Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer in Arlington, Virginia
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 lengthy prison sentences. If you or your business in Arlington, Virginia, is under investigation for FCPA violations, securing experienced legal help is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1 et seq., is a U.S. federal law with two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions prohibit U.S. persons and businesses, and certain foreign issuers of securities, from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. The accounting provisions require issuers with securities listed in the U.S. to maintain accurate books and records and to devise and maintain an adequate system of internal accounting controls.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Code.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the FCPA, refer to the U.S. Code, Title 15, Commerce and Trade, Chapter 2B. For local federal court procedures in Arlington, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website. These .gov resources provide the statutory framework and procedural rules governing FCPA cases.
handling an FCPA Investigation in Arlington
FCPA investigations in Arlington typically involve federal agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These investigations are complex, often beginning with subpoenas for documents, witness interviews, and grand jury proceedings. The key local procedural fact is that FCPA cases for the Northern Virginia region are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has a reputation for handling significant white-collar and national security cases aggressively.
- Initial Contact & Internal Investigation: Upon learning of a potential FCPA issue, immediately engage counsel to conduct an internal investigation to assess exposure and determine if voluntary disclosure to the DOJ/SEC is warranted.
- Responding to Government Inquiries: Your attorney will manage all communications with federal agencies, respond to subpoenas, and negotiate the scope of document production to protect privileged information.
- Witness Preparation & Interviews: Counsel will prepare company employees for interviews with federal agents or before a grand jury, ensuring their rights are protected.
- Negotiation & Resolution: Your lawyer will engage in discussions with prosecutors to seek a pre-trial resolution, which may involve a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), non-prosecution agreement (NPA), or a negotiated plea.
- Trial Defense: If a resolution cannot be reached, your attorney will mount a vigorous defense at trial in the U.S. District Court, challenging the government’s evidence on elements like “corrupt intent” and “foreign official.”
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In Arlington, Virginia, 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 20 years per count.
| Provision Violated | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery (Corporate) | N/A | N/A | Up to $25,000,000 | Disgorgement of profits, mandatory compliance monitor, debarment from government contracts. |
| Anti-Bribery (Individual) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Personal asset forfeiture, permanent loss of professional licenses, career damage. |
| Accounting Provisions | Felony/Misdemeanor | Up to 20 years (Felony) | Up to $25,000,000 (Corp); $5,000,000 (Indiv.) | SEC civil enforcement actions, shareholder lawsuits, delisting from stock exchanges. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your FCPA Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal defense. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a deep understanding of government tactics. We approach FCPA cases with a full strategy that considers not just the criminal exposure but also the parallel civil, regulatory, and reputational risks to your business.
Our Approach to FCPA Cases
We understand that an FCPA investigation threatens your liberty, your company’s viability, and your professional reputation. Our defense strategy is proactive and varied. We immediately work to understand the facts, assess the legal and regulatory field, and communicate with prosecutors to advocate for the most favorable outcome possible, whether that is a declination, a non-prosecution agreement, or a defense at trial.
Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings additional depth to case analysis and witness strategy. His extensive courtroom experience is a valuable asset in building a persuasive defense narrative.
Local Presence for Arlington Federal Court
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — By appointment only
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Our Arlington location serves clients throughout Northern Virginia, including the communities of Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. We are positioned to provide accessible legal help for individuals and corporations handling FCPA matters in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
FCPA Violations Lawyer Arlington Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
Yes. The FCPA is a U.S. law that prohibits bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business and requires publicly traded companies to maintain accurate financial records and internal controls to prevent such bribes.
Who can be charged with an FCPA violation?
It depends. The law applies to “U.S. persons” (including citizens, residents, and businesses), certain foreign issuers of U.S. securities, and any person who acts within U.S. territory. Foreign nationals and companies can be charged if they commit an act in furtherance of a bribe while in the United States.
What should I do if my company receives an FCPA subpoena?
Immediately seek legal help from an attorney experienced in FCPA defense. Do not destroy any documents or communicate about the matter internally without counsel. Your lawyer will guide the response, potentially including asserting legal privileges and negotiating the scope of production.
Can an individual go to jail for an FCPA violation?
Yes. Individuals convicted of violating the FCPA’s anti-bribery provisions face up to 20 years in federal prison per count, along with substantial fines. The DOJ actively seeks incarceration for culpable individuals.
What is the difference between a DOJ and an SEC FCPA case?
The Department of Justice (DOJ) handles criminal enforcement of the FCPA. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) handles civil enforcement against issuers and their officers, directors, and agents. Companies often face parallel investigations from both agencies.
Are there any defenses to an FCPA charge?
Yes. Potential defenses include demonstrating that a payment was lawful under the written laws of the foreign country, that it was a reasonable bona fide expenditure, or that the person charged lacked the required “corrupt intent.” An experienced FCPA violations lawyer can evaluate the specific defenses applicable to your case.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations.