Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violations carry severe federal penalties under 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1, including up to 20 years imprisonment and $5 million fines per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Virginia can build your defense strategy.
What Is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)?
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, codified at 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 et seq., prohibits U.S. companies and individuals from making corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or retain business. The statute also requires issuers of securities to maintain accurate books and records. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Virginia understands the federal enforcement field. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jointly enforce the FCPA. Violations can be charged as criminal offenses or pursued through civil enforcement actions. The law applies to any U.S. person, company, or agent acting on their behalf, regardless of where the conduct occurs.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 (official U.S. Code)
Governing Laws and Court Resources
The FCPA is enforced through federal criminal statutes. Key resources include:
- 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 (Anti-Bribery Provisions) — official U.S. Code
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge: FCPA Defense in Virginia Federal Courts
Federal FCPA cases in Virginia are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), known as the “rocket docket” for its fast trial schedules. The EDVA has a reputation for aggressive prosecution of white-collar crimes, including foreign bribery charges.
- Step 1: Contact a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Virginia immediately if you receive a subpoena or target letter.
- Step 2: Preserve all documents and communications related to foreign transactions — do not alter or destroy any records.
- Step 3: Your attorney will conduct an internal investigation to identify potential defenses and factual issues.
- Step 4: Your legal team will negotiate with DOJ and SEC attorneys regarding potential resolution, including declination, deferred prosecution, or plea agreement.
- Step 5: If charges are filed, your attorney will prepare a defense strategy for federal court proceedings in EDVA or WDVA.
In Virginia federal courts, FCPA violations carry substantial penalties under 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 and 18 U.S.C. § 3571.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCPA Anti-Bribery (Criminal) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $5 million (individuals) or $25 million (entities) | Debarment from government contracts; SEC sanctions | Disgorgement of profits; civil penalties; SEC cease-and-desist orders |
| FCPA Books & Records (Civil) | Civil Violation | N/A | Civil penalties up to $100,000+ | SEC reporting obligations affected | Injunctive relief; disgorgement; corporate monitorship |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for FCPA Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in complex financial cases like FCPA violations. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ documented results with 93%+ favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges in federal criminal matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Fairfax Location
Distance: Our Fairfax location is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), accessible via I-495 and I-395.
Near-me: FCPA violation defense lawyer near Fairfax, Virginia.
Neighborhoods Served: Fairfax, Arlington, Reston, Herndon, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Centreville, Chantilly, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church, Manassas, Woodbridge, Leesburg, Ashburn, Warrenton, Stafford, Fredericksburg.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About FCPA Violations in Virginia
What is a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA violation?
Yes. An FCPA violation occurs when a U.S. person or company offers, pays, or promises anything of value to a foreign official to influence a business decision.
It depends on the specific conduct. The FCPA prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records. A Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Virginia can evaluate your situation.
What are the penalties for an FCPA violation in Virginia federal court?
Up to 20 years imprisonment and $5 million fines per count for individuals, plus debarment from government contracts and SEC sanctions.
Penalties depend on the nature of the violation, whether criminal or civil, and the specific facts of the case. A foreign bribery charge lawyer Virginia can explain the potential consequences.
Do I need a lawyer if I receive a subpoena related to an FCPA investigation?
Yes. You should contact a lawyer immediately upon receiving a subpoena or target letter from DOJ or SEC.
Early legal representation can protect your rights and help you handle the investigation process. An FCPA violation defense lawyer Virginia can advise you on how to respond.
Can the FCPA apply to conduct that occurs entirely outside the United States?
Yes. The FCPA applies to U.S. persons, companies, and their agents regardless of where the conduct occurs.
The law has extraterritorial reach, meaning foreign conduct by U.S. entities can still lead to prosecution in Virginia federal courts.
What should I do if my company is under FCPA investigation?
Preserve all documents, do not destroy evidence, and contact a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Virginia immediately.
Your attorney can conduct an internal investigation, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a defense strategy case-specific to your case.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.