Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer in Fairfax County, VA
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violation is a serious federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, carrying severe penalties including multi-million dollar fines and imprisonment. If you are under investigation for foreign bribery charges in Fairfax, securing a skilled Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Fairfax is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act is a U.S. federal law with two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions prohibit offering, promising, or giving anything of value to a foreign official to obtain or retain business. The accounting provisions require publicly traded companies to maintain accurate books and records and to have adequate internal accounting controls. These laws have broad extraterritorial reach, applying to U.S. persons, companies, and certain foreign entities acting in U.S. territory.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1) on the official U.S. Code website. Court procedures for federal cases in Fairfax are governed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Defending Against FCPA Allegations in Fairfax
FCPA investigations often begin quietly, led by the DOJ’s Fraud Section or the SEC. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes Fairfax, is one of the most active and experienced in prosecuting complex white-collar crimes, including FCPA violations. Early intervention by a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Fairfax is essential to handle voluntary disclosures, internal investigations, and negotiations with prosecutors.
- Initial Assessment: Immediately secure counsel if you suspect an investigation. An attorney will assess exposure and advise on preserving evidence and attorney-client privilege.
- Internal Investigation: Counsel will oversee a thorough internal investigation to determine the facts, scope of potential violations, and identify remedial actions.
- Government Engagement: Your lawyer will manage all communications with the DOJ/SEC, which may include negotiating the terms of a voluntary disclosure or a cooperation agreement.
- Resolution Strategy: Based on the findings, your attorney will develop a defense strategy, which could range from seeking a declination to negotiating a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) or non-prosecution agreement (NPA).
- Trial Preparation: If a settlement is not possible, your legal team will prepare a vigorous defense for trial in federal court, challenging the government’s evidence on intent, jurisdiction, and the definition of a “foreign official.”
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In Fairfax, FCPA violations prosecuted federally can result in corporate fines in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars and individual prison sentences of up to 5 years per violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery Violation (Corporate) | Federal Crime | N/A | 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 $250,000 per violation | Personal liability, career disqualification |
| Accounting Violations | Federal Crime | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million (individual) / $25 million (corporate) | SEC enforcement actions, debarment from government contracts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our federal defense team includes attorneys with deep insight into government prosecution strategies. We approach each FCPA matter with a full strategy, focusing on the unique aspects of international business and the specific enforcement priorities of the relevant agencies.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes favorable outcomes in complex federal matters. While every case is unique, our systematic approach to federal defense is designed to protect our clients’ rights and futures. We work collaboratively, with Mr. Sris and Matthew Greene bringing complementary experience to each foreign bribery charge.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Fairfax County, including Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, and the Falls Church area. We are accessible for clients needing a federal criminal defense lawyer near Fairfax. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
FCPA Violation Defense FAQs
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
Yes. The FCPA is a U.S. law that prohibits bribery of foreign officials to obtain or retain business. It also requires publicly traded companies to maintain accurate books and records. Violations are investigated by the DOJ and SEC and can lead to severe criminal and civil penalties for both companies and individuals.
What should I do if my company is under FCPA investigation?
Immediately consult an FCPA violation defense lawyer Fairfax. Do not destroy any documents or communicate about the matter internally without legal advice. Your attorney will guide you on preserving privilege, conducting an internal investigation, and determining whether a voluntary disclosure to the government is advisable based on a careful risk assessment.
Can an individual be prosecuted under the FCPA?
Yes. Individuals, including employees, officers, directors, and agents of a company, can face criminal prosecution for FCPA violations. Penalties include substantial fines and imprisonment. Having a skilled foreign bribery charge lawyer Fairfax is essential for mounting a personal defense.
What are the possible defenses to an FCPA charge?
Potential defenses include lack of corrupt intent, demonstrating that a payment was lawful under the written laws of the foreign country, or that the expense was a reasonable bona fide expenditure. Another defense is that the recipient was not a “foreign official” as defined by the statute. An experienced Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Fairfax can evaluate the specific facts to identify the strongest defense strategy.
What is the difference between a DPA and an NPA?
A Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is filed in court and charges are dismissed after the company fulfills its terms. A Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) is not filed in court. Both require cooperation, payment of penalties, and implementation of compliance reforms. Securing either often requires demonstrating full cooperation and remediation to the government.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. If you are in a neighboring area, we also assist clients as a federal criminal lawyer in Arlington County. For other legal needs in Fairfax, consider our Fairfax business lawyers.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.