Health Care Fraud Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ — Federal Defense
Health care fraud in Burlington County is a serious federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a Health Care Fraud lawyer Burlington County with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
What is Health Care Fraud Under Federal Law?
Health care fraud is a federal white-collar crime involving the intentional deception or misrepresentation to obtain an unauthorized benefit from any health care benefit program. In New Jersey, these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI, and prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347, which makes it a crime to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program. Convictions can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from federal health programs.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal health care fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures, refer to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Local Federal Court Process for Health Care Fraud in Burlington County
Federal health care fraud cases originating in or involving Burlington County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, often through its Camden or Trenton divisions. The process is markedly different from state court. After a federal grand jury indictment, the case proceeds through arraignment, extensive discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines heavily influence potential penalties if convicted.
- Federal Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG) or receive a subpoena for records. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury. If indicted, you will be formally charged.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will appear in federal court to enter a plea. The court will also determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the “loss amount” attributed to the fraud.
Potential Federal Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In Burlington County, a federal health care fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a baseline penalty of up to 10 years in prison, but if the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum rises to 20 years, and if it results in death, the maximum is life imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years* | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | Mandatory restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, professional license revocation. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Same as above | All of the above, plus enhanced sentencing. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as above | Holds all conspirators liable for the acts of others. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Sentences are guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which use a complex scoring system based on the loss amount, number of victims, role in the offense, and other factors.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive representation. We understand the technical nuances of medical billing and federal health care regulations, which is essential for building an effective defense against healthcare scheme charges. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in federal cases.
Case Results & Firm Experience
While specific results for health care fraud in Burlington County are not disclosed here, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our capability. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results span federal and state courts across our practice jurisdictions. Every case is unique, and we apply our extensive resources and experience to seek a favorable result for each client facing a healthcare scheme charge.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Burlington County Defense for Federal Charges
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County. We are accessible to those in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and surrounding communities. If you need a medical billing fraud defense lawyer Burlington County trusts for federal court, contact us for a consultation.
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) 651-0900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a health care fraud investigation?
No. You should not speak to them without your attorney. Politely state you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and will have your lawyer contact them. Anything you say can be used against you. Promptly contact a Health Care Fraud lawyer Burlington County who handles federal cases.
What is the difference between a billing error and criminal health care fraud?
It depends on intent. Mistakes or negligence are not typically criminal. Fraud requires the government to prove you knowingly and willfully executed a scheme to defraud. A skilled medical billing fraud defense lawyer Burlington County can challenge the evidence of criminal intent, often a key battleground in these cases.
Can I go to prison for health care fraud in New Jersey?
Yes. Federal health care fraud convictions carry mandatory prison time under the sentencing guidelines, especially if the calculated loss amount is high. The statute allows for up to 10 years, and enhancements can increase it to 20 years or life. An experienced defense lawyer is critical to mitigating this risk.
What is a “qui tam” or whistleblower lawsuit, and how does it relate to my case?
It is a civil lawsuit brought by a private person (the “relator”) on behalf of the government under the False Claims Act. These lawsuits often allege the same facts as a criminal case. The government may intervene and pursue criminal charges. If you are a target, you need a lawyer experienced in defending against both civil and criminal allegations of a healthcare scheme charge.
What are common defenses to federal health care fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent (mistake), insufficient evidence, challenging the government’s loss calculation, entrapment, or procedural defenses like statute of limitations. Each defense depends on the specific facts. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Burlington County from our firm will analyze all evidence to identify the strongest defense strategy for your situation.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing federal charges, you may also want to learn about Federal Criminal Defense in New Jersey. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Camden County or a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Atlantic County. For other legal needs in Burlington County, we also assist with DUI defense and business law matters.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey health care fraud practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.