California False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Watson & Associates, LLC False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys and Defense Lawyers Help You Avoid or Reduce the Chances of Jail Time or High Civil Fines in Federal False Claims Act Cases in California.

The Federal False Claims Act Can Be a Threat to Your Reputation and California Business

We Build a Legal Defense Team that Focuses on Getting Your Investigation Case Dismissed.

Your business is probably operating smoothly, delivering services, or providing healthcare to countless individuals. Suddenly, you’re hit with an investigation under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA) for either submitting false documents, submitting false billing, invoices or materials, or allegations of misrepresenting information to the government.

The Government’s suing for fraud isn’t just a bump in the road—it’s a threat to everything you’ve built. Your reputation, your business, and your livelihood are now under scrutiny. Federal investigators are combing through your records, and every transaction is being questioned. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we understand the gravity of this situation and that without a proper and swift defense strategy, you can be liable for fraud. Our experienced False Claims Act defense lawyers in California are here to protect your interests, defend your reputation, and secure your future.

FEDERAL PROCUREMENT | CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS | HEALTHCARE FRAUD | PPP LOAN DEFENSE | BUY AMERICAN ACT | TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT  | SUBPOENAS | QUI TAM DEFENSE | INDICTMENTS | FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIALS | WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE. | 31 USC 3729–3733.

Los Angeles, California

1800 Vine St,

Los Angeles, CA 90028

( Toll-Free) 1.866.601.5518 

(323) 580-5781

                                                                   

LOCATIONS: WASHINGTON DC;  DENVER, COLORADO; DUBAI; MIAMI FLORIDA ;LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA; US AND INTERNATIONAL REACH

False Claims Act and What You Need to Know

Suing for fraud under the False Claims Act, 31 USC 3729–3733,  is a powerful tool used by the federal government to combat fraud against it. But sometimes, this powerful tool can be wielded too broadly. The government doesn’t need to prove actual knowledge of wrongdoing—just that you “should have known.” This low threshold often leaves businesses, healthcare providers, and contractors vulnerable to severe penalties.

The stakes are high, and without seasoned False Claims Act defense lawyers, you may find yourself paying exorbitant fines or even facing jail time. Our attorneys are skilled in crafting defenses that focus on disproving intent and exposing the flaws in the government’s case.

• The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) applies to individuals, businesses, and federal government contractors who directly or indirectly are involved with a federal government contract, grant, healthcare program, PPP Loan, or other method of receiving payment or benefit from the government. 
• Federal prosecutors have to show that you knowingly submit or cause the submission of a false claim for payment or approval by the federal government. For government contractors, it could mean submitting an invoice for payment, submitting a bid, or even certifying information to be admitted into SBA small business programs. The False Act Act also applies to healthcare professionals and applicants for the SBA PPP loan.
• Federal prosecutors will present a case suggesting that, regardless of your legal defense, you should have known about the False Claim. Under the FCA, actual knowledge is not required.

Federal False Claims Act Penalties 

The penalties under the Federal False Claims Act are severe. Civil penalties can include treble damages (triple the amount of the fraudulent claim) and fines up to $11,000 per false claim. In criminal False Claims Act cases (18 USC 287):, the stakes are even higher, with potential imprisonment and fines reaching up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations per claim. Beyond financial penalties, you risk losing your professional license, government contracts, and, most importantly, your reputation. Our California False Claims Act defense lawyers work tirelessly to minimize these penalties, aiming for case dismissal or reduced fines.

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

Strategies for Effective Qui Tam False Claims Act Defense

• Thorough Investigation: We conduct an exhaustive internal investigation to uncover the facts that support your defense. This proactive approach can often weaken the government’s case before it gains momentum.
• Challenging the Whistleblower: In Qui Tam False Claims Act cases, the whistleblower’s credibility is crucial. We scrutinize the relator’s background and motives, often finding inconsistencies that undermine their claims.
• Expert Testimony: Complex cases often benefit from expert testimony to clarify industry standards and practices, helping to demonstrate that your actions were compliant and not liable for fraud or the result of an honest error.

Avoid These Mistakes in a Federal False Claims Act Case

1. Ignoring the Investigation: Hoping the issue will fade away only increases the risk. Federal prosecutors do not hesitate to escalate matters to trial.
2. Self-Representation: The complexities of Qui Tam False Claims Act cases require specialized legal expertise. Navigating the maze of federal laws on your own is risky.
3. Delaying Action: The longer you wait to mount a defense, the more the government builds its case. Early intervention by False Claims Act defense lawyers is critical.
4. Failing to Investigate Internally: An internal review is crucial to understand the full scope of what the government may have against you. A comprehensive investigation can uncover evidence that supports your defense.
5. If we don’t deal with the underlying alleged violations and let the prosecutor simply focus on the remaining False Claims Act charge – they win.

Watson’s California False Claims Act lawyers Serve Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland, and surrounding metro areas.

Who Are Our Clients?

When the federal government prosecutor and investigators come knocking on your door with False Claims Act civil investigative demand (CID) requests, subpoenas, or indictments, the stakes are high; our California False Claims Act defense lawyers can immediately step in and build an aggressive defense team when the federal government is suing for fraud. We represent clients that include: 

Legal Defense for Federal Government Contractors

FCA investigations can lead to catastrophic consequences for government contractors, including suspension, debarment, and the loss of lucrative government contracts. Our California False Claims Act defense lawyers have deep expertise in federal procurement laws and have successfully defended clients against allegations of violating the Trade Agreements Act and Buy American Act.

We focus on building a robust defense that discredits the government’s claims, often demonstrating that any violations were the result of honest mistakes, not intentional fraud. Our team knows how to navigate Federal False Claims Act Healthcare cases related to government contracts, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.

Federal False Claims Act Defense (Qui Tam) for Government Contracts Fraud in California

31 USC 3729 – 3733 Federal False Claims Act defense lawyer government contracts California: Small businesses and large defense contractors alike face extreme scrutiny when they provide construction or services to the federal government. When you receive a False Claims Act civil investigative demand from the DOJ or OIG, or some other law enforcement agency, our Federal California False Claims Act lawyers can help.

How to defend against government contracts fraud FCA California? We work with your key personnel to investigate the case, assess what the government is really after, and analyze the facts surrounding the allegations. We understand procurement laws and have also worked on the government’s side.

We represent various types of procurement clients, including:

• SBA 8(a) small. Businesses
• Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSB)
• SBA HUBZone Small businesses
• Prime Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Corporate CEOs
• Manufacturers
• Health Care Agencies
• Buy American Act (BAA compliance) fraud
• Trade Agreements Act False Claims defense
• Bid rigging
• False medical invoices and treatment
• FCA investigations

Corporate and Individual Legal Defense

• Medicare Fraud & Kickback Defense
• False Claims Act Cases
• Federal Fraud (Mail & Wire Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Bank Fraud, Tax Fraud etc.)
• Money Laundering
• Bribery & Public Corruption
• Federal Conspiracy
• Wire Fraud

Federal HealthCare Fraud False Claims Defense Attorneys

When our California healthcare fraud defense law firm represents providers in federal investigations. Our goal once retained is to immediately connect with prosecutors to see the issues presented and to see if you have a chance of making the case go away without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in criminal defense or going to trial.

When it comes to healthcare fraud False Claims Act cases in the California area, we form a team specifically to help you in your case and then we aggressively. push back.  The law firm FCA Lawyers works closely with you to assess legal defenses and weak and strong points in your case.

We put together a plan of action and share that with the CEOs and decision-makers. Our California criminal defense attorneys on our healthcare fraud defense team aim to get best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Federal California False Claims Act Lawyers Defending Healthcare Companies

In California, healthcare providers and companies are frequent targets of FCA investigations due to the complex regulatory environment.

Whether you are accused of Federal False Claims Act Healthcare violations, anti-kickback infractions, or fraudulent billing practices, our healthcare False Claims Act lawyers have the expertise to dismantle the government’s case.

We analyze every element, from compliance records to billing processes, to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Our primary goal is to protect your license, reputation, and business from the devastating impact of False Claims Act penalties.

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

California Buy American Act False Claims Act Fraud Defense?

Best lawyer for FCA government contracts fraud California: A federal government contractor in California can defraud the Government by knowingly providing goods that were procured in violation of the Buy American Act and the U.S. Trade Agreements Act, if the Government would not have purchased the goods from that contractor if it had known of the violations. Whistleblowers can help fight Buy American Act fraud by filing a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Watson & Associates offers Buy American False Claims Act lawyers in California who understand procurement laws and how the BAA applies to FCA cases. See 41 U.S.C.A. §10a-d. and FAR Part 25.

U.S. Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Government suppliers entering into Multiple Award Schedule GSA contracts to sell products to federal government purchasers under the Federal Supply Schedule must agree to comply with the U.S. Trade Agreements Act of 1979, 19 USC 2501, et. seq.

Under the terms of TAA compliance requirements, manufacturers, prime contractors, subcontractors, or vendors who sell foreign-made products to the United States Government are required only to sell such products that are made or “substantially transformed” in countries with reciprocal trade agreements with the United States. When those rules are violated, OIG or DOJ may initiate a False Claims Act case against you. This is where our California False Claims Act and Trade Agreements Act defense lawyers can help.

Protecting Corporations and CEOs Under 31 USC 3729–3733

Corporations and their executives are often the main targets in False Claims Act Whistleblower defense cases under 31 USC 3729–3733. As a CEO or executive, the risks are not just to your company but also to your career and personal freedom.

The government aims to make high-profile examples, but our False Claims Act defense lawyers focus on debunking the allegations, challenging the credibility of the Qui Tam False Claims Act whistleblowers, and exposing the government’s overreach. We build an aggressive defense strategy tailored to protect your interests, safeguard your assets, and clear your name.

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

Handling Civil Investigative Demands and Subpoenas in False Claims Act Investigations

When facing False Claims Act investigations, receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) or Subpoena from the federal government ( Department of Justice (DOJ) FBI, OIG) is often the first indication of a serious inquiry into your business practices.

A CID or Subpoena is a powerful tool that federal prosecutors use to gather evidence, requiring you to produce documents, written responses, or even testimony. Failure to comply or mishandling these requests can result in severe penalties and damage your defense.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our False Claims Act defense lawyers are well-versed in responding to CIDs and Subpoenas. We act swiftly to protect your interests, reviewing the demands, negotiating the scope, and ensuring that your responses are strategic and legally sound. By managing these complex demands effectively, we help to minimize your exposure and build a stronger case for your defense.

Department Practice Group Head, Theodore Watson, leading the False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud and  Government Contracts Practice Group, brings a unique perspective. He understands the various nuances and adeptly handles legal issues in the U.S. government space.

Your Legal Ally in US Federal Civil and Criminal Defense Cases

Our law firm provides proactive strategies to safeguard your rights and reputation, leveraging our understanding of the federal civil and criminal legal landscapes.

For legal support in healthcare fraud defense, and government contract fraud criminal defense, contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in California.

Choosing the Right Federal False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

When you’re facing a Federal False Claims Act Healthcare investigation or government contract fraud allegations in California, you’re not just looking for legal advice—you need a defense team with the experience and determination to fight for your interests. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our False Claims Act defense lawyers have the nuanced understanding of federal laws, healthcare regulations, and procurement processes necessary to build a robust defense. We focus on getting your case dismissed or achieving the most favorable outcome possible, with a dedicated strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC for False Claims Act Whistleblower Defense?

With a team of experienced False Claims Act defense lawyers, Watson & Associates, LLC is equipped to defend against both civil and criminal False Claims Act cases in California. We offer a personalized approach, understanding that each case is unique and requires a tailored defense strategy. Our track record speaks volumes—clients trust us to protect their business, their reputation, and their freedom. With locations in California and nationwide reach, we are ready to provide immediate legal support, guiding you through every stage of the FCA process.

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

Immediate Help for Federal False Claims Act Cases in California

Time is of the essence in Qui Tam False Claims Act cases. The earlier you involve an experienced legal team, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Call Watson’s California False Claims Act lawyers at 1.866.601.5518 for a Free Initial Consultation. Speak to Theodore Watson, Lead FCA Whistleblower defense lawyer. Your business, reputation, and freedom are on the line—let our law firm fight for you.