Federal False Claims Act Attorneys – Defense

The plan of attack for top Federal False Claims Act lawyers (FCA) should be to get an investigation thrown out and or your case dismissed. The realistic approach is to immediately start working with federal prosecutors, get an understanding of the root problem and only then can a feasible negotiation begin. 

Getting notice of an FCA investigation can immediately impact the company’s progress and success, while your representation could be also at risk.

Immediate Federal False Claims Act Representation: Protecting Your Business from Devastating Penalties

• Facing a False Claims Investigation? Don’t let it jeopardize your livelihood—discover how proactive defense strategies can protect your reputation and finances.
• Severe Penalties, Including Treble Damages, Could Be on the Line—learn how to navigate complex federal regulations to avoid crippling liability.
• Your Business Rights Matter: Find out how to defend against whistleblower claims and government overreach with experienced legal guidance.
• Time Is Critical. You Must Act Now: Federal investigations move quickly—learn why taking immediate action could mean the difference between dismissal and damaging consequences.

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

Our Federal False Claims Act defense lawyers and Washington DC federal criminal defense attorneys (Investigation and Defense) assist healthcare professionals, government contractors and businesses nationwide to avoid costly outcomes while minimizing the catastrophic impact on the company. 

NATIONWIDE HELP FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS, CLIENTS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY, CORPORATIONS AND CEO’S INVOLVED IN A FALSE CLAIMS ACT INVESTIGATION OR TRIAL.

What is the Federal False Claims Act?

The Department of Justice ( DOJ), Offices of Inspector General (OIG), and various federal law enforcement agencies investigate and litigate federal False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits under 31 USC 3729 and 31 USC 3733.

The Federal False Claims Act is used as the civil or criminal tool used by federal law enforcement agencies to seek out individuals or businesses that directly or indirectly contract with the federal government and are paid for services.

Similar to government contract False Claims Act cases, health companies are also targeted for imposing liability for any person or business that “knowingly” submits or causes to be submitted a false or fraudulent claim with intent to secure payment or approval from the federal government.

When prosecutors go after the requirement for a “knowing submission of a false or fraudulent claim” this means that you can have either actual knowledge or they can provide that you failed to conduct due diligence (should have known.).

Our goal as Washington DC False Claims Act defense lawyers is to disprove that you did everything reasonable to not be charged. 

Federal False Claims Act 31 USC 3729 – 3733 – Key Things to Know

The Federal False Claims Act (FCA) applies to individuals, businesses, and federal government contractors in Maryland who directly or indirectly are involved with a federal government contract, grant, healthcare program, PPP Loan fraud, or other method of receiving payment or benefit from the government. 

1. a) Liability for Certain Acts.-

(1) In general.-Subject to paragraph (2), any person who-

(A) knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval;

(B) knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to a false or fraudulent claim;

(C) conspires to commit a violation of subparagraph (A), (B), (D), (E), (F), or (G);

(D) has possession, custody, or control of property or money used, or to be used, by the Government and knowingly delivers, or causes to be delivered, less than all of that money or property;

(E) is authorized to make or deliver a document certifying receipt of property used, or to be used, by the Government and, intending to defraud the Government, makes or delivers the receipt without completely knowing that the information on the receipt is true;

(F) knowingly buys, or receives as a pledge of an obligation or debt, public property from an officer or employee of the Government, or a member of the Armed Forces, who lawfully may not sell or pledge property; or

(G) knowingly makes, uses, or causes to be made or used, a false record or statement material to an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the Government, or knowingly conceals or knowingly and improperly avoids or decreases an obligation to pay or transmit money or property to the Government,is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000, as adjusted by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 2461 note; Public Law 104–410 ¹), plus 3 times the amount of damages which the Government sustains because of the act of that person.

(2) Reduced damages.-If the court finds that-

(A) the person committing the violation of this subsection furnished officials of the United States responsible for investigating false claims violations with all information known to such person about the violation within 30 days after the date on which the defendant first obtained the information;

(B) such person fully cooperated with any Government investigation of such violation; and

(C) at the time such person furnished the United States with the information about the violation, no criminal prosecution, civil action, or administrative action had commenced under this title with respect to such violation, and the person did not have actual knowledge of the existence of an investigation into such violation,

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 Act under 18 USC 287 also applies to healthcare professionals in Maryland 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 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.

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

What Are False Claims Act Penalties?

What is the penalty for violating the False Claims Act? You can face both civil and criminal penalties. Sometimes you can have a civil case that can also start a criminal case.  The following is a baseline structure of federal False Claims Act penalties.

• Civil Liability: Triple damages and a penalty of up to $ 11,000 per claim if you knowingly submit or cause the submission of a false or fraudulent claim to the United States.
• Criminal Liability (18 USC 287): Healthcare providers who intentionally present fraudulent claims to the government for reimbursement with the knowledge that such claims were false, fictitious, or fraudulent are exposed to False Claims Act criminal penalties of five-year imprisonment and a fine of $ 250,000 (individuals) or $ 500,000 (companies) for federal felony convictions and $ 100,000 (individuals) or $ 200,000 (companies) for misdemeanor convictions— for each claim.

False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys, Litigation and Enforcement

Some FCA investigations start with a civil investigative demand (CID) from the DOJ or OIG. Other times, you may receive a DOJ subpoena in a criminal case for FCA allegations. 

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

None of these interactions are good. Nevertheless, you can effectively deal with them when you have the right False Claims Act law Firm on your team.

The goal is to defuse and prevent attempts to defraud the federal government. The CFA states that any person knowingly submitting a false claim to the government is liable for treble damages plus a penalty.

Washington DC Government Contractor Federal False Claims Act Lawyers

Watson & Associates LLC represents a diverse government contracting clientele, including individuals and companies from various industries. As FCA fraud case attorneys in Washington DC we help with False Claims Act defense investigations and cases related to fraud under the Act.

This includes accusations of breaking the law in areas like procurement and kickbacks. These cases are brought by the US government or whistleblowers. Using our attorneys’ government contracting experience, we have a good record of helping clients with False Claims Act matters.

Our Washington DC False Claims Act lawyers offer comprehensive counsel to clients at every phase of an FCA civil proceeding. This includes the important investigation phase when the qui tam case is kept secret until the trial and appeal.

Types of FCA Defense Cases

Our team knows a lot about healthcare and government contracts law. We are also good at dealing with FCA challenges. This helps us come up with legal strategies to reduce FCA liabilities. Our Washington DC federal criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending a va of False Claims Act defense cases, providing valuable advice throughout the investigation, litigation, and settlement process.

• Construction
• Healthcare and Medical
• Engineering
• Service Contractors
• Manufacturers and Resellers
• Trade Agreements Act
• Buy American Act
• Federal Small Business Programs
• Kickbacks
• Truth in Negotiations Act False Claims 
• Procurement Integrity Act
• False Claims Act & Qui Tam Defense

False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys and Anti-kickback Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington DC. Call Today for a Free Initial Consultation (Confidential) at 1.866.601.5518. 

 False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys – Responding to Subpoenas and Civil Investigative Demands

We understand the importance of responding accurately and timely to False Claims Act investigation subpoenas and civil investigative demands.

Watson &. Associates is well-positioned to help you respond to such requests, including providing legal advice on privilege, relevance, and scope issues. As Federal Washington DC False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys, we can also assist with document production and witness preparation. 

We work closely with our clients to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. By collaborating with your team and utilizing our deep knowledge base in this area, we strive to provide an efficient response that achieves the best result for your business.

Our mission, as DC False Claims Act investigation attorneys, is to protect your interests while ensuring full compliance with Healthcare fraud or government contract procurement False Claims Act investigation requirements.  

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

Aggressive False Claims Act Defense Attorneys for Healthcare Fraud Investigation Cases Washington DC and Nationwide

When you retain our law office, the first plan of attack is to immediately contact federal lawyers to establish a rapport and to focus on minimizing the likelihood of trial. With our client’s decision makers being heavily involved in the process, our healthcare False Claims Act lawyers clients focus on planning and execution for the minimum impact. 

A trial should be the last resort. However, when there is already a grand jury indictment, avoiding trial can be more of a challenge.  Our Washington DC False Claims Act defense lawyers and criminal defense understand that being convicted by a jury is the last thing any client wants.

Practice Lead

Call our qui tam federal defense lawyer FCA defense attorneys today for a Free Initial Consultation at 1.866.601.5518.

Speak Directly to Theodore Watson. Top False Claims Act defense attorney for small businesses and large corporations nationwide.

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Washington DC & Nationwide False Claims Act Lawyers

Our federal False Claims Act Investigation Lawyers can provide legal defense in most states including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Call us at 1.866.601.5518 and speak to Theodore Watson

How Watson’s False Claims Act Defense Lawyers Can Help

Watson & Associates’ Federal False Claims Act lawyers and Washington DC federal criminal defense attorneys are experienced legal professionals who can provide valuable assistance to individuals or entities facing allegations or litigation under the FCA.

These lawyers know a lot about FCA cases and understand the laws and rules about government contracts and procurement fraud.

They can offer comprehensive legal representation and strategic defense strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. We help with False Claims Act investigations, responding to Civil Investigative Demands and subpoenas and criminal defense in even high profile cases.

Watson & Associates’ Washington DC healthcare fraud False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers and FCA criminal defense attorneys can thoroughly investigate the allegations and evidence presented against their clients.

They will analyze the facts and review contracts, invoices, and other relevant documents to build a strong defense. They know much about the FCA and how courts and government agencies interpret it. This helps them find problems in the government’s case.

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If you seek legal representation for a FCA case involving a federal contract, contact Watson & Associates LLC toll-free at 1.866.601.5518. Speak to. Theodore P. Watson, False Claims Act Attorney and Practice Leader.