False Claims charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 are federal offenses that carry up to 5 years in prison and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Henrico County, VA. Our firm, founded by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides dedicated representation for those facing federal false claims allegations.
False Claims Lawyer in Henrico County, Virginia
The federal False Claims Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 287 (criminal) and 31 U.S.C. § 3729 (civil), prohibits knowingly presenting a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval to the United States government. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years, criminal fines, and restitution. Civil penalties under 31 U.S.C. § 3729 include treble damages and per-claim fines. These cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which has jurisdiction over Henrico County. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every federal false claims defense case.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 287
For official statutory text, refer to: 18 U.S.C. § 287 (Cornell LII — official site) and U.S. Department of Justice — False Claims Act (justice.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue False Claims Act cases with aggressive timelines. The Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest and trial within 70 days of indictment, though excludable delays often apply.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents and evidence related to the claims.
- Contact a federal false claims defense lawyer immediately.
- Understand the charges and potential penalties under 18 U.S.C. § 287.
- Develop a defense strategy with your attorney.
- Prepare for possible negotiation or trial in federal court.
In Henrico County, federal false claims charges under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carry up to 5 years in prison, criminal fines, and restitution, with civil penalties including treble damages under 31 U.S.C. § 3729.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| False Claims (Criminal — 18 U.S.C. § 287) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | Federal contracting debarment | Restitution, supervised release, loss of professional licenses |
| False Claims (Civil — 31 U.S.C. § 3729) | Civil Violation | None | Treble damages + $5,500–$11,000 per claim | Federal contracting debarment | Exclusion from federal programs, reputational harm |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our firm, Advocacy Without Borders, has extensive experience handling federal criminal defense matters, including False Claims Act cases, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 21 documented results in Henrico County: 17 dismissed or not guilty, 4 reduced or amended — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results include cases in traffic, other criminal, and sex crimes matters. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 10 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-64 and I-95. We serve as a False Claims lawyer near Henrico County. Serving the communities of Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and Mechanicsville (partial). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond, 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About False Claims Defense in Henrico 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. Cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under the Federal Criminal Code (18 U.S.C.).
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
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.
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Henrico 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.
Federal sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category.
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.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
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.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia hub page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Alexandria pages useful. For related practice areas, see our Assault Lawyer Henrico County and DUI Lawyer Henrico County pages.
Last updated: 2026-04-29