Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Lawyer Prince Georges County — Federal Defense
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations are serious federal crimes prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, carrying severe penalties for individuals and corporations. If you or your business in Prince George’s County is under investigation for foreign bribery charges, securing experienced counsel is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland legislature
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) 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 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
External Legal Resources
For the official text of the FCPA, refer to the U.S. Department of Justice FCPA resource page. For federal court procedures in Maryland, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
- Initial Investigation: The DOJ or SEC may issue subpoenas, request documents, or seek interviews with employees.
- Internal Investigation: Counsel conducts an internal investigation to assess exposure and determine facts.
- Government Negotiations: Defense counsel engages with prosecutors to discuss potential resolutions, which may include a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) or non-prosecution agreement (NPA).
- Resolution or Litigation: The case is resolved through settlement or proceeds to trial in federal court.
- Compliance Remediation: Implementing enhanced compliance programs is often a condition of settlement.
Potential Penalties for FCPA Violations
For corporations and individuals in Prince George’s County facing FCPA charges, penalties can include massive fines, disgorgement of profits, and imprisonment.
| Violation | Entity Type | Maximum Criminal Fine | Maximum Imprisonment | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-Bribery | Corporation | $2,000,000 per violation | N/A | Disgorgement, SEC civil penalties, debarment |
| Anti-Bribery | Individual | $250,000 per violation | 5 years | SEC civil penalties, loss of professional licenses |
| Accounting Provisions | Corporation | $25,000,000 | N/A | SEC enforcement, compliance monitors |
| Accounting Provisions | Individual | $5,000,000 | 20 years | SEC bars from serving as officer/director |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Approach to FCPA Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a multi-disciplinary approach to defending Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations. Our firm-wide experience handling complex federal investigations allows us to develop defenses that may challenge the jurisdictional reach of the statute, the definition of a “foreign official,” or the adequacy of a company’s compliance program. We understand that a swift and thorough internal investigation is often the first step toward a favorable resolution.
Our team includes experienced counsel like Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who contributes valuable insight into prosecutorial strategies and case negotiation. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled thousands of documented case results.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Prince George’s County Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations Defense
Our Maryland office represents clients in Prince George’s County and across the state facing federal investigations. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: FCPA Defense
What constitutes a violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act?
Yes. A violation occurs when a U.S. person or entity corruptly offers, pays, promises, or authorizes payment to a foreign official to influence an official act to obtain or retain business. The FCPA also requires accurate record-keeping by issuers.
Can a company be held liable for the actions of a third-party agent under the FCPA?
Yes. Companies can face liability for acts of third parties, such as distributors or consultants, if they knew or were willfully blind to the fact that a bribe would be paid. This makes thorough due diligence on foreign partners essential for compliance.
What are the potential defenses to an FCPA violation charge?
Defenses may include arguing the payment was a lawful facilitation payment, demonstrating the recipient was not a “foreign official,” proving a lack of corrupt intent, or showing the company had adequate compliance procedures. Each defense depends on the case’s specific facts.
What is the difference between a DOJ and an SEC FCPA enforcement action?
The DOJ handles criminal enforcement against both companies and individuals. The SEC handles civil enforcement against issuers (publicly traded companies) and their officers, directors, and agents. The agencies often conduct parallel investigations.
Should I cooperate with a federal FCPA investigation?
It depends. Cooperation can be a factor in securing a more favorable outcome, but it must be managed carefully by counsel to avoid self-incrimination. An attorney can negotiate the scope and terms of cooperation with prosecutors.
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.