Texas False Claims Act Defense Attorneys

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 (FC) Cases Under 31 USC 3729 – 3733  and 18 USC 287 in Texas. We Serve Government Contractors, Healthcare Fraud Clients in Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Wichita Falls, and surrounding metro areas.

We Immediately Build a Legal Defense Team that Focuses on Getting Your False Claims Investigation or 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.

Immediate Help With Federal FCA Allegations and Criminal Charges: Protect Your Business from Devastating Penalties

• The Longer You Wait to Start Establishing Your Legal Defense, The Stronger the Prosecution’s Case Becomes. Don’t let it jeopardize your livelihood—discover how proactive defense strategies can protect your reputation and finances.
• Facing a False Claims Investigation? Don’t let it jeopardize your livelihood—discover how proactive defense strategies can protect your reputation and finances.
• Severe Penalties, Including Treble Damages, Could Be on the Line—learn how to navigate complex federal regulations to avoid crippling liability.
• Your Business Rights Matter: Find out how to defend against whistleblower claims and government overreach with experienced legal guidance.
• Time Is Critical: Federal investigations move quickly—learn why taking immediate action could mean the difference between dismissal and damaging consequences.

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

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. Under the federal False Claims Act a citizen may be liable for hefty civil fines and serious jail time in criminal cases.

Federal False Claims Act 31 USC 3729 – 3733 – Key Things to Know

The Federal FCA statute 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. 

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 federal False Act Act under 18 USC 287 also applies to healthcare professionals in Maryland 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 Criminal False Claims Act 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.

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.

Aggressive Federal Defense Lawyers

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 False Claims Act investigation defense 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 lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC come in. 

Federal Texas False Claims Act Attorney and Qui Tam Whistleblower Defense Lawyers – Help For Government Contractors, HealthCare Corporations and Professionals, and Individuals Throughout the USA  to Avoid Civil FCA 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

What Are Federal False Claims Act Penalties in Texas?

What is the penalty for violating the False Claims Act? The penalties under the Federal FCA statute 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 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. Also:

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 federal criminal penalties, aiming for case dismissal or reduced FCA fines.

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

Defending your Texas False Claims Act federal 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 your 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 Texas False Claims Act attorneys will develop your case.)

2. Materiality Defense

To successfully defeat a federal FCA 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 attorney 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.

HealthCare Fraud & Texas False Claims Act Defense Lawyers | Watson & Associates, LLC

Defending Federal Government Contractors and Healthcare Professionals Facing FCA Allegations Under 31 USC 3729 – 3733  and 18 USC 287 in Texas

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

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

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

Many federal FCA cases under 31 USC 3729 – 3733  and 18 USC 287 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.

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 federal defense team when the federal government is suing for fraud under 31 USC 3729 – 3733  and 18 USC 287. 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 investigation 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 Federal False Claims Act defense lawyer in Texas and its primary cities

Watson’s Texas False Claims Act attorneys and government contract fraud 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 Texas False Claims Act attorneys lawyers Healthcare fraud defense, 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.

Top Rated Attorney for False Claims Act Defense of Government Contractors in Texas

FCA investigations under 31 USC 3729 – 3733  and 18 USC 287 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.

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

Texas Buy American Act False Claims Act Defense Lawyers 

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.

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 Attorneys for Federal Civil and Criminal Defense Cases

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

For legal support in federal healthcare fraud defense and criminal defense and government contract fraud lawyers and criminal defense attorneys, contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. We are committed to serving your legal needs in Texas.

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Free Consultation: Immediate Help for Texas False Claims Act Investigation Cases inn 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 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.