Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Union County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violation in Union County is a serious federal offense with severe penalties, including multi-million dollar fines and imprisonment. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and corporations facing allegations of foreign bribery. Our firm, founded in 1997, has extensive experience in federal court. If you are under investigation, contact us as early as possible for a consultation.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a federal law that prohibits U.S. persons and entities from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. The statute has two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions, which require accurate books and records and internal accounting controls. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the FCPA, you can review the U.S. Department of Justice FCPA resource page. For federal court procedures in New Jersey, refer to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union Vicinage website.
handling an FCPA Case in Union County
An FCPA investigation often begins with a subpoena or a search warrant. Federal agencies like the DOJ and FBI have significant resources. In Union County, federal matters may be heard in the Newark division of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The process is demanding, involving grand juries, extensive discovery, and potential parallel civil proceedings by the SEC.
- Initial Investigation: You may receive a subpoena for documents or witness interviews. Do not respond without an attorney.
- Legal Strategy Development: Your lawyer will analyze the allegations, assess evidence, and determine if a cooperation or deferred prosecution agreement is possible.
- Negotiation & Resolution: Most FCPA cases are resolved through negotiation, which may involve a plea agreement, non-prosecution agreement, or deferred prosecution agreement.
- Trial Preparation: If a resolution cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in federal court.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In Union County, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations carry severe federal penalties, including decades in prison and fines in the millions of dollars.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery Violation (Corporate) | Federal Crime | N/A (entity) | Up to $2 million per violation | Disgorgement of profits, mandatory compliance monitor |
| Anti-Bribery Violation (Individual) | Federal Crime | Up to 5 years per violation | Up to $100,000 | Personal liability, bars from serving as officer/director |
| Accounting Provisions Violation | Federal Crime | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million (individual) / $25 million (entity) | SEC enforcement actions, civil penalties |
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 combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to defending clients in federal matters like FCPA violations. Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor provides critical insight into government tactics and negotiation strategies.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in Union County are not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of federal investigations, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in federal cases. We have successfully negotiated resolutions that avoided indictment for clients and minimized penalties in regulatory enforcement actions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
FCPA Defense Lawyer Near Union County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78. We represent clients from Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
24/7 Phone Consultations — (888) 437-7747 — Meetings By Appointment Only
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Yes. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a U.S. law that prohibits bribing foreign officials to gain a business advantage. It also requires publicly traded companies to maintain accurate financial records and internal accounting controls to prevent such bribes.
Can I go to jail for an FCPA violation?
Yes. Individuals convicted of FCPA anti-bribery violations face up to 5 years in prison per count. Willful violations of the accounting provisions can carry sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment. A skilled FCPA violation defense lawyer Union County can work to mitigate these severe penalties.
What should I do if my company is under FCPA investigation?
It depends. Immediately secure legal counsel experienced in FCPA matters. Do not destroy any documents or communicate about the investigation internally without legal advice. An attorney will guide you on whether to self-disclose, how to conduct an internal investigation, and how to engage with the DOJ or SEC to seek cooperation credit.
What are the defenses to a foreign bribery charge?
Potential defenses include lack of corrupt intent, demonstrating that a payment was a lawful facilitation payment, proving that the recipient was not a “foreign official” under the law, or showing that the payment was a legitimate business expense. A foreign bribery charge lawyer Union County can evaluate the specific facts of your case to identify the strongest defense strategy.
Does the FCPA only apply to large corporations?
No. The FCPA applies to all U.S. persons and entities, including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and their officers, directors, employees, and agents. Small businesses and their owners can be prosecuted for FCPA violations just as large multinational corporations can be.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages on Union County Business Law, Union County Federal Criminal Defense, and our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey foreign corrupt practices act violations practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Bergen · Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Hudson · Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations Lawyer Monmouth.