Pennsylvania False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

Watson & Associates, LLC Pennsylvania False Claims Act Defense Lawyers and Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You Avoid or Reduce the Chances of Jail Time or High Civil Fines in Federal Civil and Criminal False Claims Act Cases in Pennsylvania

The Federal False Claims Act Can Be a Threat to Your Reputation and Pennsylvania Business

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

Your business is probably operating smoothly, delivering services, or providing healthcare to countless individuals. Suddenly, you’re hit with an investigation under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA) for either submitting false documents, submitting false billing, invoices or materials, or allegations of misrepresenting information to the government.

The Government’s suing for fraud isn’t just a bump in the road—it’s a threat to everything you’ve built. Your reputation, your business, and your livelihood are now under scrutiny. Federal investigators are combing through your records, and every transaction is being questioned.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, we understand the gravity of this situation and that you can be liable for fraud without a proper and swift defense strategy. Our experienced Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers and federal criminal defense attorneys are here to protect your interests, defend your reputation, and secure your future with the federal government.

FEDERAL PROCUREMENT | CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMANDS | HEALTHCARE FRAUD | PPP LOAN FRAUD CRIMINAL DEFENSE | BUY AMERICAN ACT | TRADE AGREEMENTS ACT  | SUBPOENAS | QUI TAM DEFENSE | INDICTMENTS | FEDERAL CRIMINAL TRIALS | WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE. | 31 USC 3729–3733.                   

Federal False Claims Act and What You Need to Know

Suing for fraud under the Federal False Claims Act, 31 USC 3729–3733,  is a powerful tool used by the federal government to combat fraud against it. But sometimes, this powerful tool can be wielded too broadly.

The government doesn’t need to prove actual knowledge of wrongdoing—just that you “should have known.” This low threshold often leaves businesses, healthcare providers, and federal contractors in Pennsylvania vulnerable to severe penalties.

The stakes are high, and without seasoned Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense attorneys, you may find yourself paying exorbitant fines or even facing jail time. Our criminal defense attorneys are skilled in crafting legal defenses that focus on disproving intent and exposing the flaws in the government’s case.

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

The penalties under the Federal False Claims Act are severe. Civil penalties can include treble damages (triple the amount of the fraudulent claim) and fines up to $11,000 per false claim. In federal criminal False Claims Act cases (18 USC 287):, the stakes are even higher, with potential imprisonment and fines reaching up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations per claim.

Beyond financial penalties, you risk losing your professional license, government contracts, and, most importantly, your reputation. Our Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers and criminal defense attorneys work tirelessly to minimize these penalties, aiming for case dismissal or reduced fines.

Actual False Claims Act Cases (Government Contracting, HealthCare, and SBA PPP)

• If Possible, We Help Our Clients to Avoid Getting on this List

Fresno Doctors Agree to Pay $2.4 Million to Resolve Kickback Allegations – November 21, 2024)

Dell and Iron Bow Agree to Pay $4.3M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Submitting Non-Competitive Bids to the Army – November 19, 2024

Pharmaceutical Company QOL Medical and CEO Agree to Pay $47M for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Induce Claims for QOL’s Drug Sucraid –November 15, 2024

Virginia hospital system agrees to $2.37M False Claims settlement –November 15, 2024

QOL Medical and Its CEO Agree To Pay $47 Million for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks To Induce Claims for QOL’s Drug Sucraid

Country Club to Pay Over $630,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Improper Receipt of Paycheck Protection Program Loan–  November 13, 2024

Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $1.3M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Cranial Ultrasounds  – November 12, 2024

What are Some Ways You Can Defend Against Your Federal False Claims Act Fraud Case in Pennsylvania ?

Defending against your Federal False Claims Act case. Depending on whether your case involves a government contract fraud matter or a healthcare fraud defense case in Pennsylvania , 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 False Claims Act case.

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 False Claims Act defense attorneys will develop your case.)

2. Materiality Defense

To successfully defeat a federal False Claims Act charge in Pennsylvania, 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 False Claims Act 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.

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

Additional Strategies for Effective Qui Tam False Claims Act Defense case in Pennsylvania 

• Thorough Investigation: We conduct an exhaustive internal investigation to uncover the facts that support your defense. This proactive approach can often weaken the government’s case before it gains momentum.
• Challenging the Whistleblower: In Federal Qui Tam False Claims Act cases, the whistleblower’s credibility is crucial. We scrutinize the relator’s background and motives, often finding inconsistencies that undermine their claims.
• Expert Testimony: Complex cases often benefit from expert testimony to clarify industry standards and practices, helping to demonstrate that your actions were compliant and not liable for fraud or the result of an honest error.

Avoid These Mistakes in a Federal False Claims Act Case in Pennsylvania 

1. Ignoring the Investigation: Hoping the issue will fade away only increases the risk. Federal prosecutors do not hesitate to escalate matters to trial.
2. Self-Representation: The complexities of Qui Tam False Claims Act cases require specialized legal expertise. Navigating the maze of federal laws on your own is risky.
3. Delaying Action: The longer you wait to mount a defense, the more the government builds its case. Early intervention by Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense attorneys critical.
4. Failing to Investigate Internally: An internal review is crucial to understand the full scope of what the government may have against you. A comprehensive investigation can uncover evidence that supports your defense.
5. If we don’t deal with the underlying alleged violations and let the prosecutor simply focus on the remaining civil or criminal False Claims Act charge – they win.

Watson’s Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers and criminal defense attorneys Serve Pennsylvania cities including: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Levittown, Harrisburg PA, Altoona, York, State College, Wilkes-Barre, Norristown PA, Chester and surrounding metro areas.

Who Are Our Clients?

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

Pennsylvania Government Contract Fraud Attorney (Federal)

FCA investigations can lead to catastrophic consequences for government contractors, including suspension, debarment, and the loss of lucrative government contracts. Our Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers and  government contract fraud criminal defense attorneys have deep expertise in federal procurement laws and have successfully defended clients against allegations of violating the Trade Agreements Act and Buy American Act.

We focus on building a robust defense that discredits the government’s claims, often demonstrating that any violations were the result of honest mistakes, not intentional fraud. Our team knows how to navigate Federal False Claims Act Healthcare fraud cases in Pennsylvania related to government contracts, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.

Call our Pennsylvania government contract fraud attorneys at 1.866.601.5518 and speak directly to Theodore Watson (Department Lead).

Pennsylvania Healthcare Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers

In Pennsylvania, healthcare providers and companies are frequent targets of FCA investigations due to the complex regulatory environment.

Whether you are accused of Federal False Claims Act Healthcare violations in Pennsylvania, anti-kickback infractions, or fraudulent billing practices, our federal criminal defense lawyers have the expertise to dismantle the government’s case.

As Pennsylvania healthcare fraud defense attorneys, we analyze every element, from compliance records to billing processes, to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Our primary goal is to protect your license, reputation, and business from the devastating impact of federal criminal False Claims Act penalties.

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Pennsylvania Buy American Act False Claims Act Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers 

Best criminal defense lawyers for FCA government contracts fraud Pennsylvania: A federal government contractor can defraud the Government by knowingly providing goods that were procured in violation of the federal 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 Pennsylvania government contracts fraud and Buy American Act criminal defense lawyers who understand procurement laws and how the BAA applies to FCA cases. See 41 U.S.C.A. §10a-d. and FAR Part 25.

Pennsylvania False Claims Act Defense Lawyers – Trade Agreements Act Civil and Criminal Defense Attorneys

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 USC 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 only to 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 a False Claims Act case against you. This is where our Pennsylvania False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers can help.

Protecting Corporations and CEOs Under 31 USC 3729–3733

Corporations and their executives are often the main targets in federal False Claims Act Whistleblower defense cases in Pennsylvania under 31 USC 3729–3733. As a CEO or executive, the risks are not just to your company but also to your career and personal freedom.

The government aims to make high-profile examples, but our Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers focus on debunking the allegations, challenging the credibility of the Qui Tam False Claims Act whistleblowers, and exposing the government’s overreach. We build an aggressive defense strategy tailored to protect your interests, safeguard your assets, and clear your name.

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

Handling Civil Investigative Demands and Subpoenas in Federal False Claims Act Investigations in P.A.

When facing False Claims Act investigations in Pennsylvania, receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) or Subpoena from the federal government ( Department of Justice (DOJ) FBI, OIG) is often the first indication of a serious inquiry into your business practices.

A CID or Subpoena is a powerful tool that federal prosecutors use to gather evidence, requiring you to produce documents, written responses, or even testimony. Failure to comply or mishandling these requests can result in severe penalties and damage to your defense.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers are well-versed in responding to CIDs and Subpoenas.

We act swiftly to protect your interests, reviewing the demands, negotiating the scope, and ensuring that your responses are strategic and legally sound. By managing these complex demands effectively, we help to minimize your exposure and build a stronger case for your defense.

Department Practice Group Head, Theodore Watson, leading the federal 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.

Your 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.

For legal support in Pennsylvania healthcare fraud defense cases, and government contract fraud criminal defense, contact Theodore Watson directly at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Pennsylvania.

Choosing the Right Federal False Claims Act Defense Lawyers

When facing a Federal False Claims Act Healthcare investigation or government contract fraud allegations in Pennsylvania, you’re not just looking for legal advice—you need a defense team with the experience and determination to fight for your interests.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers have the nuanced understanding of federal laws, healthcare regulations, and procurement processes necessary to build a robust defense.

We focus on getting your case dismissed or achieving the most favorable outcome possible with a dedicated strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC for Federal False Claims Act Whistleblower Defense Caes in Pennsylvania ?

With a team of experienced Federal Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers, Watson & Associates, LLC is equipped to defend against both civil and criminal False Claims Act cases in PA.

We offer a personalized approach, understanding that each case is unique and requires a tailored defense strategy. Our clients trust us to protect their business, their reputation, and their freedom. With locations a nationwide reach, we are ready to provide immediate legal support, guiding you through every stage of the FCA process.

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

Immediate Help for Federal False Claims Act Cases in Pennsylvania

Time is of the essence in Qui Tam False Claims Act cases. The earlier you involve an experienced legal team, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Call Watson’s Pennsylvania False Claims Act defense lawyers at 1.866.601.5518 for a Free Initial Consultation. Speak to Theodore Watson, Lead FCA Whistleblower defense lawyer. Your business, reputation, and freedom are on the line—let our law firm fight for you.