Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer in Garrett County, MD
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violation is a serious federal crime investigated by the SEC and DOJ, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation in Garrett County, Maryland, for foreign bribery charges, you need a lawyer with federal defense experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations in Garrett County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Information current as of 2026-02-20. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a federal law with two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions prohibit U.S. persons and businesses from bribing foreign officials 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. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). For a foreign bribery charge lawyer Garrett County, understanding these dual enforcement tracks is critical.
Key statutes include 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, 78dd-2, and 78dd-3 (anti-bribery) and 15 U.S.C. § 78m (accounting provisions). You can review the official text of the FCPA anti-bribery provisions (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1) and the SEC’s FCPA resource page.
- Initial Investigation: The DOJ or SEC may issue subpoenas, conduct interviews, and review financial records. Do not speak to investigators without counsel.
- Internal Investigation: Your legal team will conduct a privileged internal investigation to assess exposure and identify potential defenses.
- Negotiation & Disclosure: Counsel may engage in discussions with prosecutors regarding voluntary disclosure, cooperation credit, and potential resolutions like a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA).
- Litigation or Resolution: The case may proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement, DPA, or non-prosecution agreement (NPA).
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In Garrett County, FCPA violations prosecuted federally carry severe criminal and civil penalties, including multi-million dollar fines and imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery Violation (Corporate) | N/A | N/A | Up to $2 million per violation | Disgorgement of profits, mandatory compliance monitors, debarment from government contracts. |
| Anti-Bribery Violation (Individual) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $100,000 (cannot be paid by employer) | Personal liability, loss of professional licenses, reputational damage. |
| Accounting Violations (Books & Records) | N/A | N/A | Civil penalties; Criminal fines if willful | SEC enforcement actions, shareholder lawsuits, stock price impact. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Approach to FCPA Defense in Garrett County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of legal experience and over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we bring a strategic, detail-oriented approach to complex federal defense. Our firm-wide favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. We understand that FCPA cases require handling simultaneous proceedings with federal agencies and often, foreign legal systems.
Case Experience in Federal Defense
Our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in federal courts. While specific FCPA results are confidential, our firm’s approach to federal white-collar defense is proven. For instance, in federal matters, we have successfully negotiated for reduced charges, advocated for below-guideline sentences, and secured favorable pretrial resolutions. Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with deep experience in complex criminal litigation, works alongside Mr. Sris on federal defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Garrett County, including Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, Accident, Grantsville, Mountain Lake Park, and Friendsville. As your Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Garrett County, we are accessible to represent you in federal proceedings that may originate from investigations in this region.
FCPA Violations Defense Lawyer Garrett County FAQ
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
Yes. The FCPA is a U.S. law that prohibits bribing foreign officials to gain a business advantage and requires public companies to maintain accurate financial records. It is jointly enforced by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Who can be charged under the FCPA?
It depends. The FCPA applies to “issuers” (U.S. publicly traded companies), “domestic concerns” (U.S. businesses and individuals), and certain foreign persons and businesses acting within U.S. territory. Even employees, officers, and agents of these entities can face individual liability for FCPA violation defense lawyer Garrett County matters.
What are common defenses to FCPA charges?
Potential defenses include demonstrating that a payment was a lawful facilitation payment for routine government action, proving the recipient was not a “foreign official,” establishing a lack of corrupt intent, or showing that the payment was permissible under the written laws of the foreign country. Each case is fact-specific.
What is a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in an FCPA case?
A DPA is a common resolution where the government agrees to defer prosecution if the company meets specific conditions like paying a fine, disgorging profits, cooperating, and implementing a strong compliance program. If conditions are met, the charges are typically dismissed.
Should my company self-report a potential FCPA violation?
It depends. The DOJ’s FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy offers significant mitigation credit for voluntary self-disclosure, full cooperation, and timely remediation. A lawyer can analyze the specific facts to advise on whether self-reporting is in your best interest.
For more information on related federal defense, see our pages on Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer, Federal Criminal Lawyer Allegany County, and Business Lawyer Garrett County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.