Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer in Manassas Park, VA
A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations lawyer in Manassas Park defends individuals and companies accused of bribing foreign officials. The FCPA is a complex federal law with severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strategic defense for these serious charges. Our team understands the federal investigative process and can protect your rights from the initial inquiry through trial.
Last verified: April 2026 | Information current as of 2026-04 | Federal statutes are subject to change.
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a federal law that prohibits U.S. persons and entities, and certain foreign issuers of securities, from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. It has two main provisions: the anti-bribery provisions and the accounting provisions. The anti-bribery provisions make it unlawful to offer, pay, promise to pay, or authorize the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official to influence any act or decision in their official capacity. The accounting provisions require companies whose securities are listed in the U.S. to maintain accurate books and records and to have a system of internal accounting controls. Violations are prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the FCPA, you can review the statute on the U.S. House of Representatives website: 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq.. For information on federal court procedures in the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Manassas Park, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defending Against FCPA Charges in Manassas Park
An FCPA violation defense lawyer Manassas Park builds a defense by scrutinizing every element of the government’s case. Common defenses include demonstrating that a payment was a lawful facilitation payment for routine government action, proving there was no corrupt intent, or showing that the expense was a legitimate business cost. In the federal system, early intervention during an investigation is critical. A foreign bribery charge lawyer Manassas Park can negotiate with prosecutors, seek a declination, or work towards a favorable settlement before an indictment is filed.
- Immediately secure legal counsel if you suspect an FCPA investigation.
- Conduct an internal investigation to understand the scope of the allegations.
- Assess potential exposure under both the anti-bribery and accounting provisions.
- Develop a strategy for engaging with the DOJ or SEC, which may involve voluntary disclosure.
- Prepare for potential litigation, including motions to dismiss and trial preparation.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
In the federal system, FCPA violations carry severe penalties including multi-million dollar fines and lengthy prison sentences for individuals.
| Entity | Anti-Bribery Penalties | Accounting Violation Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Corporations | Criminal fines up to $2,000,000 per violation; civil penalties up to $16,000 per violation. | Criminal fines up to $25,000,000; civil penalties as determined by the court. |
| Individuals | Criminal fines up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years per violation; civil penalties up to $16,000 per violation. | Criminal fines up to $5,000,000 and/or imprisonment up to 20 years; civil penalties as determined by the court. |
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 attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal matters. We approach each case with a detailed understanding of federal procedure and the high stakes involved for our clients.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex cases. While specific FCPA results are not listed here, our approach is grounded in rigorous case analysis and aggressive advocacy. For instance, attorney Matthew Greene, who assists on federal cases, brings over 30 years of experience, including formerly death penalty certified work and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, demonstrating a capacity for handling high-pressure, detail-intensive litigation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer Near Manassas Park
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing federal charges in Manassas Park and the surrounding Northern Virginia region, accessible via Route 28, Route 234, and I-66. We provide representation for individuals and businesses in Manassas Park and neighboring communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
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. It applies to U.S. companies, citizens, residents, and certain foreign entities listed on U.S. stock exchanges.
Who enforces the FCPA?
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jointly enforce the FCPA. The DOJ handles criminal and some civil enforcement, while the SEC handles civil enforcement of the accounting provisions against issuers.
What are the penalties for an FCPA violation?
Penalties are severe. Corporations face multi-million dollar fines. Individuals face criminal fines up to $100,000, civil penalties, and imprisonment for up to 5 years for anti-bribery violations, and up to 20 years for accounting violations.
What should I do if my company is under FCPA investigation?
Immediately consult with an experienced FCPA violation defense lawyer Manassas Park. Do not communicate with investigators without counsel. Your attorney will guide you on conducting an internal investigation and engaging with the DOJ or SEC.
Are there any defenses to FCPA charges?
Yes. Defenses can include proving the payment was lawful (e.g., a facilitation payment for routine government action), demonstrating a lack of corrupt intent, or invoking the local law defense where the payment was legal in the foreign country.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing federal charges, you may also want to learn about federal criminal defense in Virginia. For other legal needs in Manassas Park, consider our services for business law or civil litigation.
Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation regarding your specific situation.
If you want to see how a Manassas Park case fits into the wider process, our page on foreign corrupt practices act FCPA violations lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.