Health Care Fraud Lawyer Hanover County, VA — Federal Defense
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Hanover County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, which can lead to decades in prison and massive fines. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Hanover County from SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense against allegations of billing fraud, kickbacks, or false claims.
Federal Health Care Fraud Law in Virginia
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1347. It involves knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers, or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. This can include upcoding, billing for services not rendered, or providing medically unnecessary services. In the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes Hanover County, these cases are aggressively pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, often involving multi-agency investigations from the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the DEA.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal health care fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
handling a Federal Health Care Fraud Case in Hanover County
Federal health care fraud investigations in Hanover County often begin with a subpoena, search warrant, or a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The process is markedly different from state court. Early intervention by a lawyer experienced in federal procedure is critical to protect your rights before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: Federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG) gather evidence, which is presented to a grand jury. You may receive a target letter.
- Charging & Arraignment: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court, where charges are formally read, and bail conditions are set.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney will review extensive discovery from the government and file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or seek dismissal.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If your case goes to trial, it will be before a federal judge and jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the “loss amount,” a key factor driving prison time.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In federal court, health care fraud 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. Fines can be up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations, or twice the gross gain/loss from the scheme.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (20 years if injury; life if death) | Up to $250,000+ | Restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, professional license revocation. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | All conspirators liable for acts of co-conspirators. |
| False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1035) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Often charged alongside main fraud counts. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose SRIS, P.C. for Federal 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 complex federal cases. Our attorneys understand the high-stakes nature of federal prosecutions and the specific tactics used by agencies investigating health care fraud. We provide a coordinated defense from the first sign of an investigation.
For a healthcare scheme charge lawyer Hanover County, our team includes former prosecutors and attorneys like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into government investigative methods.
Local Representation for Hanover County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing federal charges in Hanover County. We are accessible via I-95 and I-295. We serve communities including Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. If you need a medical billing fraud defense lawyer Hanover County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the most common type of health care fraud?
Yes. Billing for services not rendered is one of the most common allegations. This occurs when a provider submits claims to Medicare or another insurer for patient visits, procedures, or tests that never actually occurred.
Can I go to jail for a simple billing error?
It depends. The key element is “intent.” Prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly and willfully to defraud. Honest mistakes or negligence are not criminal fraud. However, repeated “errors” or ignoring clear guidance can be used as evidence of intent.
What is the “loss amount” in a health care fraud case?
The “loss amount” is the total dollar value intended to be lost by the fraud scheme. It is the single most important factor under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, directly determining the recommended prison sentence range. Defense attorneys often contest the government’s loss calculation.
What should I do if I receive a federal subpoena or search warrant?
Do not speak to agents without an attorney. Immediately contact a federal health care fraud defense lawyer. A subpoena compels document production; a warrant allows seizure. An attorney can help you comply while protecting your rights and assessing the investigation’s scope.
What is the Anti-Kickback Statute?
The Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it a felony to knowingly and willfully offer, pay, solicit, or receive remuneration to induce referrals of items or services payable by a federal health care program. Violations are often charged alongside health care fraud.
If you are under investigation or charged, contact a Health Care Fraud lawyer Hanover County at SRIS, P.C. immediately at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.