Health Care Fraud Lawyer in Gloucester County, NJ — Federal Defense
Health care fraud in Gloucester County is a serious federal crime prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation by the FBI, HHS-OIG, or the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, securing a skilled Health Care Fraud lawyer Gloucester County is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding Federal Health Care Fraud Charges
Health care fraud is a federal offense defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. It involves knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. In New Jersey, these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from federal health care programs.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal health care fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347. For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling a Federal Health Care Fraud Case in Gloucester County
A federal health care fraud investigation in South Jersey often begins with a subpoena, search warrant, or interview request from federal agents. The case proceeds in the U.S. District Court, with the Camden or Newark division handling matters originating in Gloucester County. The procedural field is demanding, involving grand jury proceedings, extensive discovery, and strict adherence to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Early intervention by a defense attorney experienced in federal practice is essential to protect your rights during the investigation phase, before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation: You may receive a subpoena for records, a target letter, or be contacted by federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG). Do not speak to agents without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The prosecution presents evidence to a federal grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: If indicted, you will be arraigned. Your attorney can argue for pretrial release at a detention hearing.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense team reviews thousands of pages of evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the “loss amount,” a key factor in fraud cases.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In Gloucester County, a federal health care fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can result in decades of imprisonment, fines into the millions, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense Level | Potential Incarceration | Potential Fines | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Care Fraud | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, program exclusion, asset forfeiture |
| Fraud Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Same as above |
| Fraud Resulting in Death | Any term of years or life | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Same as above |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we bring a depth of knowledge to federal criminal defense. Our approach to a health care scheme charge in Gloucester County is proactive, focusing on challenging the government’s evidence on intent and loss amount from the very start of an investigation. We understand the severe personal and professional consequences these charges carry and fight to protect your freedom, livelihood, and reputation.
Our Approach to Health Care Fraud Defense
We have a documented record of handling federal criminal cases. Our defense strategy begins with a meticulous review of all billing records, patient files, and communications. We work with forensic accountants and medical professionals to rebut the prosecution’s alleged loss amount—a primary driver of sentencing severity. We explore all avenues, from negotiating for a favorable pre-indictment resolution to mounting an aggressive trial defense focused on lack of criminal intent or knowledge. For those facing a health care scheme charge, lawyer Gloucester County representation from our firm means having an advocate who understands both the legal and factual details of your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Gloucester County Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyers
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 throughout Gloucester County, including Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, Monroe Township, and Glassboro. We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the first step if I’m under investigation for health care fraud?
Contact a federal defense attorney as early as possible. Do not speak to investigators, sign anything, or provide documents without your lawyer present. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
What are common examples of health care fraud?
Common examples include billing for services not rendered (phantom billing), upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), paying or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals, and submitting false cost reports. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Gloucester County can analyze the specific allegations against you.
Can I go to jail for a billing error?
Not for a simple mistake. Prosecution requires proof of willful intent to defraud. A key defense is often demonstrating a lack of criminal intent, such as showing the billing was based on a good-faith interpretation of regulations.
What is the “loss amount” and why does it matter?
The “loss amount” is the dollar value the government claims was fraudulently obtained. It is the single most important factor under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, directly increasing the recommended prison sentence. Challenging the prosecution’s loss calculation is a primary focus of defense.
What is the Anti-Kickback Statute?
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully offer, pay, solicit, or receive remuneration to induce referrals of items or services reimbursable by a federal health care program. Violations are often charged alongside health care fraud.
Can a corporation be charged with health care fraud?
Yes. Corporations, medical practices, clinics, and other entities can be indicted. They face substantial fines, restitution, and can be excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs, which is often a death sentence for the business.
Internal Resources
For more information on our federal criminal defense practice, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Camden County and Burlington County. If you are facing other serious charges, learn about our work as a Criminal Defense lawyer Gloucester County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. The law changes frequently. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For the background behind a Gloucester County charge, our page explains how Virginia federal courts handle health care fraud.
For the full picture beyond Gloucester County, our page on health care fraud in Virginia covers the process end to end.
Your case in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Gloucester 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: Gloucester 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.