False Claims Lawyer in James City County, Virginia
A False Claims Act (FCA) violation in James City County is a serious federal offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and businesses facing allegations of submitting false claims to the government.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding the False Claims Act in Virginia
The federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733) is the primary law used to combat fraud against the United States government. It imposes liability on any person who knowingly submits a false claim for payment or approval, uses a false record to get a claim paid, or conspires to defraud the government. Cases in James City County are typically handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), which has a strong record of pursuing FCA matters, particularly in healthcare, defense contracting, and other federally funded programs.
Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand the high stakes of federal litigation and the importance of a proactive defense strategy from the earliest stages of an investigation.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729) on the Legal Information Institute website. For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Initial Investigation: A federal agency (e.g., FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS) or a whistleblower initiates an investigation into alleged false billing or certifications.
- Qui Tam Filing: A whistleblower may file a sealed complaint under the FCA. The Department of Justice investigates while the complaint remains under seal, often for many months.
- Government Intervention: The DOJ decides whether to intervene and take over the case or decline and allow the whistleblower to proceed alone.
- Formal Charges: If the government intervenes, it will file its own complaint or a notice of intervention. The case is then unsealed and served on the defendant.
- Discovery & Motions: A lengthy period of document production, depositions, and pre-trial motions follows, governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Resolution: Cases may be resolved through settlement, dismissal on motion, or trial. Penalties are severe, including treble damages and statutory fines per false claim.
Potential Penalties for False Claims
In James City County, a federal False Claims Act violation carries mandatory penalties of three times the government’s damages plus civil penalties of $13,946 to $27,894 per false claim filed.
| Violation | Classification | Financial Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowingly submitting a false claim | Civil Fraud | Treble Damages + Per-Claim Penalty | Debarment from federal programs, corporate integrity agreements, reputational harm |
| Making a false record to get a claim paid | Civil Fraud | Treble Damages + Per-Claim Penalty | Loss of professional licenses, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid |
| Conspiracy to violate the FCA | Civil Fraud | Treble Damages + Per-Claim Penalty | Potential parallel criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 287 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys with deep experience in federal courts. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally handles complex federal matters and provides strategic oversight. For matters involving detailed regulatory compliance help, our attorneys analyze the underlying rules and certifications at issue to build a substantive defense. We have represented clients in investigations involving government contracts, healthcare billing, and other federally funded areas.
Our firm’s collaborative approach means your case benefits from multiple perspectives. Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services, contributes significant litigation experience for cases that may involve parallel proceedings.
Local Service for James City County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients in James City County who must appear in federal court. We are accessible via I-64 and other major highways. We provide a False Claims lawyer near Williamsburg, Norge, Toano, and Lightfoot. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
False Claims Act FAQs for James City County
What is a “false claim” under the federal law?
It depends. A false claim is any request for payment from the federal government that is knowingly false or fraudulent. This includes invoicing for goods not delivered, certifying compliance with regulations you have not met, or manipulating data to qualify for grant money. A government attorney must prove you acted “knowingly,” which includes acting in deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth.
Can I go to jail for a False Claims Act violation?
The FCA itself is a civil statute, so it does not carry jail time. However, the same conduct (e.g., making false statements to get government money) is often prosecuted criminally under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 287 or § 1001. It is common for a False Claims Act case to have a parallel criminal investigation, which is why immediate legal counsel from a federal employment lawyer is critical.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about a false claim?
Do not speak to agents without an attorney. Politely state you wish to consult with a lawyer and end the conversation. Contact a defense firm experienced in federal investigations immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in both civil and criminal proceedings. Early legal guidance can shape the entire direction of the case.
What is the role of a whistleblower in these cases?
A whistleblower (or “relator”) files a “qui tam” lawsuit under seal. They are typically an employee, competitor, or insider with knowledge of the fraud. If the government recovers money, the whistleblower can receive 15-30% of the recovery. Defending against a qui tam suit requires understanding both the legal allegations and the relator’s motivations.
How can a lawyer help with regulatory compliance before a claim arises?
A lawyer providing regulatory compliance help can review your billing practices, government contract terms, and certification processes. They can implement internal training and auditing programs to identify and correct potential issues proactively. This compliance work can serve as a strong defense by demonstrating a lack of “knowing” misconduct if allegations later arise.
If you need a False Claims lawyer in James City Virginia, contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. For more information on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in James City County, consider our services for business law or civil litigation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside James City County, and our page on false claims charges across Virginia walks through each stage.