Federal HealthCare Fraud Attorneys – Defense

Nationwide Medical Fraud Lawyers and Healthcare Fraud Defense Attorneys – Legal Consultation for Healthcare Law Compliance Fraud – Defending Your Practice, Reputation, and Freedom

Trying to Get Your Case Dismissed or Trying to Get Aggressive Legal Counsel to Get a Better Result? Our Nationwide False Claims Act Health Care Litigators Can Help. We are National 18 USC 1347 Federal HealthCare Fraud Defense Attorneys.

If you did not intend to defraud the government, we can help.

If you’ve received a subpoena, target letter, or other notice from federal authorities, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare enforcement action lawyer who understands how to navigate the system. As a healthcare professional, you’ve spent years building your career. Now, that future may seem uncertain.

Accusations of healthcare fraud don’t just threaten your business—they put your license, your freedom, and your livelihood on the line. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team of experienced anti-kickback violation defense attorneys and healthcare fraud defense lawyers helps providers and businesses navigate the complexities of federal investigations

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE INVESTIGATED OR INDICTED

Call 1.866.601.6618 if you are seeking to retain a medical fraud lawyer and Speak to Mr. Watson 

Legal Consultation for Healthcare Law Compliance Fraud Charges

If you’re providing healthcare services—whether as a provider, administrator, or business owner—you know how heavily regulated the system is. Federal investigations can still happen even when you’re doing your best to follow the rules. And when they do, they escalate fast.

Being contacted by federal agents or receiving a subpoena related to Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or Department of Labor (DOL) billing isn’t something to take lightly. These cases can lead to serious consequences—financial penalties, damaged reputations, even criminal charges and jail time. That’s why understanding what you’re up against is one of the most important steps you can take right now. Finding a healthcare compliance lawyer that can represent your interests and legal rights is critical.

Federal healthcare fraud allegations can come in many forms. Sometimes it’s accusations of overbilling or double billing. Other times, it’s related to billing for services not rendered, or alleged violations involving referrals or “kickbacks.” You might not have all the details yet—but investigators already have a head start.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our federal healthcare fraud lawyers and health care litigators work with clients across the healthcare spectrum to help them understand what’s happening and what to expect. Before you make any decisions or respond to investigators, it’s critical to get a clear picture of what the government believes occurred. Call our law office today for legal consultation for healthcare law compliance fraud defense.

Defending Your Case Can Be Simpler Than Many May Think

Did You Knowingly Intend to Defraud the Government Under 18 USC 1347?

The government will normally Use the Supreme Court Case of Universal Health Servs.. lnc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar,579 U.S. 176, 180 (2016) to support its allegations of you violating the False Claims Act. Litigation against the federal government in both criminal and civil False Claims Act cases can be very expensive and difficult. The government uses Universal Health Servs.. lnc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar to leverage its allegations that under 3 l U.S.C. § 3729, it has met the FCA’s scienter (knowledge) requirement to argue that by merely submitting or signing a document you automatically show a “reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.

At Watson & Associates, LLC our Federal False Claims Act defense attorneys understand that the prosecution MUST prove that you knowingly intended to commit fraud, and that the scienter element of the False Claims Act is one of the most difficult for the government’s prosecutor to prove. We aggressively represent you and focus on deconstructing the government’s case against you. With years of experience, our health care litigation lawyer knows how to weaken the prosecution’s strategy.  Call our office immediately to secure aggressive legal counsel and retain a healthcare compliance lawyer and 18 USC 1347 defense. 

Nationwide help in federal criminal cases: The law states that when you can show you never intended to defraud the government, our false claims act medical billing fraud defense attorneys can reduce the chances of being indicted or convicted by a jury at a criminal trial. As federal healthcare fraud defense attorneys, We Focus on Getting Your Case or Investigation Dismissed.

IMMEDIATELY REDUCE THE CHANCE OF JAIL TIME OR HUGE FINES - DOWNLOAD FREE HEALTH CARE FRAUD DEFENSE CHECKLIST

Understanding Healthcare Fraud Allegations

Healthcare fraud occurs when a provider is accused of submitting false or misleading information to federal healthcare programs in order to receive payments. This can involve allegations of overbilling, billing for services not rendered, or violating laws that prohibit kickbacks and improper patient referrals.

In many cases, healthcare providers are shocked to learn they’re under investigation. They may not have intended to commit fraud, but still face charges due to coding errors, billing mistakes, or regulatory misinterpretations. This is where having a knowledgeable healthcare fraud defense lawyer and health care litigators becomes essential. We help clients understand the scope of the investigation and begin building a defense before it escalates into a full-blown indictment.

At the core of every healthcare fraud case is the question of intent. The government must prove that you knowingly committed fraud. But in complex healthcare systems, mistakes often happen without criminal motive. As experienced healthcare medical fraud lawyers and anti-kickback violation defense attorneys, we challenge these assumptions head-on and push back on vague or unsupported allegations.

The Federal Agencies Involved

If you are being investigated for healthcare fraud, you’re not just facing one agency—you’re facing an entire system. Investigations may include the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and even the FBI or DEA. These agencies work together to uncover alleged fraud under statutes like the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and 18 U.S. Code § 1347, the federal healthcare fraud statute.

Their tactics can be aggressive. You may have received a subpoena, civil investigative demand, or a letter informing you that you’re the target of an investigation. Many clients feel tempted to cooperate or explain themselves without legal representation. But this can be a critical mistake. As your medical fraud defense attorney, our job is to handle all communications, protect your rights, and ensure that your words aren’t twisted into evidence against you.

How Watson & Associates’ Healthcare Fraud Attorneys Defend Your Case

Every healthcare fraud case is different. That’s why our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We begin by conducting a thorough review of your situation—what you’ve been accused of, what evidence the government has, and how the case was initiated. From there, we develop a legal strategy to either resolve the matter without charges or prepare for litigation if necessary. Our health care fraud defense lawyers examine the government’s evidence closely and build tailored strategies to either resolve or fight the charges in court

As your healthcare fraud attorney, we’ll dig deep into the allegations. If the case involves Medicare billing, we’ll analyze the codes, procedures, and audit trails. If the charges relate to alleged kickbacks, we’ll scrutinize your contracts, referral patterns, and communications. Often, these cases arise from whistleblower complaints or administrative reviews, not hard evidence. We expose weaknesses in the government’s case and advocate for dismissal or reduction of charges.

When facing audits, our healthcare fraud attorneys focus on early case dismissal. Clients often come to us when a Medicare audit turns into something more serious. What begins as a routine records request can evolve into a full investigation. As a skilled medicare audit defense attorney, we respond swiftly and strategically, ensuring that your practice is compliant and that any perceived irregularities are addressed before they trigger prosecution.

Why These Cases Demand Immediate Action

Time is not on your side in a healthcare fraud investigation. The government may have been gathering evidence for months or even years before you knew you were under suspicion. By the time you’re contacted, their attorneys and investigators already have a head start.

Early intervention is critical. As your health care litigation lawyers, we intervene early to disrupt the government’s momentum and work to prevent your case from spiraling into criminal charges. Our goal is to keep the case from escalating, and where possible, avoid charges altogether. If you’re already charged, we build a powerful defense aimed at discrediting the evidence, suppressing improper investigative practices, and protecting your reputation.

We understand how emotionally and professionally devastating these cases can be. That’s why our approach goes beyond just legal strategy. We communicate with our clients clearly and regularly, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the process.

Why You Need Health Care Fraud Attorneys Right Away – Legal Challenges We Frequently Handle

Our team of health care fraud lawyers represents clients in a wide array of cases involving federal medical fraud. This includes Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, billing fraud, Stark Law violations, and Anti-Kickback allegations. We also handle whistleblower (qui tam) defense, exclusion appeals, and overpayment disputes. Many of our cases involve complex billing practices where intent is difficult to prove, but the government still seeks heavy penalties.

As a seasoned medical billing fraud law firm, we understand how billing systems work—and how prosecutors try to twist normal practices into criminal acts. We’re here to cut through the confusion and advocate for your side of the story.

In addition, we offer representation in healthcare overpayment disputes. If you’ve been accused of receiving improper Medicare or Medicaid payments, we’ll help you respond to audits, appeals, and overpayment demands. As your healthcare overpayment defense lawyer, we ensure that your rights are protected, and that you’re not forced to repay funds based on flawed or incomplete audits.

Potential Penalties and Consequences to Healthcare Fraud

Being found guilty of healthcare fraud can carry serious consequences. Consequences to healthcare fraud may include significant fines, prison time, exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid, and the loss of professional licenses. Even a civil settlement under the False Claims Act can come with treble damages and future compliance obligations that restrict your practice.

That’s why hiring the right healthcare fraud defense lawyer is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With our firm in your corner, you don’t have to face these penalties without a fight. We’ll work to either dismantle the case against you or negotiate a favorable outcome that protects your ability to continue practicing.

A National 18 USC 1347 Federal Healthcare Fraud Defense Law Firm

Watson & Associates is proud to serve clients across the United States in complex 18 USC 1347. federal healthcare cases. Our attorneys are deeply experienced in criminal defense, regulatory compliance, and litigation. When you work with our team, you’re getting more than just legal knowledge—you’re getting strategic advocacy tailored to your profession.

If you are looking for a federal medical fraud lawyer who understands how to fight back against powerful agencies, you’ve found the right team. We represent physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, home health providers, billing companies, and more.

Federal Pharmaceutical Fraud Lawyers

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our federal pharmaceutical fraud lawyers provide aggressive legal defense for companies, healthcare providers, and executives facing federal investigations and criminal charges. Whether you’re being targeted for off-label marketing, kickback schemes, fraudulent billing, or violations of the False Claims Act, our team understands how to navigate the complex web of pharmaceutical regulations and government enforcement actions.

With decades of combined experience in healthcare fraud defense, our medical fraud lawyers. represent clients during DOJ and OIG investigations, audits, and federal court proceedings. If you’re under scrutiny or have been charged with pharmaceutical fraud, contact our law firm today to protect your rights and business.

Speak with a Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re being investigated or charged with healthcare fraud, don’t wait. Every conversation you have and every document you hand over can influence the direction of your case. You need a skilled healthcare fraud attorney who can help you take control before it’s too late.

Contact Watson & Associates, LLC today for a confidential consultation. Call 866-601-5518 or use our secure form to get in touch. Our healthcare fraud defense lawyers are ready to help you protect your future, defend your name, and restore peace of mind.

See our healthcare fraud alert.

Common Legal Issues Handled by Our Healthcare Fraud Attorneys

Whether you’re facing allegations involving Medicare, Tricare, or need a skilled Medicaid fraud lawyer, our team is ready to defend your rights. We also represent clients as their Medicaid fraud lawyer, especially in cases involving billing discrepancies, prior authorization issues, or accusations of upcoding.Several federal statutes govern healthcare fraud and are frequently used in criminal and civil cases including:

The False Claims Act (31 USC 3729–3733):  This law allows the federal government to pursue you or your company if you knowingly submit false or fraudulent claims to government healthcare programs.

Civil and Criminal False Claims Act Penalties can include treble damages and civil fines exceeding $25,000 per claim.*

Anti-Kickback Statute (42 USC 320a-7b).  This federal criminal statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving anything of value to induce or reward referrals or generate federal healthcare program business. Criminal convictions can result in felony charges, exclusion from federal programs, and up to 10 years in prison.

Stark Law (42 U.S.C. § 1395nn).  This is a strict liability statute that prohibits physicians from referring patients for certain designated services payable by Medicare or Medicaid if the physician has a financial relationship with the entity. Penalties include fines and exclusion.

Healthcare Fraud (18 USC 1347)  A criminal statute that makes it illegal to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program. It carries up to 10 years in prison, or 20 years if it results in serious bodily injury.

Conspiracy (18 USC 371). Frequently added to fraud indictments, conspiracy charges involve two or more persons working together to commit healthcare fraud.

Wire Fraud (18 USC1343). Use of email, telephone, or internet to commit fraud can trigger additional felony charges.A single healthcare fraud investigation can implicate multiple statutes, significantly raising the stakes for a defendant.

Uncertainty

When you stall and wait, government attorneys have already been on your case for years or months. Your life can become a nightmare without getting the legal help you need. One of the most significant pain points for those facing a False Claims Act investigation is the overwhelming uncertainty. You might wonder, “Will I lose my business? Will I face jail time?“ These are critical concerns, but rest assured that not every investigation leads to criminal charges or extreme penalties. Our team of Qui Tam Defense Attorneys and government fraud investigation lawyers is adept at building robust defenses, from questioning the intent behind the alleged false claims to challenging the government’s evidence. We provide comprehensive representation for all types of Federal Fraud cases, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud, procurement fraud, and allegations related to the Trade Agreements Act or Buy American Act.

Are You Facing HealthCare Fraud Charges? Learn How to Protect Yourself Here

Potential Consequences of Healthcare Fraud Convictions

Being found guilty of healthcare fraud can lead to severe penalties, including:

• Civil Penalties: Substantial fines and restitution payments.
• Criminal Penalties: Imprisonment, probation, and criminal fines.
• Professional Repercussions: Loss of medical licenses, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, and damage to professional reputation.

What Are False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud Penalties Under 18 USC 1347?

A knowledgeable health care fraud defense attorney will know how to challenge the government’s burden of proof under statutes like 18 USC 1347 and the False Claims Act A violation of 18 USC 1347 for federal healthcare fraud and False Claims Ac violation is punishable by:

• a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and/or
• the imposition of a fine
• Additional charges of federal conspiracy charges
• Additional wire fraud charges

Who Are Our Clients?

Watson & Associates, LLC Medical Fraud Defense Attorneys and Pharmaceutical Fraud Defense Attorneys Provide Nationwide False Claims Act Healthcare Enforcement Action Defense Lawyers for Providers, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Companies, Licensed Pharmacists, Doctors, and Pharmacies,  Manufacturers, and More.

We are nationwide healthcare fraud attorneys and pharmaceutical fraud defense lawyers: If you are being investigated or received a civil investigative demand or subpoena from DHHS, DOJ, FBI, or some other federal law enforcement agency, do not waste time trying to see “how the case goes.” Call Our medical billing fraud defense and healthcare fraud law firm and False Claims Act healthcare fraud attorneys immediately at 1.866.601.5518.

What is the Government’s Burden of Proof in a Criminal HealthCare Fraud Case?

Our healthcare fraud attorneys have defended clients in DOJ, HHS, and OIG cases. False Claims Act Healthcare fraud under 18 USC 1347 typically involves a scheme to defraud the federal healthcare program. The government’s case may tend to argue false or fraudulent representations in exchange for money – health insurance fraud through payment of invoices or something of value.

The prosecutor has to prove every element of the case”beyond a reasonable doubt.”  This is a very high legal standard. The key to defending a False Claims Act healthcare fraud case is to show a lack of intent. This is usually the government’s biggest hurdle in a criminal case and something that the federal Anti-Kickback statute and medical billing fraud law firm, and a criminal healthcare fraud enforcement action defense lawyer at our firm can help.

• bribery,
• kickbacks,
• gratuities, and
• conflicts of interest
• Ghost Patients
• Inflating Cost Reports
• Billing for Services Not Rendered

18 USC 1347. makes it a federal crime to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain, by fraudulent means, any money or benefit from a health care program.

If you are thinking about hiring a health care fraud attorney, Watson & Associates, LLC only Takes On Cases That Our False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud Attorneys Believe that They Can Help.

How Our Healthcare Fraud Legal Counsel & Defense Strategies Provide Peace of Mind

What is The Prosecution’s Biggest Problem in Your 18 USC 1347 HealthCare Fraud Case – Can They Prove You Intended to Defraud the Government?This is where Your Case Gains Traction If You Have the Right Facts: The level of intent you must have in a criminal case – called mens rea, or intent, is probably the most contested issue in a criminal prosecution of a federal healthcare fraud defense case. The government attorney must show that you acted “knowingly” or “intentionally” . Challenging the prosecution’s evidence is where you can potentially win a criminal healthcare fraud case. The level of intent can separate wrongful from innocent conduct.

View This Video For Crucial HealthCare Fraud Information

The federal government, its enforcement, and investigative teams are aggressively seeking out companies involved in health care fraud. However, despite protecting the industry from fraud, the government still has a legal obligation to prove its case. Many corporations, providers, and individuals find themselves in the government’s cross hairs through allegations of 18 USC 1347 violation. They don’t know what to do or the next steps to take.

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How Does Proving You Lacked the Intent to Defraud Help Your Health Care Fraud Case?

The US Supreme Court in Ruan and United States ex. rel. Schutte v. SuperValu  ruled that the FCA’s scienter element refers to a criminal defendant’s knowledge and subjective beliefs—not to what an objectively reasonable person may have known or believed.

The False Claims Act in a government procurement or healthcare fraud case sets out a three-part definition of the term “knowingly” that largely tracks the traditional common-law scienter requirement for claims of fraud: Actual knowledge, deliberate ignorance, or recklessness will suffice. See §3729(b)(1)(A). Each term focuses on what the defendant thought and believed: “Actual knowledge” refers to what the defendant is aware of. “Deliberate ignorance” encompasses defendants who are aware of a substantial risk that their statements are false, but intentionally avoid taking steps to confirm the statements’ truth or falsity. And “[r]eckless disregard” captures defendants who are conscious of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their claims are false, but submit the claims anyway.

IMMEDIATELY REDUCE THE CHANCE OF JAIL TIME OR HUGE FINES - DOWNLOAD FREE HEALTH CARE FRAUD DEFENSE CHECKLIST