Health Care Fraud lawyer Near Me
Federal health care fraud investigations move fast, and the consequences are severe. If you are searching for a health care fraud lawyer near you in Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is ready to provide the experienced federal criminal defense you need. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 target anyone alleged to have defrauded a health care benefit program, and a conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison — or life if a death results. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia prosecute these cases actively, often working with the FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Because the federal system has no parole, and the advisory sentencing guidelines heavily influence the sentence you may receive, early engagement of counsel is critical. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have extensive combined legal experience handling complex federal criminal matters, including health care fraud. For a confidential consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Health Care Fraud Means in Virginia
Federal court geography is what matters. Health care fraud charges in Virginia are brought in either the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (which covers Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads) or the Western District of Virginia (Roanoke, Abingdon, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg). The Eastern District is known nationally for its “rocket docket,” meaning cases move faster than in many other jurisdictions. The government’s case is typically built by a federal grand jury process before an indictment is returned, and by the time you learn of the investigation, a substantial paper trail may already be assembled.
Health care fraud encompasses a wide range of conduct — billing for services not rendered, “upcoding” to inflate reimbursement, kickback schemes in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private carriers. Because federal investigators have access to billing records, claims data, bank statements, and cooperating witnesses, a defense strategy often must begin before any charges are filed. The firm’s attorneys have significant experience appearing in both the Alexandria Division of the Eastern District and the Western District courts, and understand the procedural demands unique to each venue.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Health Care Fraud Cases
Federal criminal defense work is not something you can delegate to a general practitioner. When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes on a health care fraud matter, the representation starts with an immediate assessment of the investigation’s scope, the evidence the government has gathered, and the potential exposure under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The firm’s attorneys work with forensic accounting attorneys and medical-billing attorney to challenge loss calculations and dispute the government’s allegations — often the difference between a manageable sentence and a devastating one.
The approach includes pre-indictment advocacy, where possible, to persuade the U.S. Attorney’s Office not to charge, or to narrow the charges. If an indictment has already been returned, the team files appropriate motions, engages in discovery review, and negotiates strategically. When trial is the trusted course, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring thorough courtroom preparation to the Eastern District of Virginia, the Western District of Virginia, and any federal court where the client’s case is pending. Throughout the process, the client remains informed and involved. For a consultation about your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since the firm’s founding in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a distinctive understanding of how the government builds its case — and where its weaknesses lie. His background in accounting and information systems is particularly useful in financial-fraud matters like health care prosecutions, where the core of the case often involves billing records, audit trails, and complex financial data. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Today, he limits his personal caseload to remain deeply involved in every matter he handles.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have represented clients in matters investigated by the FBI, DEA, HHS-OIG, and other federal agencies. The team’s collective experience spans the full range of federal fraud statutes, from health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 to mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal health care fraud?
Federal health care fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, is the knowing and willful execution of a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program. The statute covers false claims, kickbacks, billing for unnecessary services, and other deceptive practices involving Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers that receive federal funds. A conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison, and up to life imprisonment if a death results from the fraudulent conduct. The government must prove the defendant acted with intent to deceive, which creates avenues for defense when billing errors or good-faith disputes are at issue. For guidance about your specific circumstances, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Should I hire a lawyer if I am under investigation for health care fraud?
Yes, you should retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn of an investigation. Federal agents often approach targets or witnesses with a casual tone, but anything you say can be used against you in a subsequent prosecution. A lawyer can interface with investigators on your behalf, preserve evidence, identify the scope of the alleged fraud, and begin building a defense strategy before charges are filed. Early engagement can significantly affect the outcome. For a consultation about your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a federal health care fraud case proceed in Virginia?
Federal health care fraud cases in Virginia typically begin with an investigation by agencies such as the FBI, HHS-OIG, or IRS-CI, followed by grand jury proceedings, indictment, arraignment, pretrial motions, and either trial or plea. In the Eastern District of Virginia, the process moves swiftly under the “rocket docket” scheduling orders, making early preparation essential. The Western District of Virginia follows a more deliberate pace but no less rigorous procedure. Both districts require skilled advocacy during discovery, sentencing, and any collateral consequences. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in both federal districts and can explain the procedural steps that apply to your case.
What are the potential penalties for health care fraud?
The maximum penalty under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is 10 years’ imprisonment, or life if the fraud results in death. In addition to incarceration, a sentence can include substantial fines, restitution of the full amount the government claims was lost, and a term of supervised release following imprisonment. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the sentence pronounced in court is essentially the time that will be served. The advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines will heavily influence the sentence, making a well-prepared sentencing presentation critical. For case-specific guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if federal agents contact me about health care fraud?
You should politely decline to answer questions, state that you wish to speak with an attorney, and immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer. Do not provide documents, grant access to records, or make any statement without counsel present. Even if the agents suggest that you are merely a witness, your status can change quickly. Invoking your right to remain silent and your right to counsel is not evidence of guilt — it is a constitutional protection. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How do I find a health care fraud lawyer near me in Virginia?
Look for a firm with federal court experience in Virginia’s Eastern and Western Districts, a former prosecutor’s perspective, and a track record of handling complex financial fraud cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Meets those criteria. The firm’s Fairfax location serves clients throughout the Commonwealth, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in the Alexandria, Richmond, and Roanoke federal courthouses. You can reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Phone consultations are available, and in-person meetings can be scheduled by appointment.
Primary sources: 18 U.S.C. § 1347 — Health Care Fraud | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
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