Foreign Corrupt Practices Act FCPA Violations lawyer Culpeper County: Federal charges under the FCPA (15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1) carry severe penalties. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide results. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads federal criminal defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Culpeper County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Statutory Definition of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), codified at 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1, prohibits U.S. persons and businesses from bribing foreign officials to obtain or retain business. This federal statute applies to issuers, domestic concerns, and certain foreign entities acting within U.S. territory. Violations include corrupt payments, promises, or authorizations of anything of value to influence official acts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforce the FCPA aggressively, targeting both individuals and corporations. A conviction can result in substantial fines, imprisonment, and collateral consequences such as debarment from government contracts. The statute also requires companies to maintain accurate books and records and implement internal accounting controls. Understanding the precise scope of prohibited conduct is critical for mounting a defense.
External Citation Links
Review the official statute: 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1 (FCPA). For federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Secure legal representation immediately upon learning of an investigation or subpoena.
- Preserve all relevant documents and communications; do not alter or destroy evidence.
- Do not discuss the matter with colleagues or third parties without counsel present.
- Respond to grand jury subpoenas or SEC requests through your attorney only.
- Evaluate potential defenses, including lack of corrupt intent or compliance program adequacy.
- Prepare for potential plea negotiations or trial strategy with your legal team.
In Culpeper County, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations carry federal penalties including up to 5 years imprisonment per count and fines up to $250,000 for individuals.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCPA Bribery (Individual) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years per count | Up to $250,000 per count | Potential debarment from federal contracts | SEC disgorgement, professional license revocation |
| FCPA Bribery (Corporation) | Federal Felony | N/A | Up to $2 million per count | Debarment from government contracts | Monitorship, compliance overhaul, reputational harm |
| Books and Records Violations | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $5 million | Potential SEC sanctions | Disgorgement, civil penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. No verifiable case result is available for this jurisdiction/topic.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be charged under the FCPA for conduct outside the U.S.?
Yes. The FCPA has extraterritorial reach, applying to U.S. companies, citizens, and certain foreign entities acting in furtherance of a corrupt payment while in U.S. territory. The DOJ and SEC actively pursue cross-border violations.
Q: What is the difference between FCPA bribery and books/records violations?
FCPA bribery involves corrupt payments to foreign officials. Books and records violations relate to inaccurate accounting or failure to maintain internal controls. Both carry severe penalties and are often charged together.
Q: Is there a defense for having a compliance program?
Yes. A strong compliance program can be a mitigating factor in sentencing and may influence prosecutorial discretion. However, it is not an absolute defense if bribery occurred. Early implementation is key.
Q: How long does a federal FCPA investigation typically take?
It depends. Investigations can last from several months to multiple years, depending on complexity, cooperation, and the number of parties involved. Early legal intervention can help manage timelines.
Q: Can I negotiate a settlement with the SEC instead of going to trial?
Yes. Many FCPA cases resolve through settlements with the SEC or DOJ, often involving fines, disgorgement, and compliance monitors. Negotiating a favorable settlement requires experienced federal counsel.