California False Claims Act Lawyer – Defense
Watson & Associates, LLC Federal California False Claims Act Lawyers and Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You Avoid or Reduce the Chances of Jail Time or High Civil Fines in Federal False Claims Act Cases in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco and All Metropolitan Areas.
Defending against a federal False Claims Act (FCA) claim in California (whether at the investigation stage or post-indictment stage) will create stress, fear, and uncertainty about your company’s future, your reputation, and even the future of your family. There is simply no other way to say it.
Many federal False Claims Act cases stem from 31 USC 3729 – 3733, for civil cases.
The Criminal False Claims Act comes into effect when the federal government prosecutes defendants who knowingly make false claims against the United States in order to get paid or receive a benefit. The FCA statute is 18 USC 287 and 18 USC 1001. Were you raided with a search warrant – was it valid? Find out more.
If federal government contractors or healthcare provides in California and investigated, indicted or charged criminally, the prosecutor must show that you are a person who knowingly submits, or causes to submit, false claims to the government. You can be liable for three times the government’s damages plus a penalty that is linked to inflation. False Claims Act FCA liability can also occur when you knowingly use a false record material to a false claim or improperly avoid an obligation to pay the federal government. False Claims Act conspiracy charges can also be tied to a violation of the FCA.
FEDERAL PROCUREMENT | CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS | HEALTHCARE FRAUD | CALIFORNIA PPP LOAN CRIMINAL DEFENSE | BUY AMERICAN ACT | TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT | SUBPOENAS | QUI TAM DEFENSE LAWYERS| FEDERAL INDICTMENTS | FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIALS | WHITE COLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE. | 31 USC 3729–3733.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME
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 federal False Act under 18 USC 287 also applies to healthcare professionals in California 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.
What is the Federal False Claims Act?
The Federal False Claims Act, 31 USC 3729–3733 is a federal law enacted to combat fraud against government programs. It allows individuals, referred to as whistleblowers or relators, to file qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the government against individuals or businesses suspected of submitting false claims for payment.
If the government recovers funds in a False Claims Act case, the whistleblower can receive a portion of the recovery, typically 15-30%. While the FCA is vital for protecting government funds, it is also prone to misuse, with whistleblowers filing baseless claims that disrupt businesses and lead to costly litigation.
Key Elements of an FCA Case:
- Knowingly Submitting a False Claim: The government must prove the defendant knowingly submitted or caused the submission of a false or fraudulent claim.
- Intent to Defraud: The FCA does not penalize mistakes or errors—it targets deliberate fraud.
- Materiality: The false statement must be material to the government’s decision to pay or approve the claim.
Federal Criminal False Claims 18 USC 287
Whoever makes or presents to any person or officer in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, or to any department or agency thereof, any claim upon or against the United States, or any department or agency thereof, knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent, shall be imprisoned not more than five years and shall be subject to a fine in the amount provided in this title.
Criminal False Claims 18 USC 287 therefore only applies to:
- false or fraudulent claims against the United States itself, or
- any department or agency of the United States government
A false or fraudulent claim presented to a government employee demanding payment from the employee himself would not be covered.
Essentially, 18 USC 287 is a catchall provision designed to criminalize those who attempt to obtain money, goods, or services from the United States government through its various departments and agencies via the presentation of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims.
Watch this video if you are facing civil or criminal charges
Constitutional Defense in Federal Fraud Cases – Usually Overlooked – Our Lawyers Protect Your Rights
When the government investigates fraud allegations—whether in government contracts, healthcare billing, or procurement fraud—they often push legal boundaries to build their case. Many defense attorneys focus only on the criminal or regulatory aspects of these charges. However, constitutional violations are often the key to dismantling the prosecution’s case, and this is where our firm stands apart.
Federal agencies frequently obtain evidence through search warrants, subpoenas, and surveillance, but these methods are not always legally sound. If investigators exceed the scope of a warrant, seize protected business records, or conduct unlawful searches and seizures, they may have violated your Fourth Amendment rights. Evidence obtained improperly can often be challenged and suppressed, significantly weakening the case against you.
Unlike other firms that only understand the criminal and regulatory aspects of fraud cases, our team includes constitutional lawyers who analyze every detail of how evidence was gathered. We scrutinize whether the government relied on unlawful wiretaps, forced statements, or overbroad document seizures—critical mistakes that could lead to case dismissals or reduced charges.
If you are being investigated or charged with fraud, do not assume the government followed the law in building its case. A single constitutional violation could change the outcome of your case. Contact our firm today to discuss how we can protect your rights and your future. Speak to Theodore Watson. Call 1.866.601.5518.
Federal False Claims Act Penalties
The penalties under the 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 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 investigation attorneys work tirelessly to minimize these penalties, aiming for case dismissal or reduced fines.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME
California False Claims Act Lawyer and PPP Loan Fraud Criminal Defense Attorneys: When zealous federal prosecutors have your business in their sights, it’s time to talk to your PPP loan fraud defense lawyer. Our law firm and False Claims Act investigation attorneys understand that a federal investigation can damage your personal and business reputation. We handle SBA EIDL Loan fraud criminal cases and issues related to small business affiliation. Call our firm and speak directly with Theodore Watson. 1.866.601.5518.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal False Claims Act
1. What Should I Do If I Am Under FCA Investigation?
- Contact a California False Claims Act law immediately: Reach out to an experienced California False Claims Act attorney who understands federal investigations.
- Preserve Records: Avoid destroying any documents or emails that may be relevant to the case.
- Avoid Discussions: Do not speak with investigators or whistleblowers without legal counsel.
2. What Are My Options If a Qui Tam Lawsuit Is Filed Against My Business?
A qui tam lawsuit can be stressful, but there are strategies to manage the situation:
- Early Case Assessment: Analyze the claim’s merit and potential exposure.
- Challenge Procedural Errors: Many qui tam lawsuits are dismissed due to technical flaws.
- Negotiate Settlements: In some cases, resolving the matter through settlement is preferable.
3. Can My Business Be Held Liable for Mistakes?
The FCA targets intentional fraud, not honest mistakes or administrative errors. Demonstrating good faith efforts to comply with regulations can significantly strengthen your defense.
Challenging FCA Fraud Allegations: Focus on Intent
Proving intent is often the most challenging aspect of an FCA case for federal prosecutors. The law requires them to demonstrate that you knowingly submitted false claims or acted with reckless disregard. Our defense strategies frequently emphasize:
- Lack of Intent: Highlighting errors or ambiguities that show no deliberate fraud occurred.
- Good Faith Compliance: Demonstrating that your business took reasonable steps to follow regulations.
- Weakness in Evidence: Exposing gaps or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Our Defense Approach: Protecting Your Business
When companies are investigated, indicted or charged with a California False Claims Act defense case, you should immediately find out what the government is after. You must then immediately start building your legal defense. The longer you wait, the stronger the government’s case becomes.
Federal False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys(Qui Tam) for Government Contractors Fraud in California
31 USC 3729 – 3733 Federal California False Claims Act investigation attorneys for government contractor and healthcare fraud clients in 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 civil investigative demand from the DOJ or OIG, or some other law enforcement agency, our Federal California False Claims Act lawyers can help.
Need Legal help for government contract fraud charges in 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
- Healthcare fraud False Claims Act cases.
Schedule consultation with a government contract fraud lawyer
Experienced California False Claims Act attorney and criminal defense lawyer in CA
Watson’s California False Claims Act lawyers and criminal defense attorneys Serve Anaheim, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Irvine, Stockton, San Diego, San Jose False Claims Act law firm, San Francisco False Claims Act lawyer, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Sacramento healthcare fraud defense lawyer, Fresno, Oakland healthcare fraud defense lawyer, and surrounding metro areas.
Why Choose Watson & Associates LLC for FCA Defense?
- Deep Knowledge of Federal FCA Laws: We focus exclusively on business-related white-collar crimes and FCA cases.
- Experienced Litigators: Our attorneys have successfully defended high-stakes FCA cases across multiple industries.
- Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize communication and transparency, keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Aggressive Legal Defense. From settlements to dismissals, we aggressively focus on getting favorable outcomes for our clients.
Contact Watson & Associates LLC Today
Department Practice Group Head, Theodore Watson, leading the California 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.
Best criminal defense attorney for federal contractor False Claims Act defense cases – civil and criminal healthcare fraud defense cases in California under 18 USC 287 and 31 USC 3729 – 3733 .
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, directly contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in California False Claims Act defense cases.