Health Care Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense Strategy
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Bergen County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against allegations of medical billing fraud and healthcare schemes. Our firm, founded in 1997, has extensive experience in federal court.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | 18 U.S.C. § 1347
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. 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 can include a wide range of activities, from upcoding services and billing for procedures not performed to kickback arrangements and falsifying patient records. The penalties upon conviction are severe, including lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from federal health care programs.
In Bergen County, federal health care fraud cases are investigated by agencies like the FBI, IRS, HHS-OIG, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. These cases are demanding, involving vast amounts of data and experienced testimony. An experienced health care fraud lawyer Bergen County is essential to handle the federal discovery process, challenge the government’s evidence, and protect your rights from the initial investigation through trial or negotiation.
- Secure a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation.
- Your lawyer will communicate with investigators and prosecutors to understand the allegations.
- We will conduct a thorough review of all billing records, patient files, and communications.
- Develop a defense strategy, which may involve challenging intent, negotiating a resolution, or preparing for trial.
In federal court, health care fraud 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 fines of up to $250,000 for individuals.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (20 if injury) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, program exclusion, asset forfeiture |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) | Federal Felony | Mandatory 2 years consecutive | – | – |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented history of favorable outcomes in contested cases, our firm brings substantial authority to federal defense. We understand the high stakes of federal charges and provide focused, strategic representation.
Our firm has a documented record of handling federal cases. While specific results vary, our strategic approach focuses on thorough investigation, challenging the government’s evidence, and exploring all avenues for a favorable resolution. We represent clients at every stage, from grand jury investigations to sentencing.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, and Englewood. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need a medical billing fraud defense lawyer Bergen County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is a healthcare scheme charge?
It depends. A “healthcare scheme charge” typically refers to a federal allegation under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1347, where prosecutors claim you participated in a plan to defraud a health care benefit program. This can involve billing for unnecessary services, upcoding, or kickbacks. Each scheme is unique, and a healthcare scheme charge lawyer Bergen County can analyze the specific allegations against you.
Is health care fraud a state or federal crime?
It can be both. Most significant cases are prosecuted federally by the U.S. Department of Justice due to the interstate nature of insurance programs like Medicare. New Jersey also has state laws against Medicaid fraud and insurance fraud. A dual-jurisdiction approach is common, making experienced federal defense critical.
What are common defenses to health care fraud?
Common defenses include lack of intent (showing billing errors were mistakes), insufficient evidence, entrapment, and challenging the reliability of the government’s data analysis. An effective defense often requires forensic accounting and medical experienced witnesses to rebut the prosecution’s case.
What happens during a federal health care fraud investigation?
Investigations often begin with subpoenas for records, interviews of employees, or a search warrant. Agencies like the FBI or HHS-OIG gather evidence before presenting it to a grand jury for indictment. Having an attorney before charges are filed is important to protect your rights and potentially influence the outcome.
Can I negotiate a plea in a federal health care fraud case?
Yes. Many federal cases are resolved through plea agreements. Negotiations can focus on reducing charges, agreeing to a favorable sentencing recommendation, or structuring restitution. An experienced lawyer negotiates from a position of strength, based on a thorough analysis of the evidence.
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Justice Health Care Fraud Unit and the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
If you are facing allegations, contact a health care fraud lawyer Bergen County at the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We also assist clients with related issues; learn about our work as a criminal defense lawyer in Bergen County or explore our New Jersey federal criminal defense hub. For defense in a neighboring area, see our page for a federal criminal lawyer in Morris County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on health care fraud charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.