Kickbacks Lawyer Somerset County — Federal Bribery & Illegal Payment Defense
A federal kickback charge in Somerset County, NJ, is a serious felony under 18 U.S.C. § 666, carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines. As a kickbacks lawyer Somerset County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and businesses accused of illegal payment schemes. Our firm has handled complex federal financial cases across New Jersey.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | U.S. Code
Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 666, criminalizes the solicitation, offer, or acceptance of kickbacks involving programs that receive over $10,000 in federal funds annually. This statute covers a wide range of transactions, including those in healthcare, government contracting, and construction. A kickback is an illegal payment made to reward favorable treatment, distinct from a legal referral fee or commission. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecutes these cases, often involving agencies like the FBI, IRS, or HHS-OIG. Founded in 1997, our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, brings a background in accounting and information systems to dissect complex financial evidence in kickback scheme defense lawyer Somerset County cases.
Official Federal Statutes & Court Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 666 (Theft or bribery concerning programs receiving Federal funds)
- Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (FBI, IRS, HHS-OIG) may conduct interviews, execute search warrants, or issue subpoenas for records.
- Grand Jury Proceeding: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a secret grand jury in Newark or Camden to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will appear in U.S. District Court to hear charges and argue for pretrial release.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney reviews thousands of pages of evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation; if not, a trial before a federal judge or jury will occur.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider loss amount and role in the offense.
Federal Penalties for Kickback Violations
In Somerset County, a federal kickback conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 666 can result in up to 10 years in federal prison, fines of up to $250,000 for individuals, mandatory restitution, and permanent exclusion from federal healthcare or contracting programs.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kickback (18 U.S.C. § 666) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture, program exclusion, loss of professional license |
| Conspiracy to Commit Kickbacks (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above |
| Major Fraud Against U.S. (18 U.S.C. § 1031) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Enhanced penalties if loss exceeds $1 million |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally handles complex federal matters. His background in accounting and information systems provides a critical advantage in analyzing financial records and digital evidence central to illegal payment charge lawyer Somerset County representations.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm’s approach in federal cases focuses on challenging the intent and knowledge elements required for conviction. We scrutinize the flow of funds, contractual agreements, and communication records. In one federal matter, our pre-indictment advocacy led prosecutors to decline charges after we presented evidence refuting corrupt intent. Another case involved negotiating a resolution that avoided prison time for a professional accused of a regulatory violation. Each kickbacks lawyer Somerset County matter demands a case-specific defense strategy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Kickbacks Lawyer Near Somerset County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Somerset County and represents individuals in federal court. We are accessible from I-287, Route 22, and Route 206.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
We serve communities including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Federal Kickback Charges FAQ
What is considered a kickback under federal law?
Yes. A kickback is any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, or thing of value given or received to reward or induce favorable treatment in a transaction involving federal funds. It becomes illegal when the payment is tied to referrals or business generated from a federal program.
What is the difference between a kickback and a legal referral fee?
It depends on disclosure and intent. A legal referral fee is typically disclosed to all parties and is a share of a legally earned fee for introducing a client. A kickback is secret, intended to corrupt judgment, and is given for steering business that is paid for by a federal program, making it an illegal payment charge lawyer Somerset County clients face.
Can I go to jail for a kickback scheme in New Jersey?
Yes. Violations of 18 U.S.C. § 666 are felonies punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Sentences are guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which heavily weigh the dollar amount involved in the scheme.
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a kickback investigation?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Contact a kickback scheme defense lawyer Somerset County immediately. Do not discuss the case with colleagues or destroy any documents, as this can lead to separate obstruction charges.
What are common defenses against kickback charges?
Defenses may include lack of corrupt intent, that the payment was for legitimate services, absence of knowledge that the funds were federal, or entrapment. An effective defense requires a detailed analysis of contracts, communications, and financial records.
Internal Resources: For more on federal defense, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related issues in Somerset County, consider Somerset County Business Lawyer or Somerset County Civil Litigation Lawyer. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and approach.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.