Pharmaceutical Fraud Lawyers & Prescription Fraud Attorneys – Defense

Pharmaceutical Fraud & Prescription Fraud Defense Attorneys for Federal Cases

Facing federal allegations of pharmaceutical fraud can feel like your entire life is unraveling. If you’re a doctor, pharmacist, clinic manager, or pharmaceutical company executive, your reputation, license, and freedom may all be at risk.

The nation’s Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit is comprised of over 80 experienced white-collar prosecutors, who focus solely on prosecuting the nation’s most complex healthcare fraud matters as well as medical professionals involved in the illegal prescribing and dispensing of opioids and other controlled substances.

Being accused does not mean you’re guilty, and there are strategic, legal defenses available to protect you.

If You Did NOT Intend to Defraud the Government, We Can Help.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team of national pharmaceutical fraud defense lawyers fights aggressively for clients in federal courtrooms across the country. When your future is on the line, we deliver the guidance and representation you need.

Watch this video for critical information

Are You Under Investigation for Healthcare Fraud? We’re Here to Help.

Imagine running your healthcare practice smoothly, only to be blindsided by a federal investigation. Suddenly, you’re under scrutiny for health care fraud under 18 USC 1347, with government agencies combing through your records and demanding explanations and alleging excessive billing fraud.

Defending Your Case Can Be Simpler Than Many May Think

Did You Knowingly Intend to Defraud the Government?

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.

Nationwide pharmaceutical fraud representation: At Watson & Associates, LLC our Federal False Claims Act defense attorneys and pharmaceutical fraud lawyers 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. Call our office immediately, speak to a government programs fraud lawyer, to secure aggressive legal representation and defense. 

What Is Pharmaceutical Fraud?

Pharmaceutical fraud occurs when drug manufacturers, pharmacies, or healthcare providers knowingly engage in deceptive practices that result in false claims being submitted to federal healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE. These violations often fall under the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and other federal fraud statutes.

This isn’t about paperwork errors. It’s about allegations that you intentionally deceived the government. And in these cases, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

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 prescription drug fraud attorney and speak specifically to Mr. Watson 

Types of Pharmaceutical Fraud We Defend

Our clients often come to us after being blindsided by a federal investigation or indictment. Here are common charges we handle:

Off-Label Marketing

Federal law prohibits pharmaceutical companies from promoting medications for uses not approved by the FDA. While doctors can legally prescribe off-label, it’s illegal for a manufacturer or rep to market drugs for unapproved uses. If you’re accused of knowingly pushing a drug for unauthorized purposes, you need a pharmaceutical fraud attorney who can challenge how intent is being portrayed.

Kickback Schemes

You may be accused of giving or receiving something of value—like luxury trips or inflated consulting fees—in exchange for prescribing or promoting certain drugs. These cases are often built on emails, payment records, or whistleblower testimony. Our pharmaceutical fraud defense lawyers know how to dismantle assumptions of quid-pro-quo.

Clinical Trial Fraud

Manipulating clinical trial data, suppressing negative results, or falsifying safety reports is considered fraud against the FDA. These accusations often involve both criminal and civil penalties. If you’re under investigation, don’t speak to federal agents without legal representation.

Compounded Drug Fraud

When pharmacies create custom medications, they must follow strict compounding rules. Federal prosecutors may allege you were mass-producing drugs, billing for unnecessary ingredients, or using non-FDA-approved chemicals. Watson & Associates’s pharmaceutical fraud attorney can examine your practices and present legitimate medical necessity and intent defenses.

340B Program Violations

This federal program provides discounted drugs to hospitals and clinics serving low-income communities. Fraud allegations often include improper billing, diversion of discounted drugs, or pricing manipulation. If you’re under scrutiny, our pharmaceutical fraud lawyers can help you respond proactively and minimize liability.

Drug Switching and Pricing Fraud

Altering prescriptions without authorization, switching medications to increase profits, or inflating prices for government reimbursement can lead to serious criminal charges. Our legal team builds strong factual defenses to challenge intent and causation.

Government Investigations | HealthCare Fraud Whistleblower Defense Strategies | Subpoenas & Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) | FBI, HHS, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and DOJ Investigations | Legal Attorney for Indictments | Medical Billing Fraud Criminal Defense | Federal Criminal Defense & Trials | Corporate Compliance | Internal Investigations | Health Care Fraud Investigations Defense

How Do Pharmaceutical Fraud Cases Start?

Most pharmaceutical fraud investigations start one of two ways:

1. Whistleblower Complaints (Qui Tam Lawsuits)
   Under the False Claims Act, insiders—including employees, former reps, or even competitors—can file a lawsuit on the government’s behalf. These whistleblowers stand to earn a portion of the recovered funds, which can incentivize exaggerated or false claims.
2. Federal Audits or Investigations
   You may be contacted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the Office of Inspector General (OIG). You might receive a subpoena, Civil Investigative Demand (CID), or even a target letter if criminal prosecution is on the table.

If you’ve been contacted by federal agents or served with a subpoena, call Watson & Associates, LLC immediately to find a prescription drug fraud attorney. Early legal intervention is critical.

What Must the Government Prove?

Federal prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• A false statement or fraudulent claim was submitted
• You knew the claim was false or misleading
• You acted with intent to defraud a federal healthcare program

That’s a high standard—and it’s where we can often make the difference. Misunderstandings, lack of intent, legitimate business practices, and reliance on third-party professionals are all powerful defenses.

Penalties for Pharmaceutical Fraud

Being found guilty of pharmaceutical fraud can lead to:

• Criminal charges under federal statutes with potential prison sentences
• Civil penalties including treble (triple) damages under the False Claims Act
• Exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid
• Loss of professional license or DEA registration
• Seizure of assets and business closure

The government takes these cases seriously. So should you.

Legal Defenses in Prescription Drug Fraud Cases

Facing allegations of prescription drug fraud can be overwhelming, especially when your career, reputation, and freedom are on the line. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we understand that every case has its own unique circumstances—and that strong legal defenses exist when the facts are properly examined and presented. Crafting a successful defense strategy requires early intervention, a thorough understanding of federal law, and an experienced legal team in your corner.

Depending on the details of your situation, the following defenses may be applicable:

• No Intent to Defraud: Prescription drug fraud charges often hinge on the government proving that you acted “knowingly” or “willfully.” If your actions stemmed from a clerical error, miscommunication, or oversight—not criminal intent—this can be a powerful defense.

• Lawful Prescription or Authority: Demonstrating that you had a valid prescription or proper authorization to dispense or possess the medication in question can undermine the prosecution’s case entirely.

• Government Misconduct or Entrapment: If undercover agents or investigators pushed you into actions you wouldn’t have taken otherwise, your attorney may assert an entrapment defense, which, in certain cases, can result in the dismissal of charges.

• Weak or Inconclusive Evidence: Prosecutors bear the burden of proof. If their case lacks documentation, witness credibility or chain-of-custody compliance, we can aggressively challenge the evidence and push for case dismissal or charge reduction.

• Personal or Medical Circumstances: If substance dependency, mental health issues, or other mitigating factors influence your conduct, these can be used to negotiate reduced penalties or diversion programs instead of incarceration.

At Watson & Associates, we go beyond surface-level defenses—our experienced prescription drug fraud attorneys dive deep into your case details, uncovering overlooked facts and leveraging them to your advantage. If you’ve been accused or are under investigation, now is the time to act. Call us today for a confidential case review and begin building your defense with a law firm that fights back.

Defending Clients in Pharmaceutical Fraud Cases

At Watson & Associates, we do more than defend you—we protect your legacy. Here’s how we approach pharmaceutical fraud cases:

1. We Investigate the Facts

We gather every document, financial record, email, and witness statement. We work with former federal agents, forensic accountants, and medical billing experts to build a clear picture of what happened—and what didn’t.

2. We Challenge the Narrative

The government will often paint your business practices in the worst possible light. We flip the script by presenting legitimate explanations, highlighting industry norms, and demonstrating the absence of intent.

3. We Negotiate Strategically

Many pharmaceutical fraud cases can be resolved without going to trial. Whether through pre-indictment negotiation, settlement talks, or deferred prosecution agreements, we work to protect your freedom and finances.

4. We Go to Trial When Necessary

If prosecutors won’t back down and trial is the best option, you’ll have seasoned pharmaceutical fraud defense lawyers in your corner. We have a proven track record of courtroom wins in federal healthcare fraud cases.

Practice Lead

Call our healthcare fraud qui tam defense attorneys and federal prescription fraud defense lawyers today for a Free Initial Consultation at 1.866.601.5518.

Speak to Theodore Watson ( Licensed in the United States Supreme Court). We oversee top pharmaceutical fraud lawyers and healthcare lawyers for small businesses and large corporations nationwide.

Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC Prescription Fraud Lawyers?

You don’t need a general criminal defense lawyer. You need someone who understands the nuances of federal pharmaceutical fraud cases. Here’s why our clients trust our prescription fraud lawyers:

• We Form a Team of ExperienceHealthcare Fraud Experience
  We defend doctors, pharmacies, and healthcare executives in complex fraud cases. We’ve seen how federal prosecutors operate—and we know how to fight back.
• Former Government Lawyers on Staff
  Our legal team includes former federal and military prosecutors who understand how the other side builds its case.
• National Practice, Federal Focus
  Whether you’re in Texas, Florida, California, or New York, our pharmaceutical fraud defense attorneys defend pharmaceutical fraud cases across the U.S.
• Client-Centered Service
  We treat every case as though it were going before a judge or jury, keep you informed, explain your options, and treat your case with the urgency it deserves.

What Should You Do If You’re Accused of Pharmaceutical Fraud?

1. Do not speak to federal agents without a lawyer present.
2. Do not destroy any records or emails. This could lead to obstruction charges.
3. Contact a pharmaceutical fraud lawyer at Watson & Associates immediately.
4. Do not assume it will go away. Even minor inquiries can spiral into indictments.

Call Watson & Associates, LLC Today

Your freedom, license, and reputation are on the line. Don’t gamble with your future by delaying or hiring the wrong legal team. At Watson & Associates, our pharmaceutical fraud defense attorneys are ready to take immediate action to protect you. Call us now at 1.866.601.5518