Health Care Fraud Lawyer Kent County — Federal Defense Strategy
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Kent County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. A conviction can mean decades in prison, massive fines, and exclusion from federal health programs. As a Health Care Fraud lawyer Kent County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Federal statutes via U.S. Code
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. It involves knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, like Medicare or Medicaid, or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. This is distinct from state-level medical billing issues and carries severe penalties under federal law. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings extensive federal court experience to these cases.
Federal Health Care Fraud Laws & Penalties
The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. Prosecutors may also use related laws like the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) or the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733). These cases are typically investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, HHS-OIG, or the DEA before indictment by a federal grand jury.
In Kent County, a federal health care fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can result in up to 10 years in prison, or up to 20 years if the violation results in serious bodily injury, and up to life imprisonment if a death occurs. Fines can reach $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations, plus mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | Possible exclusion | Restitution, forfeiture, supervised release |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Kent County Federal Court Process for a Health Care Fraud Charge
Federal health care fraud cases in Maryland follow a strict procedural path. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland has jurisdiction, though initial appearances for Kent County residents may occur in Baltimore or Greenbelt. The process is intensive and requires counsel familiar with federal rules and the local practices of the USAO.
- Investigation & Grand Jury: Federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG) conduct a covert investigation. A federal grand jury in Baltimore may issue subpoenas for records and testimony.
- Indictment & Arrest: If the grand jury returns an indictment, a warrant is issued. You will be arrested and have an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will be formally charged and enter a plea. The court will also determine if you will be released on bond or detained pending trial.
- Discovery & Pretrial Motions: Your attorney will review thousands of pages of evidence. Strategic motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges are filed.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in U.S. District Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the “loss amount,” your role, and other factors.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal defense. Our attorneys understand how to dissect a healthcare scheme charge. We scrutinize the government’s evidence, challenge the alleged intent, and work with financial and medical experts to build a strong defense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally oversees complex federal matters, bringing strategic insight from both sides of the courtroom.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific results in Kent County for health care fraud are not listed here, our federal defense team has successfully negotiated reduced charges, argued for downward departures at sentencing, and secured favorable resolutions in complex white-collar matters. For instance, in a related federal fraud case, our work led to a significant reduction in the government’s claimed loss amount, directly lowering the client’s sentencing exposure.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Health Care Fraud Defense Team
Our Rockville, MD location serves clients facing federal charges in Kent County. We are approximately 90 minutes from the federal courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt, accessible via I-95 and the ICC (MD-200). We serve clients from Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Lawyer Kent County FAQs
What is the difference between health care fraud and a simple billing error?
It depends on intent. A mistake is not a crime. Health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 requires the government to prove you knowingly and willfully executed a scheme to defraud. An experienced medical billing fraud defense lawyer Kent County can analyze the evidence to distinguish an error from intentional misconduct.
Who investigates health care fraud in Maryland?
Federal health care fraud is investigated by agencies like the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These agencies work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland to build cases.
What are common examples of a healthcare scheme charge?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), kickbacks for patient referrals, and prescribing medically unnecessary drugs or equipment. A lawyer for a healthcare scheme charge in Kent County can evaluate the specific allegations against you.
Can I lose my medical license if convicted?
Yes. A federal health care fraud conviction typically triggers mandatory exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs. State medical boards also routinely revoke or suspend the licenses of professionals convicted of fraud.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about fraud?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a Health Care Fraud lawyer Kent County. Anything you say can be used against you. Federal agents are trained to obtain incriminating statements. Having an attorney present before any discussion is your critical right.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal charges, explore our pages for Federal Criminal Defense in Kent County or Business Law in Kent County.
More Maryland Help: For defense in other counties, see our Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer hub or pages for Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.