Procurement Fraud & Wire Fraud Lawyers Defense Firm & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Procurement Fraud Defense & Federal Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud Lawyers For Government Contractors Charged Under 18 USC 1343, 18 USC 1031, and 31 USC 3729 – 3733.
If you didn’t intend to defraud the government, you may have a solid legal defense.
Government contracting involves strict compliance with intricate rules. For many contractors, one misinterpreted guideline, unintentional oversight, or administrative mistake can translate into serious allegations of procurement fraud, wire fraud, or even criminal investigation for your company.
However, the government often has a difficult time proving intent to defraud the government. The difference between an honest error and a prosecutable criminal offense creates a problem for government lawyers.
Minimize Costly Legal Mistakes and Reduce Civil and Criminal Exposure
At Watson & Associates, our wire fraud lawyers bring over 20 years of expertise in federal procurement law, helping defense contractors understand their rights and protect themselves against defensible charges. Failure by the prosecution to prove legal intent makes the case go away. This is where our procurement fraud and wire fraud defense firm can help.
When you reach Watson’s government procurement fraud defense attorneys– the process begins with a risk-free consultation over the phone. During this consultation – you can ask us anything.
Please be aware that ethically we cannot give legal advice unless we are retained. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask the tough questions – which allow us to show you our understanding of the issue you’re facing.
Honest Mistakes Don’t Mean You Broke the Law
Facing procurement fraud accusations does not necessarily mean you acted unlawfully. Our firm understands that many cases stem from honest mistakes or misunderstandings rather than intentional fraud. With a keen eye on the complexities of federal regulations, we advocate fiercely for your rights, minimizing your legal exposure while aiming for the best possible resolution.
Our Federal Wire Fraud Defense Lawyers Can Help Clients Across the United States and Overseas Avoid Substantial Civil and Criminal Penalties. We Aggressively Defend Government Contractors and HealthCare Providers in Fraud Cases, Deconstructing the Government’s Case and Showing that It Cannot Meet the Legal Elements It Must Prove.
What Is the Wire Fraud Statute?
Federal Wire fraud, especially in 18 USC 1343 federal procurement fraud and healthcare fraud cases, involves attempts to acquire contracts through bidding, submitting invoices or claims to the government to get paid, submitting for federal grants or loans, of submitting false information money or other property through false representation via telephone, fax or some other electronic communication. It can also include forms of electronic communication, including text messages, emails, or social media posts.
Wire fraud can be considered a “white-collar crime.” The key to defending against fraud charges is to attack the case at the investigation stage. If you have already been charged, then the approach will be to deconstruct the prosecutor’s evidence and to cut off the burden of proof that the government must show.
Types of Government Contract, Health Care and Corporate Cases
Our federal wire fraud defense firm offers the following legal services:
Potential Penalties for Procurement Fraud
- Criminal Charges and Penalties for Procurement Fraud
- Impact on Business Reputation and Future Contracting Opportunities
Procurement Fraud and False Claims Act Liability Defense
31 USC3729(a) starts by explaining the conduct that creates FCA liability in a procurement fraud case. Generally, 31 USC 3729(a)(1)(A) and (B) set forth FCA liability for any person who (1) knowingly submits a false claim to the government or (2) causes another to submit a false claim to the government or (3) knowingly makes a false record or statement to get a false claim paid by the government – will be liable.
31 USC Section 3729(a)(1)(G), known as the reverse false claims section, makes you liable if you act improperly – not to get money from the government, but to avoid having to pay money to the government. Section 3729(a)(1)(C) creates liability for those who conspire to violate the FCA. Sections 3729(a)(1)(D), (E), and (F) are rarely invoked.
The knowledge requirement
Generally, you do not violate the False Claims Act by submitting a false claim to the government; to violate the FCA you must have submitted, or caused the submission of, the false claim (or made a false statement or record) with knowledge of the falsity. In § 3729(b)(1), knowledge of false information is defined as being (1) actual knowledge, (2) deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information, or (3) reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the information.
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HealthCare Fraud Liability Defense
Federal health care fraud charges are covered under the wire fraud statute 18 USC 1347. You can be found liable:
- when an individual knowingly and willfully executes or
- attempts to execute a scheme defrauding any health care benefit program by
- false pretenses or representations, or
- promises to obtain money or property controlled by any health care benefit program
In simple terms, Title 18 USC 1347 makes it a federal crime to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain, by fraudulent means, any money from a health care benefit program. Like most fraud offenses, the key element of a charge of federal health care fraud is the intent to defraud. Under healthcare fraud, the level of intent is a little more relaxed than that of the False Claims Act.
Lawyer For Procurement Fraud Investigation
Most criminal procurement fraud cases start at the investigation stage. Other cases, can go straight to indictment if the prosecutor thinks the government has enough evidence to convince a grand jury. If you are seeking to find a lawyer for procurement fraud investigation and trial, let our government fraud law firm represent you.
Why Us?
At Watson & Associates, LLC our high-profile criminal defense wire fraud defense lawyers aggressively represent defense contractors in civil, criminal, and administrative investigations and legal enforcement actions. We represent small businesses and large contractors in grand jury indictment cases, defending during procurement fraud investigations, and civil cases.
As your federal wire fraud defense attorneys for government procurement fraud, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in government contracts, investigations, white collar criminal defense, and False Claims Act litigation. Our procurement fraud defense attorneys and wire fraud criminal lawyers also have deep substantive experience with:
- The Anti-Kickback Act; Buy American Act (BAA); False Claims Act (FCA); Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); Major Fraud Act and Procurement Integrity Act; Trade Agreements Act (TAA); Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA); and FAR regulations and rules.
- FAR and SBA compliance programs, mandatory disclosures, internal and government investigations, suspension and debarment proceedings, and whistleblower actions.
- Bid-rigging, bribery, data misappropriation, defective and nonconforming parts and product substitutions, false certifications and statements, small business misrepresentations, and defective pricing allegations.
Top Government Contractor Fraud Lawyers
When small businesses and larger defense contractors get caught in the crosshairs of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Inspector General (OIG), our government contractor fraud defense lawyers will guide you and your company through the complex process from the investigation stage all the way through trial if needed. As criminal wire fraud criminal lawyers for federal contract fraud, we handle
- SBA Small Business Program fraud cases ( SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a) etc)
- TINA Violation Charges, and more
- Contractor Conspiracy
- Contractor Buy American Act Fraud
- Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act
- FAR violations etc.
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What Are Common Approaches to Fraud Cases Under 18 U S C § 1343 By Federal Prosecutors?
Top Wire fraud defense lawyer for government contractors: Government attorneys look for evidence of false statements, material misrepresentation, false pretenses, and common schemes involved in government contracting cases and health care fraud cases.
When federal prosecutors investigate or charge government contractors for procurement fraud or wire fraud under 18 USC 1343, it is common to also charge anyone associated with the relationship during the performance of the contract with conspiracy to commit fraud against the government. The investigation usually focuses on the underlying violations such as Buy American Act non-compliance, Trade Agreements Act noncompliance, SBA fraud, or other violations such as various compliance with SBA small business programs. These are all areas that our federal fraud attorneys can help with.
When federal contractors use telephones, fax machines, or the internet to submit bids, submit invoices etc., the prosecutors can then bring charges once they develop enough evidence for the underlying violation.
- Without representation from experienced government contracts federal government fraud law firm companies and CEOs are almost always convicted.
- Our federal procurement fraud defense attorneys know how to push back aggressively against allegations of wrongdoing and federal crimes.
- Our goal as wire fraud defense lawyer for government contractors. is to minimize the chance of our clients going to federal prison.
Procurement and Wire Fraud FAQs
What is Federal Wire Fraud and How Can It Affect My Career as a Government Contractor?
Answer:
Federal wire fraud involves using electronic communications, such as emails or wire transfers, to carry out a scheme to defraud someone of money, property, or honest services. As a government contractor, being charged with wire fraud can have severe consequences, including loss of current contracts, debarment from future contracts, and significant reputational damage. It is crucial to seek immediate legal counsel to understand your rights and develop a defense strategy.
What Are the Penalties for Wire Fraud in the Healthcare Sector?
Answer:
Penalties for wire fraud in the healthcare sector can include hefty fines, restitution, and imprisonment of up to 20 years per count. Additionally, healthcare professionals may face revocation of medical licenses, exclusion from federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and damage to professional standing. Our skilled federal wire fraud defense lawyers and health care fraud defense attorney can help mitigate these penalties and explore possible defenses or plea bargains.
Can I Be Charged with Fraud for Actions Taken in a Different State?
Answer:
Yes, federal wire fraud charges can be brought against you for actions that cross state lines or involve interstate communications. This makes it a federal offense, subject to investigation and prosecution by federal authorities. Jurisdictional issues can complicate your case, so it’s critical to work with an attorney who has experience in federal court and understands the complexities of multi-state investigations.
What to do if accused of procurement fraud?
Answer:
If you are accused of procurement fraud against the federal government, do not wait. Call federal wire fraud attorneys who have vast experience in government contract law. Not just any criminal defense attorney can handle these types of cases.
How Can I Defend Myself Against Federal Wire Fraud Charges as a High-Level Executive?
Answer:
Defending against federal wire fraud charges requires a thorough understanding of both the technical aspects of the case and the specific intent to defraud. Common defenses include lack of intent, entrapment, or proving that the communications in question were not part of a fraudulent scheme. Experienced criminal defense lawyers can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and build a robust defense to protect your reputation and freedom.
What Should I Do if I’m Under Investigation?
Answer:
If you are under investigation for federal wire fraud, it’s essential to act swiftly. Do not speak to investigators without legal representation. Contact a criminal defense lawyers immediately to guide you through the process. They can advise on how to respond to subpoenas, preserve your rights, and potentially negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or secure immunity in exchange for cooperation.
How Can I Defend Against Federal Mail Fraud?
Penalties for Mail Fraud
Nationwide Federal Contractor Procurement and Criminal Defense Lawyers
Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. Practice Group Lead. At Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado and Washington, DC, our top-rated procurement fraud defense attorneys and federal wire fraud lawyers have experience working for federal contracting agencies. We understand the nuts and bolts of the government’s investigation, criminal cases, and how the DOJ or even the SBA OIG develops a civil or criminal case against you. Contact Mr. Watson directly online.
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A crucial aspect of our practice lies in the fact that many of our federal wire fraud attorneys possess extensive experience as government contracting officials. As federal wire fraud defense lawyers, we also understand how trial lawyers, and federal prosecutors in federal agencies like the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office operate. Drawing on those valuable insights, our job is to deconstruct the government’s case and develop a legal defense in federal courts that can create leverage in the event of litigation.
If you are ready to hire a federal procurement fraud lawyer, call 1.866.601.5518 and speak directly to Lead Federal Wire Fraud Lawyer Theodore Watson.
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Looking for the best federal wire fraud defense firm for government contract cases?
Reach out to us if you are ready to hire a federal procurement fraud lawyer: To discuss your concerns and get the best possible defense and avoid a wire fraud penalty, contact Watson & Associates’ government contracts and federal wire fraud defense lawyers, procurement fraud attorneys and mail fraud attorneys today. Call us toll-free at 1.866.601.5518 and let our leading federal mail and federal wire fraud defense firm guide you.