Export Control Violations lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for an export control violations lawyer near you, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced federal criminal defense representation for individuals and businesses facing allegations of unlawful export activity. Our firm represents clients in U.S. District Courts across the country, and we maintain locations in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, works alongside experienced Of Counsel attorneys to defend federal criminal cases. Federal export control investigations are often conducted by agencies such as the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and can involve complex regulatory and criminal exposure. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a defense attorney qualified to handle federal matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Are Export Control Violations?
Federal export control violations occur when individuals or entities export goods, technology, or services subject to U.S. Export laws without the required authorization. Federal criminal export control cases are prosecuted in U.S. District Court. The federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. Conviction rates for federal criminal cases generally exceed 90 percent, according to published data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. The statutes involved include the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and provisions of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Violations can arise from the improper transfer of defense articles, dual‑use technology, or embargoed‑country transactions. Even negligent conduct—such as failure to screen end‑users or misclassifying items on a Shipper’s Export Declaration—can result in felony charges. Given the severe consequences, engaging experienced counsel at the earliest possible stage is critical.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Export Control Defense
Federal export control defense requires a thorough understanding of both the substantive regulatory framework and federal criminal procedure. Our approach begins with an immediate evaluation of the investigation—whether a grand jury subpoena, a corporate compliance audit, or a voluntary disclosure has triggered the government’s interest. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys then conduct an independent factual review, often working with forensic accountants and technology attorney to trace the movement of goods, the classification of items, and the chain of communications.
Pretrial litigation may involve motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches, challenges to the sufficiency of the indictment, and engagement with agency counsel to correct misclassifications. In many cases, the defense focuses on mitigation: demonstrating the absence of willful intent, quantifying actual harm, or presenting the client’s cooperation as a basis for a departure under the federal sentencing guidelines. Trial preparation includes identifying expert witnesses in export licensing, classification, and industry practice. Throughout the process, we keep the client informed and work to achieve the most favorable resolution possible under the circumstances. Because every case is unique, the timeline and strategy depend on the specific facts and the court’s calendar.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., established the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings firsthand insight into how the government builds criminal cases. His background includes accounting and information systems—a practical advantage in export control matters that often involve complex financial records and electronic evidence. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who collaborate with Mr. Sris on federal criminal matters; each attorney has over a decade of practice experience. Together, the defense team approaches every case with thorough preparation and a commitment to protecting the client’s rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an export control violation?
An export control violation occurs when a person or business exports goods, technology, or services subject to U.S. Export restrictions without the required license or authorization. These violations are governed by several federal statutes and regulations, including the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Even unwitting mistakes—such as shipping a restricted item to a foreign recipient without proper screening—can lead to a criminal investigation. The Department of Justice prosecutes these cases, often working with agencies like BIS, OFAC, and DDTC. A conviction can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, and the loss of export privileges.
What federal agencies investigate export control violations?
The primary investigative agencies for export control violations are the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), often in coordination with the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). BIS enforces the EAR, which covers dual‑use items and certain military commodities. OFAC administers economic sanctions and embargoes, and DDTC oversees the ITAR and the United States Munitions List. These agencies have broad authority to issue subpoenas, conduct audits, and refer cases for criminal prosecution. If you are contacted by any of these agencies, you should consult an attorney before providing any information.
Do I need a lawyer if I am being investigated for an export violation?
Yes. If you are under investigation for an export control violation, you should retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Federal investigators often execute search warrants, issue grand jury subpoenas, and seek interviews before charges are filed. Anything you say can be used against you in a criminal proceeding, and the government will use that information to build its case. An attorney can help you protect your rights, manage communications with investigators, and begin preparing a defense before an indictment is returned. Early representation can also influence the scope of the investigation and open avenues for resolving the matter without a trial.
What are the potential penalties for an export control violation?
Penalties for a federal export control conviction depend on the specific statute charged, the value of the items involved, and the defendant’s criminal history. Sentences may include a term of imprisonment—potentially lengthy under the federal sentencing guidelines—substantial fines, supervised release, and forfeiture of assets. There is no parole in the federal system, meaning an individual must serve the majority of the imposed sentence. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can result in debarment from future government contracts and the loss of export licenses. Because the guidelines are advisory, the court has discretion to consider mitigating factors presented by defense counsel.
How does a defense attorney challenge export control charges?
A defense attorney challenges export control charges by examining the government’s evidence, identifying jurisdictional and procedural defects, and presenting legal and factual defenses. Common strategies include challenging whether the government can prove the defendant knew the goods were controlled, contesting the classification of the items under the EAR or ITAR, and arguing that the export fell within a license exemption. Counsel may also file motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or to dismiss an indictment that fails to state an offense. In negotiations with the prosecutor, the attorney can seek a reduction of charges or a favorable plea agreement based on cooperation or mitigating circumstances.
Can export control charges be dropped before trial?
Export control charges can be dismissed before trial if the government’s evidence is insufficient or if a motion to dismiss the indictment is granted. For example, if the government cannot establish that the defendant’s conduct fell within the scope of the charged statute—such as failing to prove that the item was on the United States Munitions List—the court may dismiss the case. Procedural violations, such as a violation of the Speedy Trial Act or prosecutorial misconduct, can also lead to dismissal. While not every case will be dismissed, early pre‑trial motion practice is a critical component of an active defense strategy. Each case depends on its specific facts.
How long does a federal export control case take?
The length of a federal export control case varies widely and depends on the complexity of the investigation, the number of defendants, and the court’s docket. Some cases reach a resolution within several months through a plea agreement, while others that proceed to trial may take a year or longer. The Speedy Trial Act requires that trial begin within 70 days of the indictment, unless certain excludable delays apply. However, the parties often agree to extend pretrial deadlines to allow for thorough discovery and motion practice. Your attorney can provide an estimate based on the specific circumstances of your case, but no fixed timeline can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What should I do if I receive a grand jury subpoena in an export investigation?
If you receive a grand jury subpoena, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the matter with anyone except your lawyer. A grand jury subpoena demands testimony or documents and is issued as part of a criminal investigation. You have rights regarding the production of privileged or unduly burdensome material, and an attorney can negotiate the scope of the subpoena and, in some cases, seek to quash it. Refusing to comply without legal basis can result in contempt charges. Proceeding without counsel risks inadvertent waiver of the Fifth Amendment privilege and other protections. By appointment only, call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
How does the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) affect criminal charges?
ITAR, administered by DDTC, controls the export of defense articles and services on the United States Munitions List, and violations can be prosecuted as federal felonies under the Arms Export Control Act. ITAR applies to items that are inherently military in nature or have significant military applications. Even technical data shared via email with a foreign national can trigger ITAR requirements if the data relates to defense articles. Criminal charges under ITAR often involve allegations of willful export without a license or false statements on export control documents. The penalties can be severe, and because ITAR coverage is fact‑specific, a defense often centers on classification and intent.
Where can I find an export control violations lawyer near me?
You can find an export control violations lawyer near you by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Our attorneys represent clients in federal courts nationwide. We have locations in Virginia (including our Fairfax location), Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia, and we can schedule consultations in person or remotely. If your case is pending in a U.S. District Court outside these areas, we can still appear on your behalf. Call us to request a consultation and discuss the specifics of your matter.
For more information, visit our federal criminal defense practice pages: Virginia Federal Criminal Defense | Maryland Federal Criminal Defense | Washington, D.C. Federal Criminal Defense | New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense | New York Federal Criminal Defense
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