False Claims Act Lawyers Defense Attorneys
Aggressive Representation for Government Contractors and Healthcare Providers in False Claims Act Cases Nationwide
Watson & Associates, LLC represents individuals, CEOs, government contractors and companies in the healthcare industry in False Claims Act (FCA)/ whistleblower cases. Many FCA cases stem from whistleblower / Qui Tam Actions. These lawsuits are often sealed with the courts and you, as a defendant , will not know that the government is investigating you.
In some cases, your constitutional rights can be violated. This often goes unnoticed. Watson’s team of False Claims Act lawyers builds aggressive defense teams for our clients. The stakes are high in both criminal and civil cases. With important experience in federal government contracting and healthcare, we treat every case as though we will be standing before a jury.
We also work with local counsel as part of our team when cases cannot be settled and must go to trial.
What is the 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 FCA creates civil and criminal liability for individuals and or businesses that knowingly submit or cause to be submitted a false or fraudulent claim with intent to secure payment, some type of benefit or approval from a federal agency.
The Federal False Claims Act is used as a civil or criminal tool to investigate and seek out individuals or businesses that directly or indirectly contract with the federal government and are paid for services. FCA cases are primarily targeted towards government contractors and healthcare providers.
The False Claims Act requires a “knowing” submission of a false or fraudulent claim where there is either actual knowledge or some level of reckless disregard or failure to conduct due diligence. Your False Claims Act lawyer should defend your allegations by showing that you should not have known that you were acting contrary to legal requirements.
If the federal lawyer or prosecutor proves that you should have known that you were billing the government improperly, you could be found liable criminally or civilly for a False Claims Act violation. Having an experienced False Claims Act defense attorney can make the difference between getting a case dismissed and being found guilty by a jury at trial.
Legal Attorneys: General Legal Standard In FCA 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
In FCA 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. Looking for the best FCA lawyer for healthcare fraud? Our Criminal and Civil health care false claims act defense attorneys look for evidence in your favor.
What Are False Claims Act Penalties? 18 USC 287 and 31 USC 3729 – 31 USC 3733
When individuals, government contractors, or healthcare providers are investigated, indicted and charged for violations of the False Claims Act, the penalties can be severe. False Claims Act penalties can be either civil or criminal. At the beginning of the government’s case, you must understand that your case can either be civil or criminal, or both. One case is criminal and then another case can be civil. In any event the penalties for either can be disastrous.
False Claims Act Penalties – Civil Liability (31 USC 3729 and 31 USC 3733): The government can seek treble 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.
False Claims Act Penalties – Criminal Liability (18 USC 287): Federal government contractors or Healthcare providers who intentionally submit fraudulent claims to the government for payment, or reimbursement, with the required knowledge that those claims were false, fictitious, or fraudulent can be liable and face five years of jail time and a fine of $ 250,000 (individuals) or $ 500,000 (corporation) for federal felony convictions and $ 100,000 (individuals) or $ 200,000 (companies) for misdemeanor convictions— for each claim. This is where having a False Claims Act lawyer and criminal defense attorney can be helpful.
Get Protection in Federal Criminal False Claims Act Cases 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 Act 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.
If You are Facing False Claims Act Federal Charges, Get Your Personal Defense Checklist Here.
What is the Burden of Proof for the False Claims Act?
What is the 60-day rule for the False Claims Act?
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Understanding Qui Tam or Whistleblower Lawsuits
Most False Claims Act investigations start with current or past employees or other contractors filing a sealed lawsuit on behalf of the federal government. These types of cases are referred to as Qui Tam or Whistleblower lawsuits. The False Claims Act statute allows individuals (referred to as “relators”) to file Qui Tam lawsuits that can in turn have the relator recover part of the monies recouped if the government intervenes in the case and takes over litigation.
Having a qui tam lawyer defend an FCA case against you is yet another reason that a federal defense lawyer can help.
False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys, Litigation and Enforcement
Watson & Associates, LLC is a boutique-size law firm that aggressively represents individuals, government contractors, or healthcare professionals facing charges of government fraud enforcement investigations and actions under the federal False Claims Act (civil and criminal).
When the stakes are high, clients call on Watson & Associates, LLC federal False Claims Act attorneys and federal criminal defense lawyers in Washington DC for assistance upon receiving a Civil Investigative Demand, DOJ or SEC subpoena or complaint naming them in federal False Claims Act defense investigations or lawsuits.
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.
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 variety 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.
Develop Sound False Claims Act Defense Strategies Early
If you are under investigation, received and indictment for fraud or conspiracy to commit fraud for violation of government contracting or procurement regulations, or violation of healthcare laws, you must develop a sound legal defense to False Claims Act federal charges immediately.
Making an honest mistake or misunderstanding the law does not in itself mean that you violated the law. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our False Claims Act attorneys, are former federal lawyers and government contracting officials. Our goal is to aggressively challenge and dismantle whistleblower allegations, and attack the element of “intent” that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases under 18 USC 287.
- Our priority is to avoid criminal charges in False Claims Act cases and avoid expensive litigation
- We immediately engage with federal prosecutors to get an idea of what the case is about.
- In Qui Tam cases our immediate goal is to convince the federal lawyers/prosecutors not to intervene in the case.
Resolution in Civil Cases. When you face allegations in a civil False Claims Act case, we aim to negotiate favorable settlements by exposing litigation risks to the prosecution and casting doubt on allegations that you violated government procurement laws and healthcare program laws.
Our Federal False Claims Act lawyers and 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. Were you raided with a search warrant – was it valid? Find out more.
Constitutional Defense in Federal Fraud Cases – Usually Overlooked – Our False Claims Act Defense Lawyers Protect Your Rights
When the federal government investigates fraud allegations under the False Claims Act—whether in federal 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 the charges. However, constitutional violations are oftentimes the key to dismantling the prosecution’s case. Yet, this issue is often missed in FCA defense cases. This is where our FCA law firm stands apart.
Get Help 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 False Claims Act law firm 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 attorneys is to protect your interests while ensuring full compliance with Healthcare fraud or government contract procurement False Claims Act investigation requirements.
Accused of Health Care Fraud? – Watson’s False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud Attorney Can Help
Representing Medical Providers Nationwide in False Claims Act and Fraud Cases
When you or your company are the target of a federal investigation for healthcare fraud, you need the benefit of having an aggressive defense team on your side. At Watson & Associates, we build a tailored team of legal professionals and experts to fight back and defend false allegations against you.
The federal government regulates and demands accountability from physicians, healthcare firms, and businesses that abuse federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Law enforcement agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are tasked with investigating and prosecuting medical professionals and businesses nationally suspected of healthcare fraud.
At Watson &. Associates, our False Claims Act healthcare fraud defense lawyer can provide immediate help.
Has the government raided your home or business with a search warrant?
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. As federal False Claims Act attorneys, 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.
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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 lawyers and FCA criminal defense attorneys 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, False claims lawyersTennessee, 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
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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.