California False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

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

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.

However, defending those FCAs can accomplish positive results. Building a team of legal professionals who understand how federal prosecutors operate AND knowing specific regulations in question (government contracts, healthcare, and PPP) will put you in a stronger position to negotiate and or fight back. That is where our California False Claims Act defense lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC come in. 

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, our Government contract fraud lawyers understand the gravity of this situation and that without a proper and swift defense strategy, you can be liable for fraud.

Our experienced California False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers are here to protect your interests, defend your reputation, and secure your future.

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.                                                                

FCA and What You Need to Know

Suing for fraud under the FCA, 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 California False Claims Act 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 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 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 defense 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

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 Case?

Hire Watson’s California defense attorney for False Claims Act allegations. Depending on whether your case involves a government contract fraud matter or a healthcare fraud 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 California False Claims Act defense lawyers and criminal defense attorneys 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 Federal False Claims Act attorneys in California will develop your case.)

2. Materiality Defense

To successfully defeat a False Claims Act charge, our Federal False Claims Act attorneys in California 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 California Federal False Claims Act 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.

Other Strategies for Effective Federal False Claims Act Qui Tam Defense in California

• Thorough Investigation: As Government contract fraud lawyers, 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 federal 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  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 FCA criminal 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.

Experienced False Claims Act criminal defense lawyer in California

Watson’s California False Claims Act defense lawyers and criminal defense attorneys Serve Anaheim, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Irvine, Stockton,  San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Sacramento, Fresno, Oakland healthcare fraud defense lawyer, and surrounding metro areas.

Who Are Our Clients?

When the federal government prosecutor and investigators come knocking on your door with a civil investigative demand (CID) request, 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

Legal help for government contract fraud charges in California: 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 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 criminal 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 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

Schedule consultation with a government contract fraud lawyer

Federal HealthCare Fraud False Claims Criminal 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 the 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 Healthcare fraud violations, anti-kickback infractions, or fraudulent billing practices, our healthcare and California 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 FCA penalties.

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

Department Practice Group Head, Theodore Watson, leading the Caliornia 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 False Claims Act cases – civil and criminal defense cases in California

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.

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 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.

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For Immediate Help, Call Our California False Claims Act Attorneys and Criminal Defense Lawyers

Time is of the essence in Qui Tam 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 directly to Theodore Watson, Lead FCA Whistleblower criminal defense lawyer. Your business, reputation, and freedom are on the line—let our law firm fight for you.