False Claims Act Criminal Defense

False Claims Act lawyersThe plan of attack for top Federal False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys (FCA) should be to get an investigation thrown out and or your case dismissed. The realistic approach is to immediately start working with federal prosecutors, get an understanding of the root problem and only then can a feasible negotiation begin. 

Getting notice of an FCA investigation can immediately impact the company’s progress and success, while your representation could be also at risk.

Our Federal False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers (Investigation and Defense) assist healthcare professionals, government contractors and businesses nationwide to avoid costly outcomes while minimizing the catastrophic impact on the company. 

NATIONWIDE HELP FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS, CLIENTS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY, CORPORATIONS AND CEO’S INVOLVED IN A FALSE CLAIMS ACT INVESTIGATION OR TRIAL.

What is the Federal False Claims Act?

The Department of Justice ( DOJ), Offices of Inspector General (OIG), and various federal law enforcement agencies investigate and litigate federal False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits under 31 USC 3729 and 31 USC 3733.

The Federal False Claims Act is used as the civil or criminal tool used by federal law enforcement agencies to seek out individuals or businesses that directly or indirectly contract with the federal government and are paid for services. Similar to government contract False Claims Act cases, health companies are also targeted for imposing liability for any person or business that “knowingly” submits or causes to be submitted a false or fraudulent claim with intent to secure payment or approval from the federal government.

When prosecutors go after the requirement for a “knowing submission of a false or fraudulent claim” this means that you can have either actual knowledge or they can provide that you failed to conduct due diligence (should have known.). Our goal as False Claims Act lawyers is to disprove that you did everything reasonable to not be charged. 

What Are False Claims Act Penalties?

You can face both civil and criminal penalties under the FCA. Sometimes you can have a civil case that can also start a criminal case.  The following is a baseline structure of False Claims Act penalties.

  • Civil Liability: Triple damages and a penalty of up to $ 11,000 per claim if you knowingly submit or cause the submission of a false or fraudulent claim to the United States.
  • Criminal Liability (18 USC 287): Healthcare providers who intentionally present fraudulent claims to the government for reimbursement with the knowledge that such claims were false, fictitious, or fraudulent are exposed to five-year imprisonment and a fine of $ 250,000 (individuals) or $ 500,000 (companies) for federal felony convictions and $ 100,000 (individuals) or $ 200,000 (companies) for misdemeanor convictions— for each claim.

False Claims Act Investigations, Litigation and Enforcement

Watson & Associates, LLC is a boutique-size law firm that aggressively represents individuals, government contractor, or healthcare professionals facing charges of government fraud enforcement investigations and actions under the federal False Claims Act (civil and criminal). When the stakes are high, clients call on Watson & Associates,  LLC federal False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers for assistance upon receiving a Civil Investigative Demand, subpoena or complaint naming them in federal False Claims Act defense investigations or lawsuits.

Some FCA investigations start with a civil investigative demand (CID) from the DOJ or OIG. Other times, you may receive a DOJ subpoena in a criminal case for FCA allegations. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

None of these interactions are good. Nevertheless, you can effectively deal with them when you have the right False Claims Act lawyers on your team.

The goal is to defuse and prevent attempts to defraud the federal government. The CFA states that any person knowingly submitting a false claim to the government is liable for treble damages plus a penalty.

Government Contractor Federal False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Watson & Associates LLC represents a diverse government contracting clientele, including individuals and companies from various industries. As FCA fraud case attorneys, we help with False claims act defense investigations and cases related to fraud under the Act.

This includes accusations of breaking the law in areas like procurement and kickbacks. These cases are brought by the US government or whistleblowers. Using our lawyers’ government contracting experience, we have a good record of helping clients with False Claims Act matters.

Our False Claims Act lawyers offer comprehensive counsel to clients at every phase of an FCA civil proceeding. This includes the important investigation phase when the qui tam case is kept secret until the trial and appeal.

Types of FCA Defense Cases

Our team knows a lot about healthcare and government contracts law. We are also good at dealing with FCA challenges. This helps us come up with legal strategies to reduce FCA liabilities. Our FCA criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending False Claims Act defense cases, providing valuable advice throughout the investigation, litigation, and settlement process.

  • Construction
  • Healthcare and Medical
  • Engineering
  • Service Contractors
  • Manufacturers and Resellers
  • Trade Agreements Act
  • Buy American Act
  • Federal Small Business Programs
  • Kickbacks
  • Truth in Negotiations Act False Claims 
  • Procurement Integrity Act
  • False Claims Act & Qui Tam Defense

False Claims Act Attorneys and Anti-kickback Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers. Call Today for a Free Initial Consultation (Confidential) at 1.866.601.5518. 

 False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys – Responding to Subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands

We understand the importance of responding accurately and timely to False Claims Act investigation subpoenas and civil investigative demands. Watson &. Associates is well-positioned to help you respond to such requests, including providing legal advice on privilege, relevance, and scope issues. As Federal False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys, we can also assist with document production and witness preparation. 

We work closely with our clients to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. By collaborating with your team and utilizing our deep knowledge base in this area, we strive to provide an efficient response that achieves the best result for your business.  Our mission, as false claims act investigation attorneys, is to protect your interests while ensuring full compliance with Healthcare fraud or government contract procurement False Claims Act investigation requirements.  

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

Aggressive False Claims Act Defense Attorneys for Healthcare Fraud Investigation Cases Nationwide

When you retain our law office, the first plan of attack is to immediately contact federal lawyers to establish a rapport and to focus on minimizing the likelihood of trial. With our client’s decision makers being heavily involved in the process, our health care False Claims Act defense lawyers clients focus on planning and execution for the minimum impact. 

A trial should be the last resort. However, when there is already a grand jury indictment, avoiding trial can be more of a challenge.  Our False Claims Act lawyers understand that being convicted by a jury is the last thing any client wants.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

Health care fraud defense government contractor defense, white collar litigation and appeal counsel

Practice Lead

Call our qui tam defense lawyer FCA defense attorneys today for a Free Initial Consultation at 1.866.601.5518.

Speak Directly to Theodore Watson. Top False Claims Act defense attorney for small businesses and large corporations nationwide.

Nationwide False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Our federal False Claims Act Lawyers can provide legal defense in most states including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Call us at 1.866.601.5518 and speak to Theodore Watson

How Our False Claims Act Defense Lawyers Can Help

Watson & Associates’ Federal False Claims Act lawyers and criminal defense attorneysare experienced legal professionals who can provide valuable assistance to individuals or entities facing allegations or litigation under the FCA. These lawyers know a lot about FCA cases and understand the laws and rules about government contracts and fraud.

They can offer comprehensive legal representation and strategic defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We help with False Claims Act investigations, responding to Civil Investigative Demands and subpoenas and criminal defense in even high profile cases.

Watson & Associates’ healthcare False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers and FCA criminal defense attorneys can thoroughly investigate the allegations and evidence presented against their clients. They will analyze the facts and review contracts, invoices, and other relevant documents to build a strong defense. They know much about the FCA and how courts and government agencies interpret it. This helps them find problems in the government’s case.

IF YOU'RE READY TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY BOOK A CALL HERE

If you seek legal representation for a FCA case involving a federal contract, contact Watson & Associates LLC toll-free at 1.866.601.5518. Speak to. Theodore P. Watson, False Claims Act Lawyer and Practice Leader.