Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Healthcare fraud in Bergen County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under both state and federal law, carrying severe penalties including prison and fines. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a healthcare fraud lawyer Bergen County with specific experience in these contested cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Healthcare Fraud Charges in New Jersey
Healthcare fraud involves knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. In New Jersey, these cases can be prosecuted at the state level under the New Jersey Health Care Claims Fraud Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.2, or federally under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1347. State charges are typically handled by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage. Federal charges are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and heard in the U.S. District Court in Newark.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the New Jersey Health Care Claims Fraud Act, see N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.2 (official New Jersey Legislature). For federal court information in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling a Healthcare Fraud Case in Bergen County
Healthcare fraud investigations are often lengthy and demanding, involving agencies like the FBI, IRS, or the New Jersey Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. The key local procedural fact is that New Jersey’s Health Care Claims Fraud Act allows for both civil and criminal penalties, and cases often involve parallel proceedings. In Bergen County, early intervention by a skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Bergen County is critical to challenge the evidence before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by investigators or receive a subpoena for records. Do not speak to anyone without your attorney present.
- Case Assessment: Your lawyer will review all documents and communications to understand the allegations and identify defenses.
- Pre-Indictment Strategy: Your attorney may negotiate with prosecutors, present exculpatory evidence, or argue against charges being filed.
- Formal Charges: If indicted, your lawyer will file motions, challenge evidence, and prepare for either a trial or plea negotiation.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through dismissal, a favorable plea agreement, or trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible under the circumstances.
Potential Penalties for Healthcare Fraud
In Bergen County, healthcare fraud penalties vary based on the amount involved and whether it’s a state or federal charge, but can include decades in prison and millions in fines.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Health Care Fraud ($1,000+) | 2nd Degree Crime | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Civil penalties, restitution, exclusion from programs |
| NJ Health Care Fraud (Under $1,000) | 3rd Degree Crime | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | Civil penalties, restitution |
| Federal Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (20 if injury, life if death) | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Asset forfeiture, mandatory restitution, exclusion |
| Federal Conspiracy / Kickbacks | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $25,000 | Civil penalties, exclusion |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Healthcare 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 every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, knowledgeable representation. We understand the intricate financial and regulatory details that define healthcare fraud cases. Our team includes attorneys with backgrounds that provide a strategic advantage in dissecting technical billing records and challenging the government’s evidence.
Our Approach to Healthcare Fraud Cases
We have a documented record of handling white-collar cases. Firm-wide, we have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In healthcare fraud defense, we meticulously analyze every claim, audit trail, and communication. We work with financial and medical professionals to build a defense that challenges the intent element, which is central to these charges. A strong fraud charge defense lawyer Bergen County must be prepared to litigate both the facts and the law.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals and professionals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. Facing a healthcare fraud investigation requires immediate action. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Healthcare Fraud Defense FAQs
What should I do if I’m contacted about a healthcare fraud investigation?
No. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a healthcare fraud lawyer Bergen County. Anything you say can be used against you.
What are common examples of healthcare 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), kickbacks for patient referrals, and falsifying diagnoses to justify tests. Both individuals and corporate entities can be charged.
Can I go to prison for a first-time healthcare fraud offense?
Yes. Both state and federal laws carry mandatory prison time for healthcare fraud, especially if the loss amount is significant. A first-time offender is not immune from incarceration, though a skilled lawyer can argue for mitigating factors.
What is the difference between state and federal healthcare fraud charges?
State charges in NJ are under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-4.2 and are prosecuted by the county prosecutor. Federal charges are under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1347 and are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney. Federal cases often involve larger alleged losses, multiple defendants, and harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.
What defenses are available in a healthcare fraud case?
Defenses include lack of intent to defraud (mistake or negligence), insufficient evidence, entrapment, challenging the loss amount calculation, and procedural defenses like statute of limitations. An experienced white collar crime defense lawyer Bergen County will identify the best strategy based on the evidence.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other serious charges, you may need a federal criminal lawyer in Bergen County or a business lawyer in Bergen County.
Other Locations: We also serve clients in neighboring areas. For help in similar matters, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Hunterdon County and a criminal defense lawyer in Somerset County.
Back to Hub: For more information on our criminal defense practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense lawyer hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. 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 healthcare fraud charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. 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 Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. 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 · Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Healthcare Fraud Defense Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.