Health Care Fraud Lawyer Virginia — Federal Criminal Defense
Federal health care fraud charges in Virginia are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying severe penalties including decades in prison and massive fines. As a health care fraud lawyer Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends professionals and entities against these complex federal allegations. Our firm has documented case results across Virginia’s federal districts. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Health care fraud is a serious federal crime investigated by agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the Department of Justice. In Virginia, cases are typically prosecuted in the Eastern District (Alexandria, Richmond) or Western District (Roanoke) U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, makes it a crime to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain money from such a program through false pretenses. Defending these charges requires a white collar defense lawyer with specific knowledge of both federal criminal procedure and the complex regulatory field of health care billing and compliance.
Common allegations include billing for services not rendered, upcoding, unbundling, kickbacks for patient referrals, and providing medically unnecessary services. The government often uses data analytics to identify billing patterns before launching an investigation. If you are under investigation or have been charged, securing a financial crime lawyer early is critical to protect your rights and build a strategic defense.
Virginia Health Care Fraud Laws & Penalties
In Virginia, federal health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison per count; if the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum increases to 20 years, and if it results in death, the maximum is life imprisonment. Fines can reach $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Mandatory restitution, asset forfeiture, exclusion from federal health programs |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Bodily Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Death | Federal Felony | Up to Life | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction leads to mandatory restitution to the defrauded programs, often amounting to millions of dollars. The court will also order forfeiture of any property derived from the fraud. Perhaps most damaging for a health care professional is mandatory exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs, effectively ending a career.
Our Approach to Health Care Fraud Defense in Virginia
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Our founder, a former prosecutor, built a firm dedicated to “Advocacy Without Borders.” We understand that a health care fraud investigation is not just a legal crisis but a threat to your livelihood and reputation. Our defense strategies are built on early intervention, meticulous review of billing and medical records, and challenging the government’s proof of intent—a key element in any fraud case.
Our team includes experienced litigators like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience to federal courtrooms. We have a documented record of case results across Virginia. In federal cases, we aggressively pursue pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative resolutions when appropriate.
Local Federal Defense for Virginia
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves as a central hub for representing clients across Virginia’s federal districts. We are accessible to those facing proceedings in the Alexandria or Richmond federal courthouses. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only. If you are searching for a fraud attorney near Virginia federal courts, contact our office to discuss your situation.
Virginia Health Care Fraud Lawyer FAQ
What is the statute for health care fraud in Virginia?
The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. You can review the official text on the U.S. House of Representatives website. Virginia state law also has related fraud statutes, but major cases are typically prosecuted federally.
What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud?
It depends on the stage of the investigation. If contacted by any federal agent (FBI, HHS-OIG), you should politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a health care fraud lawyer Virginia. Do not speak to investigators without counsel, as anything you say can be used against you. A fraud charges defense attorney can communicate with the government on your behalf and work to prevent charges from being filed.
What are common defenses to health care fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good faith reliance on professional advice, errors in billing that were not deliberate, and challenging the materiality of any false statement. A skilled white collar defense lawyer will analyze the specific facts and applicable regulations to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Can I lose my medical license from a health care fraud conviction?
Yes. A federal conviction for health care fraud will almost certainly trigger disciplinary action by the Virginia Board of Medicine or other licensing bodies, potentially skilled to revocation of your medical license. This is also to mandatory exclusion from federal health programs.
How long does a federal health care fraud case take?
Federal cases are often lengthy. While the Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day clock from indictment to trial, complex fraud cases frequently take 1-3 years to resolve due to the volume of evidence, pre-trial motions, and potential plea negotiations. An experienced financial crime lawyer can help handle these delays strategically.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Contact a federal health care fraud lawyer Virginia at the first sign of an investigation, such as a subpoena or agent contact.
- Preserve and Review Records: Your attorney will secure all relevant patient, billing, and compliance records to conduct an internal audit.
- Assess Government’s Case: Your defense team will analyze the allegations to identify weaknesses, such as lack of criminal intent or flawed statistical analysis.
- Develop Defense Strategy: This may involve pre-indictment negotiations, challenging the search or seizure of evidence, or preparing for trial.
- handle Court Proceedings: Your lawyer will represent you at all hearings, from arraignment through potential trial or sentencing.
For more information on federal court procedures in Virginia, you can visit the official website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Virginia General Assembly website provides access to state statutes that may be referenced in related charges.
If you need a related attorney, consider our Virginia criminal lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Fairfax County criminal defense and Virginia traffic lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
A health care fraud case is one part of fraud & financial crimes work, and our page on bank fraud lawyer Virginia covers the wider process.