Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer in Caroline County, Virginia
Facing a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation in Caroline County, Virginia, requires immediate legal help. The FCPA, codified at 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1 et seq., is a complex federal statute with severe penalties for individuals and corporations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strategic defense for those accused of FCPA violations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
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. Violations are prosecuted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). For a Caroline County business or individual, an FCPA investigation can originate from activities anywhere in the world but will involve federal authorities in Virginia.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, refer to the U.S. Code (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1). Federal criminal procedure is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. These resources provide the statutory framework for FCPA defense.
FCPA Defense Strategy for Caroline County Clients
An FCPA investigation is a high-stakes federal matter. The key local procedural fact is that while the investigation may be federal, your defense must be coordinated from the ground up, often involving international evidence and complex corporate structures. Early intervention by a skilled lawyer is critical to handle voluntary disclosures, internal investigations, and negotiations with the DOJ or SEC.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a federal defense lawyer experienced in FCPA matters.
- Initiate an Internal Investigation: With counsel, conduct a privileged internal investigation to understand the scope of potential misconduct.
- Assess Disclosure Options: Your lawyer will analyze the risks and benefits of a voluntary disclosure to the DOJ under its FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy.
- Engage in Negotiations: If charges are likely, your attorney will negotiate for a favorable resolution, which could involve a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) or non-prosecution agreement (NPA).
- Prepare for Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your legal team must be prepared to mount a vigorous defense at trial in federal court.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In the federal system, FCPA violations carry severe penalties including multi-million dollar fines for corporations and significant prison terms for individuals.
| Violation | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery (Corporate) | N/A | N/A | Up to $2,000,000 per violation | Disgorgement of profits, mandatory compliance monitor |
| Anti-Bribery (Individual) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $100,000 | Personal fines cannot be paid by company |
| Accounting Provisions | Felony/Misdemeanor | Up to 20 years (for willful violations) | Up to $5,000,000 (individual); $25,000,000 (corporate) | SEC civil penalties, 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 firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal matters like FCPA defense. We understand the immense pressure of a federal investigation and provide assertive, strategic legal help. Our approach is to protect your rights and reputation from the first sign of scrutiny.
Seeking Legal Help for FCPA Matters
If you or your company is under investigation for potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, obtaining experienced legal help is not an option—it is a necessity. The federal process moves quickly, and early decisions can dictate the final outcome. Our team, including secondary attorney Matthew Greene, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year CPS contract in Alexandria, works to build the strongest possible defense.
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 involved in federal matters originating in Caroline County. We are accessible via I-95. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747—meetings are by appointment only. We serve clients in Bowling Green, Carmel Church, and throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions: FCPA Defense
What is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
Yes. The FCPA is a U.S. law that prohibits bribery of foreign officials to obtain business and requires accurate record-keeping for publicly traded companies. It is enforced by the DOJ and SEC.
Can an individual go to jail for an FCPA violation?
Yes. Individuals convicted of FCPA anti-bribery violations face up to 5 years in prison. Willful violations of the accounting provisions can carry sentences up to 20 years.
What should I do if my company is under FCPA investigation?
It depends. Immediately seek legal counsel to conduct a privileged internal investigation. An attorney can advise on whether to make a voluntary disclosure to the DOJ, which can significantly impact potential penalties and the possibility of a deferred prosecution agreement.
How can a lawyer help with an FCPA case?
A lawyer provides essential legal help by managing the internal investigation, communicating with federal authorities, negotiating for a favorable resolution, and, if necessary, defending you at trial. Early attorney involvement is critical in shaping the government’s approach to your case.
What are the penalties for a company violating the FCPA?
Corporate penalties can be severe, including fines up to $2 million per anti-bribery violation, disgorgement of profits, and the imposition of an independent compliance monitor. The DOJ’s FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy offers incentives for voluntary self-disclosure and cooperation.
For more information on federal criminal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub. We also assist with related matters like business law in Caroline County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.