Health Care Fraud Lawyer in Stafford County, Virginia
Facing a federal health care fraud investigation in Stafford County is a serious matter. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. As a Health Care Fraud Lawyer Stafford Virginia, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Verify with lead attorney | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Health Care Fraud Law in Virginia
The primary federal statute governing health care fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. This law makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully execute, or attempt to execute, a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. This can include a wide range of activities, from billing Medicare for services never performed to paying illegal kickbacks for patient referrals. The U.S. Code § 1347 (official Cornell Legal Information Institute) details the offense. Cases are typically investigated by agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or the DEA and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
- Initial federal investigation by agencies like FBI or HHS-OIG.
- Grand jury indictment or filing of a criminal information.
- Arraignment and initial appearance in federal district court.
- Discovery phase and pre-trial motions.
- Potential plea negotiations or preparation for trial.
- Sentencing under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines if convicted.
Penalties for Health Care Fraud in Federal Court
In Stafford County, federal health care fraud convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can result in decades of imprisonment and millions of dollars in fines, with penalties escalating based on the loss amount and whether patient harm occurred.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (General) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Mandatory restitution, exclusion from federal health programs, asset forfeiture. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Bodily Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Enhanced penalties under sentencing guidelines. |
| Health Care Fraud Resulting in Death | Federal Felony | Any term of years or life | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Maximum penalties apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Defense Approach to Federal Financial Crimes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our defense strategy in federal health care fraud cases is built on a deep analysis of the evidence. We scrutinize billing records, audit trails, and witness statements to challenge the government’s assertion of “willful” intent. We explore potential weaknesses in the investigation and work with financial experts to contest alleged loss amounts, which directly drive sentencing under the guidelines. Our goal is to achieve the best possible resolution, whether through pre-trial motion, negotiation, or vigorous trial defense.
Our firm has handled numerous complex federal cases. For instance, Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, brings a meticulous approach to case analysis and trial strategy. His extensive courtroom experience is a valuable asset in building a defense against serious federal allegations.
Contact a Stafford County Federal Defense Attorney
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 clients facing federal charges in Stafford County. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. If you need a health care fraud lawyer near the Quantico Marine Corps Base or the Stafford County Government Center, contact us for a confidential meeting. We serve Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Brooke. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the federal statute for health care fraud?
Yes. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. It criminalizes schemes to defraud any health care benefit program, like Medicare or Medicaid, or to obtain money from them by false pretenses. You can review the official text on the U.S. Code website.
Who investigates health care fraud in Virginia?
Federal agencies. Investigations are typically led by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These agencies work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to build cases.
What are common examples of health care fraud?
Common examples include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), paying or receiving kickbacks for referrals, and submitting false cost reports. A skilled fraud attorney can analyze the specific allegations against you.
Can I go to jail for a health care fraud mistake?
It depends. The government must prove you acted “knowingly and willfully.” An honest billing error or a misunderstanding of complex regulations is not a federal crime. A strong white collar defense lawyer will work to show a lack of criminal intent, which is a core element of the offense.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Contact a financial crime lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. A lawyer can communicate on your behalf, help you understand your rights, and begin building a defense strategy during the critical investigative stage before charges are filed.
What defenses are available to fraud charges?
Potential defenses include lack of intent, mistake, insufficient evidence, entrapment, or challenging the calculation of alleged losses. An experienced fraud charges defense attorney will examine all evidence, including electronic records and witness statements, to identify the most effective defense strategy for your case.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related matters like business law in Stafford County and DUI defense in Stafford County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome. Last verified: April 2026.
Stafford County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on health care fraud cases in Virginia explains each stage.