OIG Investigation Lawyers

Under OIG Investigation? Understand the Risks and Protect Your Future

OIG Investigation LawyersIf you’ve been contacted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), served with a subpoena, or received a target letter, you’re likely under serious federal scrutiny. These investigations are not limited to regulatory enforcement—they often escalate into criminal prosecutions, especially in cases involving SBA white-collar crimes, government contract fraud, or healthcare fraud.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our OIG violations lawyers defend small businesses, contractors, physicians, and healthcare executives nationwide during all phases of the investigative process. From the first contact by OIG agents to potential indictment and trial, we develop targeted legal strategies to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Why Are You Being Investigated by the Office of Inspector General?

OIG investigations are often triggered by whistleblower complaints, internal audits, or billing data that signals possible fraud or regulatory noncompliance. These investigations may involve multiple agencies and result in both civil and criminal exposure.

Common allegations include:

  • Submitting false claims to the federal government (FCA violations)

  • Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute or Stark Law

  • Falsified invoices or timekeeping on federal contracts

  • Misrepresenting product origin under the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) or Buy American Act

  • Abuse of SBA programs or fraudulent certifications

If you’re a government contractor or healthcare provider, you could be at risk of criminal liability, exclusion from federal programs, or loss of licensure.

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What You Should Do First: Avoid Common Mistakes

When the OIG begins an investigation, you may feel tempted to explain your side to investigators or comply quickly with document requests. But doing so without experienced counsel could result in significant harm to your case.

Before taking any action:

  • Do not speak with OIG agents without a lawyer present

  • Do not delete or alter documents or communications

  • Avoid discussing the matter with coworkers, employees, or business partners

  • Contact an experienced OIG violations attorney immediately

Anything you say—no matter how innocent—can be used against you in a criminal prosecution. Early intervention by an OIG investigative lawyer can help shape the government’s understanding of your case and reduce the risk of indictment.

What Should You Do If The Office of Inspector General contacts you?

When you’re a healthcare provider and an investigator from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reaches out—whether by phone, letter, or in person—it’s a sign that you or your organization may be under scrutiny. These investigations are often presented as routine or informal, but they can carry serious legal consequences.

You should not agree to speak with OIG agents without legal counsel present, no matter how casual the interaction appears. Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, you could unknowingly share information that becomes evidence in a civil or criminal case. Speaking without an OIG violations attorney by your side exposes you to risk, especially when healthcare billing, Stark Law issues, or False Claims Act concerns are involved.

Have your constitutional rights been violated when federal investigators execute a search warrant? Call our federal constitutional lawyers at 1.866.601.5518.

Types of OIG Contact in Healthcare Fraud Investigations

Federal healthcare investigations typically begin in subtle ways. A provider may receive what appears to be a simple request for information or even an unannounced visit. Here are common scenarios where you should seek immediate legal guidance:

  • OIG Subpoena
    A formal demand for documents such as billing records, patient files, marketing materials, or internal communications. These requests are serious and signal that the government is gathering evidence—possibly with an eye toward criminal charges or civil penalties.

  • Civil Investigative Demand (CID)
    An administrative subpoena used in fraud OIG investigations, allowing agencies to demand documents, written responses, and testimony. A CID may target your business directly or be served on a third party who has information about your practice or conduct.

  • Requests for Interviews or “Informal Chats”
    OIG agents sometimes frame interviews as routine or friendly. They may claim you are not the target of the OIG investigation. Providers should not assume these conversations are harmless. Anything said may still be used to build a case.

  • Approaches to Employees or Staff
    If an agent contacts your staff or shows up at your facility, you must act carefully. Do not instruct employees to lie or destroy documents. You may recommend that they speak with counsel before participating in an interview—and offer to arrange legal representation for them if needed.

  • Unannounced Visits
    Though less common, the OIG may arrive without warning to seize documents or conduct on-site reviews—especially if prior requests have gone unanswered. In these situations, preserve copies of requested documents and contact an OIG investigative lawyer immediately.

The reality is that many healthcare providers become subjects of OIG investigations without even knowing they were at risk. Acting without legal representation often leads to poor outcomes, including unintentional admissions, exposure to broader liability, and escalation from civil inquiry to criminal prosecution.

Who We Are and How We Can Help You

OIG DOJ CID Defense LawyersU.S. Air Force Veteran (Retired), Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. Practice Group Lead. At Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado and Washington, DC, and around the country, our top-rated federal criminal attorneys have experience working for federal agencies.

As federal defense attorneys, we understand the nuts and bolts of the government’s OIG investigations and criminal cases and how the DOJ or even the SBA OIG develops a False Claims Act case or criminal case against you.

A crucial aspect of our practice lies in the fact that many of our federal crime defense attorneys possess extensive experience as government contracting officials.

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What Are the Risks of an OIG Investigation in Healthcare?

Investigations led by the Office of Inspector General are often part of larger enforcement efforts that can involve both civil and criminal components. Information obtained by the OIG may be shared with the Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and other federal agencies. This means that even a billing error or compliance oversight could turn into a criminal case.

Healthcare providers targeted in OIG investigations may face:

  • Civil Monetary Penalties (CMPs)

  • Exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs

  • Demands for recoupment or restitution

  • Federal oversight and risk-based evaluations

  • Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs)

  • Civil judgments or property liens

  • Criminal prosecution, including potential prison time

Suppose you’ve received an OIG subpoena or believe your practice is under investigation for violating the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, or False Claims Act. In that case, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable OIG Stark Law lawyer or OIG violations attorney to assess your situation and protect your rights.

Protecting Yourself With the Right Legal Strategy

As experienced healthcare fraud defense attorneys, our role is not only to respond to subpoenas or negotiate settlements—we also work to shape the direction of the investigation early, preserve your legal defenses, and reduce your exposure to serious penalties or criminal charges.

Our healthcare defense strategy includes:

  • Determining whether the investigation is civil or criminal in nature

  • Protecting your rights during interviews or document production

  • Engaging with OIG agents and prosecutors on your behalf

  • Negotiating resolutions when appropriate

  • Preparing you and your staff for the process ahead

  • Litigating in federal court if charges are filed

Building a Pre-Indictment Strategy

We help clients respond proactively to OIG investigations by building strong defenses before formal charges are filed. Our attorneys understand how OIG agents and federal prosecutors work together to develop fraud cases involving SBA programs, government contracting, and federal healthcare billing.

As your defense counsel, we will:

  • Analyze subpoenas, CIDs, and investigative requests

  • Conduct internal investigations to gather critical facts

  • Communicate directly with federal agents or AUSAs

  • Identify compliance documentation or defenses

  • Seek civil resolutions where appropriate

  • Shield you from unnecessary exposure during interviews or hearings

Our goal is to protect your interests and help avoid criminal charges entirely.

When an Indictment Is Filed: What Happens Next

If you’ve already been indicted following an OIG investigation, you need experienced federal criminal defense immediately. Our firm defends clients charged with:

  • Conspiracy to defraud the United States

  • Wire fraud and mail fraud

  • False claims and misrepresentations under the FCA

  • Procurement fraud and SBA contracting fraud

  • Stark Law and Anti-Kickback violations

We prepare your case for litigation in federal court and fight for favorable outcomes through negotiation or trial when necessary.

What Clients Want to Know

Facing an investigation by the Office of Inspector General is overwhelming. Most clients ask:

  • Will I be charged with a federal crime?

  • Can this investigation be resolved without going to court?

  • Will this impact my business or professional license?

  • What happens if I did something wrong unintentionally?

  • How long will the process take?

We answer each of these questions based on the facts of your case and help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re in the early investigative stage or already under indictment, we tailor our approach to your specific risks and objectives.

Who We Represent

  • Healthcare professionals (physicians, clinics, DME suppliers)

  • Government contractors and subcontractors

  • Small businesses accused of SBA fraud or set-aside abuse

  • Companies alleged to have violated the Buy American Act or TAA

  • Executives and employees under DOJ and OIG scrutiny

We are especially experienced in cases involving OIG Stark Law investigations, Medicare/Medicaid billing practices, GSA Schedule fraud, and misrepresentation of TAA-compliant goods or services.

Contact OIG Violations Attorney Theodore Watson

If you’re under investigation by the Office of Inspector General, take action now to protect yourself. Do not wait for charges to be filed. The earlier a qualified OIG violations lawyer is involved, the more opportunities there are to avoid prosecution or resolve the matter discreetly.

Theodore Watson, lead counsel at Watson & Associates, LLC, is licensed before the United States Supreme Court and represents clients nationwide in federal criminal and administrative matters involving OIG violations, government contracting, and healthcare fraud.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case.