Illinois False Claims Act Lawyers

Illinois False Claims Act Defense Lawyers For Health Care Clients, Defense Contractors, Corporations and CEOs  Charged With Violations of the Federal False Claims Act

A False Claims Act investigation can be a life-altering experience for government contractors and healthcare providers in Illinois Facing accusations of fraud against the federal government could lead to severe penalties that threaten your career, your business, and your freedom.

The reality is that you did not intend to defraud the federal government. However, you have been served with a civil investigative demand (CID), or a subpoena requesting tons of documents or testimony.

What do you do? Have you been notified that you have been indicted by a grand jury? What do you do next? These are all real concerns and very nerve-racking ones. This is where our Illinois federal False Claims Act lawyers come in. We immediately take over and guide you down the path to get the best results available.

What Separates Us?

We simply do not represent clients because they have the resources to fight back (although this is important.) Instead, we meticulously get to the bottom line and we would only go to the next step if we believe that we can truly help our clients. It can be to get a case dismissed, reach a fair settlement ( when the government has overwhelming evidence against you) or some result that you are comfortable with. 

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

Facing a False Claims Act Investigation in Illinois or Facing Criminal Charges? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you are accused of defrauding the federal government through false claims, it’s essential to act quickly and strategically. One of your top concerns is likely to be how this will impact your reputation and financial stability. Our Illinois False Claims Act defense Lawyers help clients navigate the complex legal landscape of federal investigations, working to protect their livelihoods and secure favorable outcomes.

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Time is of the Essence

In these situations, time is of the essence. Federal agencies like the DOJ or OIG may already be building a case against you, which is why you need to know what actions to take—and avoid—immediately. The first mistake many clients make is speaking with federal investigators without the presence of their attorney. This can lead to unintended self-incrimination or misunderstandings. Our Qui Tam Defense Attorneys advise you not to engage in any communications with investigators until you have sought legal counsel. Remember, anything you say can be used against you, so your first step should be to consult with experienced legal professionals who can guide your response.

Uncertainty

One of the most significant pain points for those facing a False Claims Act investigation is the overwhelming uncertainty. You might wonder, “Will I lose my business? Will I face jail time?” These are critical concerns, but rest assured that not every investigation leads to criminal charges or extreme penalties. Our team of Qui Tam Defense Attorneys is adept at building robust defenses, from questioning the intent behind the alleged false claims to challenging the government’s evidence. We provide comprehensive representation for all types of Federal Fraud cases, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud, procurement fraud, and allegations related to the Trade Agreements Act or Buy American Act.

Help With Various Criminal Defense Cases in Illinois

If you’ve received a civil investigative demand or subpoena, the next steps you take could make or break your case. Our team handles a range of federal defense cases involving Medicare fraud & kickback defense, money laundering, bribery & public corruption, and more. We represent healthcare professionals, federal contractors, and corporations across Illinois. Don’t wait until your case escalates—call our experienced Illinois False Claims Act Lawyers for a free consultation today and take immediate steps to protect your future. With an understanding of the intricacies of Illinois False Claims Act defense, we can help you fight back against the government’s allegations and minimize your risks.

Watch the below videos to get general information about the False Claims Act

If you are a federal contractor or involved in a federal contract fraud or false claims act. Be sure to contact our federal white-collar crime lawyers immediately. (1.866.601.5518)

Watson & Associates LLC: Nationwide FCA Investigative Attorneys and Illinois Qui Tam Whistleblower Defense Lawyers

At Watson & Associates, We Offer Top Federal False Claims Act Defense Lawyers Who Have Experience in Government Contracting

Understanding the federal False Claims statute is just the beginning. Given the risks of jail time in a criminal case or hefty fines in a civil false claims case, we understand the flaws that can be buried in a government investigation brought by the OIG or DOJ. As Illinois False Claims Act investigation attorneys, we will handle civil investigative demands and assist in responding to CID requests.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC As Your Illinois False Claims Act Attorney?

At Watson. & Associates, LLC our law firm has found that local federal False Claims Act defense lawyers may not always be savvy or experienced in the various underlying allegations that trigger Illinois False Claims Act cases. This is especially true when the false claims allegation is triggered by the Buy American Act (BAA Compliance); Trade Agreements Act (TAA Compliance) or most of all violation of one of the SBA small business programs (SBA 8(a)BD; SDVOSB Fraud; HUBZone Programs). 

You will quickly find out that unless legal counsel has some experience in these areas, the government lawyers usually will prevail in a False Claims Act fraud case.

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 Arizona 31 USC 3729 – 3733  False Claims Act attorneys can immediately step in and build an aggressive defense team. We represent clients that include: 

Defending Against a Federal False Claims Act Charge in Illinois? What You Need to Know

The Federal False Claims Act is applicable to any business, organization, individual, or business with a prime or indirect contract with and that will receive payment by the federal government for equipment or services.

Any person, business, prime or subcontractor contractor, or organization that knowingly submits or causes the submission of a false claim for approval and payment by the federal government may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.

There is no legal requirement of actual knowledge under the Federal False Claims Act. You do not actually have to be aware of the fraudulent claims to be legally liable.

You cannot claim that simply because you had. no knowledge that you violated the law. FCA law looks at whether you should have known.

FCA Cases Can Be Filed By a Whistleblower (Relator)

Under the False Claims Act (FCA), 31 USC 3729 – 3733 et seq, private parties to bring Qui Tam lawsuits in the name of the United States of America (federal government)against those who they believe have defrauded the Federal Government, 31 USC 3730(b), and imposes liability on anyone who “knowingly” submits a “false” claim to the Government, 31 USC 3729(a). This person can be an employee, contractor or another allowed party.

How We Can Help You Defend Your Illinois False Claims Act Case?

How to fight healthcare fraud allegations FCA Illinois : Two essential elements of a federal FCA violation are (1) the falsity of the claim and (2) the defendant’s knowledge of the claim’s falsity. See U.S. ex rel. Schutte v. SuperValu Inc. The government prosecutors will have to show that you have the scienter required by the FCA and that you correctly understood that standard and thought that your submitted claims were inaccurate. You must know your claim to be false.

Our job as White Collar Crime False Claims Act defense attorneys is to show that you did not. This is especially true in allegations that you overcharged Medicare and Medicaid programs when seeking reimbursement for prescription drugs.

In False Claims Act cases, courts should look at whether you, the Defendant, knew the claim was false. If you correctly interpreted the relevant phrase and actually believed that your claims were false, then a court could rule against you.  Our Illinois False Claims Act lawyers look for evidence in your favor.

General Legal Defense In Illinois FCA White Collar Crime Federal Cases

• Honest Mistakes, Inadvertence and Mere Negligence Do Not Result in FCA Liability
• Opinions Regarding Conclusions of Law or Factual Adherence to Legal Standards Do Not Result in FCA Scienter
• Objective Ambiguity Without Subjective Knowledge Likely Does Not Result in Reckless Disregard or Deliberate Ignorance

How Do Courts Interpret the FCA When Deciding Your Case at Trial?

Either actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or recklessness will suffice for the government to win its case against you. Our FCA defense lawyers help you to develop evidence to the contrary.

The Court starts with the text of the FCA. See Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, 579 U. S. 176, 187 (2016). The False Claims Act FCA defines the term “knowingly” as encompassing three mental states: First, that you have “ actual knowledge of the information,” See 31 USC §3729(b)(1)(A)(i). Second, that you “act in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information,” 31 USC 3729(b)(1)(A)(ii). And third, that you “act in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.”

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

31 USC 3729 – 3733 Federal False Claims Act defense lawyer government contracts Illinois : 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 Illinois False Claims Act defense lawyers can help.

How to defend against government contracts fraud FCA Illinois 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 Illinois HealthCare Fraud False Claims Defense Attorneys

When our Illinois 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 Illinois area, we form a team specifically to help you in your case and then we aggressively. push back.  The law firm FCA lawyers work 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 Illinois defense attorneys on our health care fraud defense team aim to get best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Buy American Act False Claims Fraud

A federal government contractor 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 experienced Buy American Act False Claims Act investigation lawyers who understand procurement laws and how the BAA applies to FCA cases. See 41 USCA 10a-d. and FAR Part 25.

U.S. Trade Agreements Act Procurement Fraud 

If you have knowledge or evidence of TAA procurement fraud, you may be able to file a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Our team at Watson & Associates has extensive experience handling whistleblower cases involving TAA violations and can help you navigate through the complex legal process.

• Bribery and Public Corruption in Government Contracts

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 U.S.C. § 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 to only 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 an FCA case against you. This is where our Illinois Trade Agreements Act false claims defense lawyers can help.

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What are Civil and Criminal Penalties Under the False Claims Act?

If you are a government contractor, healthcare professional, or corporation in Illinois or an individual investigated for violating the False Claims Act, you can be subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Sometimes, you may receive a civil investigative demand (CID) from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), or the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging violations of the False Claims Act.

If you are under investigation and you need reliable legal representation, call the Illinois False Claims Act lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC.

You are exposed to the following civil penalties:

• Treble damages (damages that are three times more than the amount that the claim is worth)
• A fine of up to $11,000 per false claim
• State disciplinary proceedings
• Loss of your professional license (health care, construction, or other
• Suspension and debarment
• You could be ordered to pay attorneys’ fees for the federal government

You can also be exposed to criminal False Claims Act penalties which could be: 

• Criminal indictment
• Prison time
• A fine of $250,000 per claim for individuals for federal felony convictions
• A fine of $500,000 per claim for businesses for federal felony convictions
• A fine of $100,000 per claim for individuals for a misdemeanor conviction
• A fine of $200,000 per claim for businesses for a misdemeanor conviction

Federal Whistleblower Qui Tam Defense Lawyers in Illinois

Federal False Claims Act investigations or lawsuits in Illinois can be initiated by a filing by a whistleblower or Qui Relator. A relator could be a former or current employee, another contractor, or some other interested party. These cases are filed under seal and not released to the public. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our False Claims Act Qui Tam defense lawyers help government contractors, defendants in the healthcare industry, CEO’s, and individuals charged or investigated under the False Claims Act.

Help With False Claims Act Civil Investigative Demands or Subpoenas

Federal law enforcement agencies, such as OIG, DEA, DOJ, DHHS, or IRS, may issue subpoenas or civil investigative demands for your financial, billing, corporate, communication, and other records. Whether you receive a civil investigative demand or a criminal subpoena, our CID lawyers can help.

We Aggressively Defend You in Illinois False Claims Act Investigations

The Illinois False Claims Act defense attorneys at Watson & Associates, LLC will initially make contact with the government to immediately develop the best possible legal defense for FCA investigations in Arizona and throughout the United States. Whether you. are investigated for procurement fraud, healthcare fraud our some other basis for the investigation, we can help.

Whistleblower Defense False Claims Act Defense for Healthcare Fraud in Illinois

False Claims Act defense lawyers healthcare Illinois :  Anti kickback defense/ False Claims Act Attorney: Watson & Associates, LLC  offers aggressive defense for healthcare providers and manufacturers in Illinois  We represent hospitals in a federal investigation for anti-kickback allegations or indicted federally for FCA allegations. Our Illinois healthcare False Claims Act lawyers work with local counsel and will provide an experienced healthcare whistleblower defense attorney to defend your case aggressively.