Texas False Claims Act Attorneys – Criminal Defense Lawyers

Watson & Associates, LLC Texas False Claims Act Defense Attorneys and FCA Investigation Lawyers Help You Avoid or Reduce the Chances of Jail Time or High Civil Fines in Federal False Claims Act Cases in Texas. We Serve Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Wichita Falls, and surrounding metro areas.

We Build a Legal Defense Team that Focuses on Getting Your False Claims 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 Texas criminal and civil False Claims Act Attorneys are here to protect your interests, defend your reputation, and secure your future with the federal government.

That is where our Texas False Claims Act defense lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC come in. 

Federal Texas False Claims Act Investigation Attorneys and Qui Tam Whistleblower Defense Lawyers – Help For Government Contractors, HealthCare Corporations and Professionals, and Individuals Throughout the USA  to Avoid Civil False Claims Act Fines and Criminal Liability and Minimize Costly Legal Mistakes.   

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

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

Texas False Claims Act Defense Attorneys | Watson & Associates, LLC

Defending Federal Government Contractors and Healthcare Professionals Facing FCA Allegations in Texas

If you’re under investigation or charged under the Federal False Claims Act (FCA) in Texas, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the risk of financial ruin, damage to your professional reputation, and even criminal penalties, you need immediate and decisive legal representation.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our experienced Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys and Federal False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers are here to protect your business, your freedom, and your future.

Your Concerns Are Valid – We Address Them Directly

“What if I didn’t mean to commit fraud?”

Many FCA cases arise from honest mistakes in billing, reporting, or compliance. Unfortunately, the FCA defines “knowingly” as including reckless disregard or deliberate ignorance of the truth. This means that even unintentional errors can lead to serious legal consequences.

• Example: A healthcare provider submits duplicate claims due to software issues. Despite the lack of intent, the provider faces allegations of Medicare fraud under the FCA.

Our Solution:
We thoroughly review billing systems, contracts, and compliance procedures to demonstrate that any discrepancies were unintentional, challenging the government’s case at its foundation.

“Am I at risk of criminal charges?”

While most FCA cases are civil, the government can escalate severe allegations to criminal charges, especially in cases involving fraud schemes, kickbacks, or deliberate misrepresentation. Conviction could lead to prison time, steep fines, and permanent damage to your reputation.

Our Solution:
As seasoned Federal Texas False Claims Act criminal defense lawyers, we develop aggressive strategies to prevent escalation to criminal charges. If criminal prosecution is unavoidable, we provide a robust defense to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

“Will this investigation ruin my business?”

FCA investigations often disrupt operations, strain financial resources, and damage your reputation. Clients frequently fear that even an unfounded accusation could end their business.

Our Solution:
We intervene early, working to resolve cases quickly and discreetly. Our attorneys negotiate with federal agencies to mitigate penalties, secure settlements or have cases dismissed outright.

Who Are Our Clients?

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

Who Do We Represent in Texas False Claims Act Cases?

• Government Contractors: Facing allegations of overbilling, misrepresentation, or failure to meet contract obligations.
• Healthcare Providers: Accused of Medicare/Medicaid fraud, upcoding, or kickback violations.
• Businesses Receiving Federal Funds: Investigated for misuse of PPP loans or violating grant conditions.

Avoid These Mistakes During a Federal False Claims Act Case

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 Federal 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 our Federal False Claims Act attorneys is 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 False Claims Act charge – they win.

Experienced False Claims Act defense lawyer in Texas and its primary cities

Watson’s Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys and criminal defense lawyers Serve Houston, San Antonio false claims act lawyer, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano healthcare fraud defense lawyer, Laredo healthcare fraud defense lawyer, Lubbock, Garland, Irving, Amarillo, Grand Prairie, Brownsville, McKinney, Midland Odessa, Frisco, Pasadena, Mesquite, Killeen, McAllen, Carrollton, Midland, Waco, Denton, Abilene, Odessa, Beaumont, Round Rock, The Woodlands, Richardson, Pearland, College Station, Wichita Falls, Lewisville, Tyler, San Angelo, League City, Allen, Sugar Land, Edinburg, Mission, Longview, Bryan, Pharr, Baytown, Missouri City, Temple, Flower Mound, New Braunfels, North Richland Hills, Conroe, Victoria, Cedar Park, Harlingen, Atascocita, Mansfield, Georgetown, San Marcos, Rowlett, Pflugerville, Port Arthur, Spring, Euless, DeSoto, Grapevine, Galveston, and many more.

What Are 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 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 Federal Texas False Claims Act attorneys and FCA investigation defense lawyers work tirelessly to minimize these penalties, aiming for case dismissal or reduced fines.

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

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

Top rated attorney for False Claims Act defense of Government Contractors in Texas

FCA investigations can lead to catastrophic consequences for government contractors, including suspension, debarment, and the loss of lucrative government contracts.

Our Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys and criminal defense lawyers have deep expertise in federal procurement laws and have 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 cases related to government contracts, ensuring that every aspect of your case is thoroughly examined.

Defending Companies in Federal Texas False Claims Act Healthcare Fraud Cases

In Texas, 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 fraud violations in Texas, anti-kickback infractions, or fraudulent billing practices, our lawyers have the expertise to dismantle the government’s case.

As Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys for healthcare fraud criminal defense lawyers in Texas, 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 False Claims Act penalties.

What Sets Watson & Associates Apart?

1. Decades of Experience in Federal Cases: We specialize in defending clients against FCA allegations nationwide, with a deep understanding of Texas-specific challenges.
2. Tailored Defense Strategies: No two cases are alike. We customize our approach to your industry, charges, and goals.
3. Proven Track Record: From dismissals to favorable settlements, we have successfully defended numerous clients in FCA cases.

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

Texas Buy American Act False Claims Act Defense?

Best lawyer for FCA government contracts fraud Texas: A federal government contractor in Texas 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 compliance laws 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 BAA compliance Texas False Claims Act defense lawyers and 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.

Texas U.S. Trade Agreements Act False Claims Act 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 Texas False Claims Act Attorneys and Trade Agreements Act criminal defense lawyers can help.

Protecting Corporations and CEOs Under 31 USC 3729–3733

Legal help for government contract fraud charges: Corporations and their executives are often the main targets in False Claims Act Whistleblower defense cases 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 Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys 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.

Handling Federal Civil Investigative Demands and Subpoenas in False Claims Act Investigations in Texas

If you are looking to find a defense attorney for False Claims Act allegations in government contracting or healthcare fraud, or when facing federal False Claims Act investigations in Texas,  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 Texas False Claims Act defense lawyers and federal criminal defense attorneys 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 Texas 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.

TOP Texas False Claims Act Defense Attorney for  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 federal healthcare fraud defense and criminal defense and government contract fraud lawyers and criminal defense attorney, contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Texas.

Our Defense Process

1. Immediate Action:
   We act quickly to evaluate your case, identify vulnerabilities in the government’s claims, and advise you on protecting your rights.
2. Detailed Case Analysis:
   We review every detail, from contracts to billing records, to identify errors, weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, or opportunities for dismissal.
3. Negotiation and Settlement:
   When appropriate, we work to resolve cases through settlements, avoiding the cost and stress of prolonged litigation.
4. Aggressive Court Representation:
   If litigation becomes necessary, our trial attorneys have the experience and determination to fight for your freedom and business in federal court.

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

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

The earlier you engage an experienced Texas False Claims Act defense attorney, the more options you have to mitigate the impact of an FCA case. Delaying action can lead to increased penalties, more aggressive prosecution, and reputational damage.

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Free Consultation: Immediate Help for Federal False Claims Act Investigation Cases in Texas

Time is of the essence in Qui Tam False Claims Act investigation cases. The earlier you involve an experienced legal team, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Call Watson’s 31 USC 3729 Texas False Claims Act defense attorneys and Healthcare Fraud Criminal 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.