Health Care Fraud Lawyer in Washington, D.C., DC — Federal Defense Strategy
Health care fraud in Washington, D.C., is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carrying severe penalties. As a Health Care Fraud Lawyer DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and entities facing these complex federal charges. Our team understands the unique federal-local hybrid jurisdiction of D.C. courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia | D.C. Code Council
Federal Health Care Fraud Law in Washington, D.C.
Health care fraud is a serious federal white-collar crime. In Washington, D.C., these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the federal criminal code, primarily 18 U.S.C. § 1347. This statute makes it a crime to knowingly execute, or attempt to execute, a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. Given D.C.’s status as a federal district, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia handles these prosecutions, often involving agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the Department of Justice. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings extensive experience in federal courtrooms to these high-stakes cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal health care fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures and rules, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia website.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG) or receive a subpoena. Do not speak to investigators without your fraud attorney present.
- Charging Decision: The U.S. Attorney’s Office will review evidence for indictment. A skilled white collar defense lawyer can present mitigating evidence to prosecutors pre-indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. Your financial crime lawyer will advise on pleading not guilty to begin building your defense.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense team will review thousands of pages of evidence, file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and consult experts.
- Trial or Resolution: Most federal cases resolve through plea agreements. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will present a defense before a jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can include prison, fines, restitution, and exclusion from federal health programs.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud in D.C.
In Washington, D.C., federal health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a baseline penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, fines, and mandatory restitution; if the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum prison term increases to 20 years, and if it results in death, the maximum becomes 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) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, professional license loss. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Bodily Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Same as above | Enhanced penalties, mandatory restitution. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Death | Federal Felony | Up to Life | Same as above | Life imprisonment possible. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as above | All conspirators liable for acts of co-conspirators. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a deep understanding of federal criminal defense to Washington, D.C. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in complex financial cases like health care fraud. We approach each case with the understanding that a federal indictment is not just a legal crisis but a threat to your livelihood, reputation, and freedom. Our defense strategies are built on meticulous review of billing records, patient files, and audit trails, often working with forensic accountants and medical experts to challenge the government’s case.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. While specific health care fraud results in D.C. are not listed, our overall approach to federal fraud charges is rigorous and client-focused. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, collaborates closely on federal matters, bringing his experience as a former prosecutor and his analytical background to the defense team. Every case is unique, and we dedicate the resources necessary to investigate every detail of the allegations against you.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Health Care Fraud Lawyer Near Washington, D.C.
Our Arlington location serves clients in Washington, D.C., and is approximately 3 miles from the U.S. District Court, accessible via I-395 and I-66. We provide legal support for health care fraud charges to individuals and professionals across D.C. neighborhoods, including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, and Navy Yard.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Arlington Location — 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250 | Local: (703) 273-4104
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs in Washington, D.C.
Who prosecutes health care fraud in Washington, D.C.?
Health care fraud in D.C. is prosecuted federally by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC), often with investigators from the FBI, HHS-OIG, and DCIS. Cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
What are the most common types of health care fraud allegations?
Common allegations include billing for services not rendered (“phantom billing”), upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for grouped procedures), kickbacks for patient referrals, and medically unnecessary services. A fraud charges defense often involves challenging the intent and knowledge elements of these schemes.
Can I face both criminal and civil penalties for health care fraud?
Yes. It is common for the government to pursue parallel proceedings. You could face a criminal indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 and a simultaneous civil lawsuit under the False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733), which can result in treble damages and civil penalties. A skilled health care fraud lawyer DC must coordinate a defense against both actions.
What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud?
Immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to investigators, agree to interviews, or provide documents without legal counsel. Your attorney can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on your behalf, potentially avoiding an indictment or negotiating favorable terms before charges are filed.
What defenses are available in health care fraud cases?
Potential defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good faith reliance on professional advice or ambiguous regulations, insufficient evidence, challenging the materiality of the false statement, and procedural defenses like statute of limitations or violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation.
Internal Resources for Your Case
For more on our federal practice, see our DC Federal Criminal Defense hub page. If you are facing other federal charges, consider reading about Business Law in Washington, D.C.. For local criminal matters, visit our page on Criminal Defense in Washington, D.C..
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Federal statutes and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current advice regarding your specific situation.