergen County can help you respond if your company is targeted.
Can I be charged under the FCPA for actions that occurred entirely outside the United States?
Yes. The FCPA has broad extraterritorial reach. It applies to U.S. companies, their officers, directors, employees, agents, and stockholders, as well as foreign companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges. It can also apply to foreign persons and companies if any act in furtherance of the corrupt payment takes place within the United States.
What is the difference between a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) and a Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA)?
It depends on the terms negotiated with the DOJ. Both are alternatives to a criminal conviction. A DPA is filed with a court and charges are deferred if the company complies with specific terms (e.g., fines, compliance improvements). An NPA is not filed in court; the DOJ agrees not to prosecute if the company meets its obligations. An experienced FCPA violation defense lawyer Bergen County negotiates for the most favorable agreement.
What are the “books and records” and “internal controls” provisions of the FCPA?
These accounting provisions apply to “issuers” (companies with securities listed on U.S. exchanges). They require companies to keep accurate books that fairly reflect transactions and to maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that transactions are executed per management’s authorization. Violations can occur even without a corrupt bribe.
Should my company voluntarily disclose a potential FCPA violation?
It depends on a complex risk assessment. The DOJ’s policies provide credit for voluntary self-disclosure, cooperation, and timely remediation, which can lead to a significant reduction in penalties or even a declination of prosecution. However, the decision requires a thorough internal investigation first. Consulting with a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations lawyer Bergen County is essential before making this critical choice.
Related Practice Areas: For other federal matters, see our Bergen County federal criminal lawyer page. For related business issues, visit our Bergen County business lawyer page.
Other Locations: We also assist clients in Atlantic County, Burlington County, and Camden County.
Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and enforcement policies are subject to change. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for case-specific guidance regarding Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on foreign corrupt practices act violations charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Hudson · Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Monmouth.