False Claims charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 (criminal) and 31 U.S.C. § 3729 (civil) carry up to 5 years in federal prison and treble damages; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Arlington County, VA.
False Claims Lawyer in Arlington County, Virginia
The Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729) prohibits knowingly presenting a false or fraudulent claim for payment to the U.S. government. Criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 287 include up to 5 years in federal prison. Civil penalties include treble damages and per-claim fines. These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), which has a reputation for aggressive prosecution. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. Department of Justice — official site
For the full text of the False Claims Act, see 31 U.S.C. § 3729 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For criminal penalties, see 18 U.S.C. § 287 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue False Claims cases with a focus on healthcare fraud, government contracting fraud, and grant fraud. We have observed that early engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office can sometimes lead to more favorable pre-indictment resolutions.
- Do not speak to investigators or agents without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents, emails, and records related to the alleged claim.
- Contact a federal false claims defense lawyer Arlington County immediately.
- Review the specific allegations and potential defenses with your lawyer.
- Prepare for federal court proceedings, including initial appearance and arraignment.
- Consider pre-indictment resolution strategies, such as proffers or cooperation.
In Arlington County, False Claims under federal law carries up to 5 years in prison and treble damages.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal False Claims (18 U.S.C. § 287) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | Potential loss of professional licenses | Restitution, supervised release, exclusion from federal programs |
| Civil False Claims (31 U.S.C. § 3729) | Civil Violation | None | Treble damages + $11,000–$23,000 per claim | Potential debarment from government contracting | Exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, reputational harm |
Results may vary.
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
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented results in Arlington County: 22 dismissed or not guilty, 93 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Arlington is approximately 1 mile from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division), with access via I-395 and Route 50. We serve as a federal false claims defense lawyer near Arlington County. Serving the communities of Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (703) 589-9250 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About False Claims in Arlington County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Arlington County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against false claims charges?
Defense strategies for false claims in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 287 to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing false claims charges in Virginia?
If facing false claims charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Learn more about our services: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia (state hub). Explore related pages: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Alexandria. Also see: DUI Defense Lawyer Arlington County and Burglary Lawyer Arlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-29.