Arkansas False Claims Act Lawyers – Criminal Defense

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

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

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

Your business is probably operating smoothly, delivering government contracting services, or providing healthcare to many 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 federal government.

The Government’s suing you for fraud isn’t just a bump in the road—it’s a serious threat to everything you’ve worked for. Your reputation, your business, and your livelihood are now under scrutiny.

Federal investigators are currently going through your business records, and every transaction is being questioned. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we understand the gravity of this situation and that you can be liable for fraud without a proper and swift legal defense strategy. Our experienced Arkansas False Claims Act attorneys are here to protect your interests, defend your reputation in federal court, and secure your future with the federal government.

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

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 Arkansas 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 penalty for violating the False Claims Act is 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 Arkansas False Claims Act criminal 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

Actual False Claims Act Cases (Government Contracting, HealthCare, and SBA PPP)

• If Possible We Help Our Clients to Avoid Getting on this List

Fresno Doctors Agree to Pay $2.4 Million to Resolve Kickback Allegations – November 21, 2024)

Dell and Iron Bow Agree to Pay $4.3M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Submitting Non-Competitive Bids to the Army – November 19, 2024

Pharmaceutical Company QOL Medical and CEO Agree to Pay $47M for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Induce Claims for QOL’s Drug Sucraid –November 15, 2024

Virginia hospital system agrees to $2.37M False Claims settlement –November 15, 2024

QOL Medical and Its CEO Agree To Pay $47 Million for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks To Induce Claims for QOL’s Drug Sucraid

Country Club to Pay Over $630,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Improper Receipt of Paycheck Protection Program Loan–  November 13, 2024

Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $1.3M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Cranial Ultrasounds  – November 12, 2024

What are Some Ways You Can Defend Against Your False Claims Act Fraud Criminal Case?

Defending against your False Claims Act case. Depending on whether your case involves a government contract fraud matter or a healthcare fraud criminal defense, your defense lawyers have to develop a strong legal defense given the facts before them. Among other legal defenses that can be used, the following are some of the common ways to defend a False Claims Act case.

1. Lack of Knowledge or Intent

One of the central elements of an FCA claim is that you “knowingly” submitted a false claim to the government. The term “knowingly” includes actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard of the truth. Our Arkansas False Claims Act lawyers look to immediately develop a strong defense showing that the alleged false claim was the result of a mistake or negligence, rather than intentional fraud.

• Honest Mistake: The defense may argue that any inaccuracies in the claim were the result of an honest mistake or even a clerical error, rather than fraudulent intent.
• Absence of Reckless Disregard: This FCA legal defense can also show that the actions did not constitute reckless disregard or deliberate ignorance, but were instead reasonable under the circumstances.(these are examples of how our Arkansas False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys will develop your case.)

2. Materiality Defense

To successfully defeat a False Claims Act charge, our federal criminal defense attorneys will look to show that the false statement or claim was not material to the government’s decision to pay the claim. The materiality defense to a False Claims Act charge would show that even if a false statement was made, it was not significant enough to influence the government’s payment decision.

• Immaterial Misrepresentation: The defense can argue that the alleged misrepresentation was immaterial to the government’s decision to make the payment and therefore does not meet the threshold for an FCA violation.
• Non-Essential Information: If the false information you provided was not essential to the actual claim, our Arkansas False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys may argue that it did not impact the government’s decision to pay, and thus undermines the FCA claim.

3. Statute of Limitations

The FCA has a statute of limitations, that requires that claims be brought within six years of the alleged violation, or three years after the government knew or should have known about the violation, but no more than ten years after the violation occurred. If a claim is brought outside of this timeframe, you can argue that the claim is time-barred.

• Expired Statute of Limitations: The defense may argue that the government or whistleblower filed the claim after the statutory period had expired, and thus the claim should be dismissed.

Additional 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas False Claims Act lawyers and criminal defense attorneys Serve Little Rock little rock healthcare fraud defense lawyers, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro,  North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Bentonville, Hot Springs 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 Arkansas False Claims Act defense lawyers can immediately step in and build an aggressive criminal defense team when the federal government is suing for fraud. We represent clients that include: 

Legal Criminal 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 Arkansas False Claims Act 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 criminal cases related to government contracts, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.

Arkansas Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyer

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

Arkansas healthcare fraud defense lawyers for federal cases: Whether you are accused of Federal False Claims Act Healthcare violations, anti-kickback infractions, or fraudulent billing practices, our 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.

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

Arkansas Buy American Act False Claims Act Fraud Defense?

Best lawyer for FCA government contracts fraud Arkansas: A federal government contractor in Arkansas 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 lawyers 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 criminal defense False Claims Act case against you. This is where our Arkansas False Claims Act 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 Arkansas False Claims Act criminal 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 to your defense.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our False Claims Act 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.

Help in  US Federal Civil and False Claims Act Criminal Cases

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

To find federal healthcare fraud defense attorneys and government contract fraud criminal defense lawyers for immediate help, contact Theodore Watson directly at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Arkansas.

Choosing the Right Federal False Claims Act Defense Criminal Defense Lawyers

When you’re facing a Federal False Claims Act Healthcare investigation in Arkansas or government contract fraud allegations in Arkansas 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 Arkansas False Claims Act criminal defense and healthcare fraud 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 Federal False Claims Act Whistleblower Defense?

With a team of experienced Federal False Claims Act defense lawyers, Watson & Associates, LLC is equipped to defend against both civil and criminal False Claims Act cases in Arkansas. We work with local attorneys to help our clients aggressively defend criminal charges.

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 Arkansas and nationwide reach, we are ready to provide immediate legal support, guiding you through every stage of the FCA process.

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Immediate Help for Federal False Claims Act Criminal Defense Cases in Arkansas

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 Arkansas 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.