False Claims Lawyer Union County — Defending Federal & Qui Tam Allegations
A False Claims Act (FCA) investigation in Union County, NJ, can lead to severe civil penalties and criminal charges under federal law. As a False Claims lawyer Union County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends individuals and businesses against allegations of defrauding government programs. Our firm provides strategic defense for federal false claims and qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits. We offer 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | NJ Legislature
The federal False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733, imposes liability on persons who knowingly submit false claims to the government. In New Jersey, these cases are often prosecuted in federal court or can originate as qui tam actions filed by private whistleblowers. Penalties include treble damages and civil penalties per false claim. A federal false claims defense lawyer Union County must understand both the federal statutes and the local procedures of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Our firm, founded in 1997, has a background in litigation. We approach each case by examining the evidence of “knowing” conduct, which is a central element of FCA liability.
Official Legal Resources
- 31 U.S.C. § 3729 (False Claims Act) — The official U.S. Code text from the Legal Information Institute.
- Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage — The official court website for Union County, NJ.
- Receive a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) or subpoena. This is often the first formal notice of a federal investigation.
- Secure immediate legal counsel. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Conduct an internal factual and document review to assess potential exposure and liability theories.
- Develop a defense strategy, which may involve negotiating a settlement, challenging the “knowledge” element, or moving to dismiss.
- If a qui tam is filed, the defense strategy shifts to addressing both the government and the relator (whistleblower).
- Litigate or resolve the case, aiming to minimize penalties and avoid exclusion from federal programs.
In Union County, a False Claims Act violation can result in penalties of three times the government’s damages plus civil penalties of $13,946 to $27,894 per false claim (adjusted for inflation).
| Violation | Classification | Financial Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowingly submitting a false claim | Civil Violation | Treble damages + per-claim penalty | Debarment from government contracts, reputational harm |
| Conspiracy to violate the FCA | Civil Violation | Same as above | Criminal prosecution possible |
| Reverse false claim (avoiding obligation) | Civil Violation | Same as above | Interest on owed amounts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a focused approach to federal defense matters. We analyze the specific allegations, whether related to healthcare (Medicare/Medicaid), government contracting, or other federally funded programs, to build a response aimed at protecting your rights and assets.
Our firm has handled a wide range of litigation matters. In every case, our goal is to achieve a favorable resolution, whether through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Union County False Claims Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
False Claims Act Defense FAQs
What is a qui tam lawsuit?
It is a whistleblower lawsuit. A private person (the “relator”) files a False Claims Act case under seal on behalf of the government. If successful, the relator may receive a share of the recovery. A qui tam defense lawyer Union County defends against these suits.
Can I go to jail for a False Claims Act violation?
The FCA itself is a civil statute. However, underlying fraudulent conduct may lead to separate criminal charges for mail fraud, wire fraud, or healthcare fraud, which can carry prison sentences.
What does “knowingly” mean under the False Claims Act?
It depends. The law defines it as actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information. It does not require specific intent to defraud. A federal false claims defense lawyer Union County challenges this element by showing good-faith actions or ambiguous regulations.
What is a Civil Investigative Demand (CID)?
A CID is an administrative subpoena used by the Department of Justice to investigate potential False Claims Act violations before a lawsuit is filed. It can demand documents, answers to written questions, and oral testimony.
How long does a False Claims case take?
It varies widely. A qui tam case remains under seal for at least 60 days while the government investigates, often extending for years. From investigation through litigation, a case can take two to five years or more to resolve.
If you need a False Claims lawyer Union County, contact us for a confidential consultation. We defend against federal investigations and whistleblower suits.
Related Practice Areas: Union County Business Lawyer | Union County Federal Criminal Lawyer
Also Serving: Bergen County Civil Litigation Lawyer | Burlington County Civil Litigation Lawyer
New Jersey Hub: New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. 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 false claims 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 · False Claims Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · False Claims Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · False Claims Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.