False Claims lawyer New Jersey, NJ
Federal false claims charges—prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 287 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey—carry serious consequences, including a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, steep fines, and restitution. These cases arise when the government alleges that a person or entity knowingly presented a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to a federal agency. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, working with agencies such as the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and HHS-OIG, builds methodical, document-intensive prosecutions. If you are facing an inquiry or an indictment, early involvement of experienced federal defense counsel is critical. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in federal false claims matters throughout New Jersey. To schedule a confidential consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carries a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 287.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
What Federal False Claims Charges Mean in New Jersey
When the federal government alleges a false claim, the case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has courthouses in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. The Assistant U.S. Attorneys who handle these matters are supported by federal investigative agencies with significant resources. Because federal sentencing guidelines apply and there is no parole in the federal system, the stakes are high from the moment an investigation begins.
The criminal false claims statute, 18 U.S.C. § 287, makes it a felony to present a claim to the United States—or to any department or agency—knowing it to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent. The government must prove that the defendant acted with intent to defraud. This distinguishes criminal false claims from civil False Claims Act cases under 31 U.S.C. § 3729, which are brought by the government or private qui tam relators and can result in treble damages and per-claim civil penalties. In the criminal context, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey has pursued false claims cases involving health care fraud, defense contracting, grant applications, and other federally funded programs. A federal indictment can also lead to asset forfeiture, restitution orders, and lengthy supervised release.
The New Jersey federal courts follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the local rules of the District of New Jersey. Pretrial motion practice, discovery obligations, and sentencing procedures are governed by federal law. Because federal cases typically move on a schedule set by the Speedy Trial Act, quick action by defense counsel is essential to preserve options. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. assists clients at every stage—from grand jury investigations through pretrial release, plea negotiations, and, if necessary, trial.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal False Claims Cases
Defending a federal false claims prosecution requires careful analysis of the government’s evidence, a thorough understanding of the relevant statutory elements, and a strategy tailored to the client’s circumstances. The firm begins by reviewing the indictment or target letter to identify whether the government can prove each essential element: that the defendant made or presented a claim to the United States, that the claim was false, fictitious, or fraudulent, and that the defendant knew of its falsity.
In many cases, the government relies on thousands of pages of documents—billing records, emails, contracts, and agency correspondence. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review this material to find inconsistencies, gaps in proof, or evidence that the claim had a legitimate basis. They also examine whether the government’s investigative techniques complied with constitutional and statutory requirements. Pretrial motions may challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, seek to suppress evidence, or request disclosure of exculpatory material under Brady v. Maryland. When appropriate, the firm engages in discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to explore the possibility of a pretrial resolution, always with the client’s informed consent. If a case proceeds to trial, the firm prepares vigorously, presenting a defense that holds the government to its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings firsthand knowledge of how the government builds and presents its cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and represents clients in federal criminal matters throughout those jurisdictions.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Results may vary. The Of Counsel attorneys—independent lawyers who work with the firm on complex federal cases—contribute backgrounds that include prior government service and deep litigation experience. Working together, Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys develop defense strategies that account for the unique procedural and evidentiary demands of federal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 18 U.S.C. § 287 and how does it apply in New Jersey?
18 U.S.C. § 287 is the federal criminal statute that makes it a felony to knowingly present a false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim to the United States government. In New Jersey, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has courthouses in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. The government must prove the defendant presented the claim with intent to defraud. Investigations often involve the FBI, IRS-CI, or other federal agencies, and the stakes include potential incarceration, fines, and restitution.
What are the penalties for a false claims conviction under federal law?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 287 carries a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment, along with fines, restitution, and a term of supervised release. The actual sentence imposed depends on the federal sentencing guidelines, the amount of loss attributed to the conduct, and the defendant’s criminal history. In addition, a conviction may trigger collateral consequences, including professional license revocation, exclusion from federal programs, and damage to reputation.
What should I do if I am under investigation for false claims in New Jersey?
If you learn of a federal investigation for false claims, retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak to law enforcement without counsel present. Agents may seek to interview you before an indictment is returned. Anything you say can be used against you. Early legal representation allows counsel to communicate with investigators on your behalf, preserve evidence, and assess whether a pre-indictment resolution is possible. Contact Mr. Sris at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
How does a New Jersey federal false claims lawyer defend against these charges?
Defense strategies in federal false claims cases often involve challenging the materiality and falsity of the claim, examining the government’s proof of intent, and pursuing pretrial motions or plea negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Counsel may argue that the claim was truthful or based on a reasonable interpretation of complex regulations. Where the evidence of intent is weak, the defense can focus on government overreach or lack of knowledge. In some cases, cooperation and early acceptance of responsibility can lead to a more favorable resolution.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal false claims investigation in New Jersey?
Yes. Federal false claims investigations involve complex statutory elements, extensive documentary evidence, and significant penalties; representation by counsel at the earliest possible stage is critical to protecting your rights and building a defense. Even before charges are filed, a lawyer can intervene to challenge subpoenas, engage with prosecutors, and explain the legal landscape. Because federal prosecutors often have months or years to build their case, having defense counsel involved from the outset helps level the playing field.
What is the difference between criminal and civil false claims?
The criminal false claims statute, 18 U.S.C. § 287, punishes intentional fraud against the government with imprisonment, while the civil False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, imposes treble damages and per-claim civil penalties. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt and are brought by the government. Civil cases may be initiated by private whistleblowers (qui tam relators) on behalf of the government and require a lower standard of proof. A person can face both criminal and civil exposure for the same underlying conduct, making comprehensive legal guidance essential.
Federal False Claims lawyer pages in New Jersey:
Federal Criminal Lawyer Hunterdon County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Somerset County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Morris County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Monmouth County
Official resources:
18 U.S.C. § 287 (criminal false claims) |
31 U.S.C. § 3729 (civil False Claims Act) |
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
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