False Claims lawyer Maryland, MD
A letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office informing you that you are under investigation for submitting false claims to a federal agency can be terrifying. Suddenly, your career, finances, and freedom are on the line. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the stakes. With experience in federal criminal defense across Maryland, including the U.S. District Court in Baltimore and Greenbelt, they work to protect your rights from the earliest stage of a federal False Claims Act investigation or prosecution. Whether the inquiry involves Medicare or Medicaid billing, defense contractor invoices, or any other federally funded program, the firm’s multi-state practice gives them the insight to challenge complex government cases. If you are facing a federal false claims matter in Maryland, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What False Claims Means in Maryland
A federal false claims case in Maryland is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, frequently in coordination with federal investigative agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, or the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt, and both divisions handle False Claims Act prosecutions. Because these charges are federal—not state—they follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which differ substantially from Maryland’s state court system.
Many false claims investigations begin with a civil inquiry under the False Claims Act before escalating to a criminal referral. A contractor, health care provider, or individual may learn of the matter only when federal agents execute a search warrant or issue a grand jury subpoena. At that point, the assistance of defense counsel experienced in federal practice becomes critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear before magistrate judges and district judges in the Maryland federal courts, and they are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in both the Northern (Baltimore) and Southern (Greenbelt) Divisions.
From the firm’s Maryland location in Rockville, serving Montgomery County and the surrounding region, the firm’s attorneys travel to federal courthouses throughout the state. They represent clients from communities such as Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Ellicott City, Annapolis, Upper Marlboro, and Frederick. Whether your matter arises in Howard County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, or anywhere else in Maryland, the firm’s federal defense practice is built to respond.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle False Claims Cases
When a client first contacts the firm, the immediate priority is to understand the scope of the government’s investigation. The firm’s attorneys review any search warrant materials, target letters, or grand jury subpoenas and work to determine whether the government is pursuing civil recovery, criminal charges, or both. Early engagement can sometimes influence whether a matter remains civil or becomes a criminal prosecution.
The defense strategy in a false claims matter often involves a detailed review of voluminous financial and contractual records. The firm’s attorneys identify the specific claims the government alleges to be false, examine the underlying regulatory requirements, and assess whether any overpayment or billing discrepancy resulted from an honest mistake rather than intentional fraud. They also negotiate with federal prosecutors regarding charging decisions, potential pretrial diversion, or plea resolutions. Throughout, the firm prepares the case as if it will go to trial, ensuring that every legal and factual defense is preserved.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, he has concentrated a substantial portion of his practice on federal criminal defense. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are independent legal professionals who collaborate with Mr. Sris on federal cases. Their collective background in criminal law and federal litigation strengthens the firm’s ability to handle the most serious cases. For a consultation about a false claims matter in Maryland, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a federal false claims charge in Maryland?
A federal false claims charge typically arises under 18 U.S.C. § 287, which makes it a crime to present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to any department or agency of the United States. In Maryland, such cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, often after an investigation by a federal agency. The charge can apply to a wide range of programs—Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Defense contracts, and many others. A conviction carries significant consequences, and the federal sentencing guidelines play a substantial role in determining any term of imprisonment.
I received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. What should I do?
If you receive a target letter, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not discuss the matter with anyone except your counsel. The letter is an indication that the government is considering criminal charges, but it also provides an opportunity to present your side before an indictment is sought. An experienced attorney can communicate with the prosecutor and may be able to forestall charges or negotiate a resolution. Preserve all records and do not delete any communications or files.
Do I really need a lawyer for a false claims investigation, or can I handle it myself?
Yes, you need a lawyer. Federal false claims investigations can result in felony charges, substantial financial penalties, and imprisonment. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources, and the rules of procedure and evidence are strict. Self-representation, especially in a complex fraud case, places you at a severe disadvantage. An attorney can protect your rights during interviews, grand jury proceedings, and any subsequent trial or sentencing.
How long does a federal false claims case take in Maryland?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the investigation, the volume of records, and the court’s schedule. Investigations can last months or longer before an indictment is returned. Once charged, the case proceeds under the Speedy Trial Act, but pretrial motions and discovery can extend the process. The firm’s attorneys work to move the case forward efficiently while building the strong $1.
What makes your firm different when it comes to false claims cases in Maryland?
The firm’s federal defense practice is led by a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds its cases and litigates them actively when warranted. Combined with the skills of the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, that prosecutorial perspective helps the firm anticipate the prosecution’s strategy. Mr. Sris has practiced federal criminal law since 1997, and the firm appears regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Results may vary.
Additional resources: Montgomery County federal criminal defense | Prince George’s County federal criminal defense | Howard County federal criminal defense | Anne Arundel County federal criminal defense
Authoritative sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Department of Justice — False Claims Act
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.