Maryland False Claims Act Attorneys – Federal Defense

Federal Maryland False Claims Act Attorneys and Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers. Help For Federal Government Contractors, HealthCare Corporations, Maryland Businesses and Professionals, and Individuals Throughout MD Facing Charges Under 18 USC 287 & 31 USC 3729, and  Help Them to Avoid Civil Fines and Criminal Liability and Minimize Costly Legal Mistakes.   

Defending against a federal False Claims Act (FCA) claim in Maryland (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, when it comes to defending those  FCA 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 fraud), will put you in a stronger position to negotiate and or fight back. That is where our Maryland False Claims Act attorneys at Watson & Associates, LLC come in. 

Experienced federal False Claims Act defense lawyer in Maryland

At Watson & Associates, LLC our Federal False Claims Act attorneys and Government contract fraud lawyers Serve Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda and Surrounding Metro Areas. 

 (call a Maryland False Claims Act criminal defense attorney at our toll-free number 1(866-601-5518) for immediate help.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT FRAUD DEFENSE | CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS | FALSE CLAIMS ACT HEALTHCARE FRAUD | FALSE  CLAIMS ACT PPP LOAN FRAUD CRIMINAL DEFENSE | BUY AMERICAN ACT | TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT  | SUBPOENAS | QUI TAM DEFENSE | INDICTMENTS | FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIALS | WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE

Watson & Associates, LLC offers top federal civil and criminal defense lawyers who understand the underlying issues in a federal Maryland False Claims Act case. We specifically help federal government contractors, healthcare industry clients, manufacturers, small businesses and corporate entities facing serious risk of criminal conviction and heft civil fines. 

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

The law firm helps from the initial investigative stage through indictment and trial. If you are reading this page, you are probably at a critical stage in your life where you are either under federal investigation, criminally indicted or need aggressive Maryland False Claims Act lawyers and criminal defense attorneys. In either situation, you don’t have time to waste.

You have constitutional rights and legal defenses to fight back. The earlier you act, the better your chances. Federal prosecutors tend not to try to resolve matters the closer they get to trial.

We Build a Legal Defense Team that Focuses on Getting Your Case Dismissed.

What is the Federal False Claims Act 31 USC 3729 – 3733 and Criminal FCA 18 USC 287?

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. The Act imposes both civil and criminal penalties for those who “knowingly” submit or cause the submission of false or fraudulent claims.

Under the Act, “knowingly” is very tricky and you must be very careful when defending your case. To “knowingly” submit a false or fraudulent claim, you do not have to know that the claim was false or fraudulent. Under the FCA, the prosecutor can argue that you should have known that a claim for payment violates federal law. For example, using obsolete codes after a change in Medicare billing rules can be a violation of the False Claims Act. Lack of due diligence in being current on the latest codes can be a problem. Other common allegations in federal False Claims Act cases include actions like:

• Billing for services, supplies, equipment, or medications that were not actually provided or that were medically unnecessary
• Double-billing for services, supplies, equipment, and medications
• Unbundling and upcoding reimbursable services

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.

The Federal 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.

GET A FREE CONFIDENTIAL FALSE CLAIMS ACT CASE DEFENSE CHECKLIST HERE

What Federal False Claims Act Fraud Defenses in Maryland?

Defending against your Federal Criminal False Claims Act case under 18 USC 287. Depending on whether your case involves a government contract fraud matter or a federal healthcare fraud defense dispute , 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 federal criminal False Claims Act case in MD.

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 FCA defense lawyers 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 Maryland False Claims Act attorneys will develop your case.)

2. Materiality Defense

To successfully defeat a False Claims Act charge, our defense attorneys 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 Maryland FCA defense 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.

False Claims Act Defense for Federal Government Contractors in Maryland 18 USC 287 and  31 USC 3729-3733.

Discuss your case in confidence with Watson’s defense attorney for False Claims Act allegations: Small businesses and large defense contractors alike face extreme scrutiny when they provide construction or services to the federal government.  See 18 USC 287 and  31 USC 3729-3733.

When you receive a False Claims Act civil investigative demand from the DOJ or OIG in Maryland, or some other law enforcement agency, our Maryland Government contract fraud lawyers and Maryland False Claims Act attorneys defense at our firm can help. 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
• PPP Loan Fraud Defense (Indicted)
• Whistleblower / Qui Tam defense laywers
• False medical invoices and treatment

If you are a federal contractor, healthcare professional, or involved in a federal contract fraud or healthcare fraud False Claims Act criminal case, Never Attempt to Navigate False Claims Act Cases On Your Own.  Schedule consultation with a government contract fraud lawyer or Call 1.866.601.5518.

Best defense attorney for federal False Claims Act defense cases in Maryland : Theodore Watson, leading the 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.

Get Aggressive Legal Defense in US Federal Civil and Criminal Defense Cases

Our law firm provides proactive strategies to safeguard your rights and reputation, leveraging our understanding of the federal civil and criminal legal landscapes. See 18 USC 287 and  31 USC 3729-3733.

For legal support in healthcare fraud criminal defense cases, and federal government contract fraud criminal defense in Maryland, specifically contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Maryland. Hire a False Claims Act defense attorney for your case today.

IF YOU'RE READY TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY BOOK A CALL HERE

Types of MD Government Contract Fraud Maryland False Claims Act Cases

Nationwide legal help for government contract fraud charges: If you are facing criminal charges, indicted or being investigated for government contract fraud in MD, Watson’s Maryland False Claims Act defense attorneys can help with:

• Bid rigging: When companies conspire to ensure a predetermined winner receives the contract
• False statements: When companies submit proposals with false or misleading information
• Defective products or services: When companies provide goods or services that do not meet the contract specifications
• Progress payment fraud: When a contractor fraudulently certifies that they have incurred costs that are eligible for reimbursement
• Fraud involving nonconforming materials: When contractors falsify documentation that all materials meet the contract specifications
• Cost mischarging: When a company inflates its costs charged to the government
• Cross-charging: When a company performs work on one contract and charges the costs of this work to another contract
• Bribes or kickbacks: When a company obtains a contract through bribery or kickbacks
• Misrepresenting cybersecurity safety protocols: When a company misrepresents cybersecurity safety protocols in place, or conceals data breaches
• Trade Agreements Act non-compliance. When companies fail to follow TAA compliance requirements when selling products to the government.
• Buy American Act non-compliance. When companies fail to follow BBA compliance requirements when selling products  and materials to the government
• Violating SBA Programs such as 8(a) BD Program, HUBZone, and SDVOSB requirements
• Falsifying information on contract proposals.
• Using Federal funds to purchase items that are not for Government use.
• Billing more than one contract for the same work.
• Billing for expenses not incurred as part of the contract.
• Billing for work that was never performed.

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

Federal False Claims Act Maryland HealthCare Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers

When companies are charged or indicted for healthcare fraud, Watson & Associates LLC’s False Claims Act and Maryland healthcare fraud defense lawyers can help you through the post-indictment and criminal trial aspects.

• Misrepresentation of the type or level of service provided;
• Misrepresentation of the individual rendering service;
• Billing for items and services that have not been rendered;
• Billing for services that have not been properly documented;
• Billing for items and services that are not medically necessary;
• Seeking payment or reimbursement for services rendered for procedures that are integral to other procedures performed on the same date of service (unbundling);
• Seeking increased payment or reimbursement for services that would be correctly billed at a lower rate (up-coding).

Abuse is defined as practices that are inconsistent with accepted sound fiscal, business, or medical practices and result in unnecessary costs or reimbursements for services that are not medically necessary or that fail to meet professionally recognized standards for health care.

• • Misusing codes on a claim;
  • Charging excessively for services or supplies; and
  • Billing for services that were not medically necessary.

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

Maryland False Claims Act PPP Loan Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers ?

Have you been indicted and have PPP loan over $300k? When government contractors and businesses are investigated, indicted / charged with PPP False Claims Act criminal charges under the SBA loan program, our Maryland PPP loan federal criminal defense attorneys represent companies throughout Maryland and various other states under 18 USC 287 and  31 USC 3729-3733.

What is Buy American Act False Claims Fraud?

A federal government contractor in Maryland can defraud the Government by knowingly providing goods that were procured in violation of the Buy American Act and the U.S. Trade Agreements Act, if the Government would not have purchased the goods from that contractor if it had known of the violations.

Whistleblowers can help fight Buy American Act fraud by filing a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. Watson & Associates offers experienced Maryland False Claims Act criminal defense attorneys who understand procurement laws and how the BAA applies to FCA cases. See 41 U.S.C.A. §10a-d. and FAR Part 25.

U.S. Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act Fraud Civil and Criminal Defense Lawyers 

Government suppliers entering into Multiple Award Schedule GSA contracts to sell products to federal government purchasers under the Federal Supply Schedule must agree to comply with the U.S. Trade Agreements Act of 1979, 19 U.S.C. § 2501, et. seq.

Under the terms of TAA compliance requirements, manufacturers, prime contractors, subcontractors, or vendors who sell foreign-made products to the United States Government are required to only sell such products that are made or “substantially transformed” in countries with reciprocal trade agreements with the United States.

When those rules are violated, OIG or DOJ may initiate an FCA case against you. This is where our Maryland Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act criminal defense attorney can help.

What are Civil and Criminal Penalties Under the False Claims Act?

If you are a government contractor, healthcare professional, or corporation in Maryland or an individual investigated for violating the False Claims Act, you can be subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

Sometimes, you may receive a civil investigative demand (CID) from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), or the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging violations of the False Claims Act. If you are under investigation and you need reliable legal representation, call the Maryland False Claims Act defense lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC.

You are exposed to the following civil penalties:

• Treble damages (damages that are three times more than the amount that the claim is worth)
• A fine of up to $11,000 per false claim
• State disciplinary proceedings
• Loss of your professional license (health care, construction, or other
• Suspension and debarment
• You could be ordered to pay attorneys’ fees for the federal government

You can also be exposed to criminal False Claims Act penalties which could be: 

• Criminal indictment
• Prison time
• A fine of $250,000 per claim for individuals for federal felony convictions
• A fine of $500,000 per claim for businesses for federal felony convictions
• A fine of $100,000 per claim for individuals for a misdemeanor conviction
• A fine of $200,000 per claim for businesses for a misdemeanor conviction

Federal Whistleblower Qui Tam Defense Lawyers in Maryland

Federal Maryland False Claims Act investigations or lawsuits can be initiated by a filing by a whistleblower or Qui Relator. A relator could be a former or current employee, another contractor, or some other interested party.

These cases are filed under seal and not released to the public. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our Maryland False Claims Act lawyers help government contractors, defendants in the healthcare industry, CEOs, and individuals criminally charged or investigated under the False Claims Act.

Help With False Claims Act Civil Investigative Demands or Subpoenas

Federal law enforcement agencies, such as OIG, DEA, DOJ, DHHS, or IRS, may issue subpoenas or civil investigative demands for your financial, billing, corporate, communication, and other records. Whether you receive a civil investigative demand or a criminal subpoena, our CID lawyers can help.

We Aggressively Defend You in Federal Maryland False Claims Act Investigations

The Maryland False Claims Act investigation attorneys at Watson & Associates, LLC will initially contact the government to immediately develop the best possible legal defense for FCA investigations in Maryland and throughout the United States. Whether you are investigated for procurement fraud, healthcare fraud, or some other basis for the investigation, our criminal defense attorneys can help.

Nationwide FCA Investigative Attorneys and Maryland Qui Tam Defense Lawyers

At Watson & Associates, We Offer Top Federal False Claims Act Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Have Experience in Government Contracting

Understanding the False Claims statute is just the beginning. Given the risks of jail time in a criminal case or hefty fines in a civil false claims case, we understand the flaws that can be buried in a government investigation brought by the OIG or DOJ. As government False Claims investigation attorneys , will handle civil investigative demands and assist in responding to CID requests.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC As Your Federal Maryland False Claims Act Defense Attorneys?

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our law firm, has found that local federal criminal defense attorneys may not always be savvy or experienced in the various underlying allegations in federal procurement that trigger federal False Claims Act cases. When you are contacted or even have a hunch that you are being targeted, call a Maryland False Claims Act attorney at Watson & Associates, LLC today.

This is especially true when the false claims allegation is triggered from the Buy American Act (BAA Compliance); Trade Agreements Act (TAA Compliance) or most of all violation of one the SBA small business programs (SBA 8(a)BD; SDVOSB Fraud; HUBZone Programs). 

You will quickly find out that unless legal counsel has some experience in these areas, the government lawyers usually will prevail in a Maryland False Claims Act fraud case.

When the federal government prosecutor and investigators come knocking on your door with False Claims Act civil investigative demand (CID) requests, subpoenas, or indictments, the stakes are high; our Maryland False Claims Act defense attorneys can immediately step in and build an aggressive defense team. We represent clients that include: