Health Care Fraud Lawyer Union County — Federal Defense Strategy
Health care fraud in Union County is a serious federal offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying severe penalties. As a Health Care Fraud lawyer Union County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against allegations of billing schemes, kickbacks, and false claims.
Federal Health Care Fraud Law in New Jersey
The primary federal statute governing health care fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. This law makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully 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. In the District of New Jersey, which includes Union County, these cases are aggressively pursued by federal prosecutors. A conviction can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from all federal health care programs.
Last verified: March 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 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures and information, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
handling a Federal Health Care Fraud Investigation in Union County
Federal investigations into health care fraud in Union County often involve multiple agencies, including the FBI, IRS, HHS-OIG, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. These investigations are demanding and can begin with subpoenas, search warrants, or interviews with employees. Early intervention by a defense attorney is critical to protect your rights and shape the direction of the case before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Contact & Risk Assessment: Upon learning of an investigation, immediately secure counsel to assess exposure and communicate with investigators.
- Document Review & Internal Investigation: Conduct a thorough review of billing records, contracts, and communications to understand the government’s potential case.
- Proactive Negotiation: Engage with prosecutors or agency attorneys to present mitigating facts, argue against charges, or negotiate a pre-indictment resolution.
- Grand Jury Strategy: If a grand jury is convened, develop a strategy for any witness testimony or document production.
- Post-Indictment Defense: If charged, file pre-trial motions, challenge the sufficiency of evidence, and prepare for trial or plea negotiations.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, prepare a full sentencing memorandum to argue for the most favorable sentence under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud in New Jersey
In Union County, federal health care fraud convictions carry severe penalties including decades in prison, fines into the millions, and mandatory restitution orders.
| Offense Level | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fraud (No Injury) | 10 years | $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, program exclusion |
| Fraud Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury | 20 years | Same as above | Same as above |
| Fraud Resulting in Death | Life imprisonment | Same as above | Same as above |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Approach to Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm’s background in accounting and financial systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting the voluminous records typical in health care fraud cases. We understand how federal agencies build these cases and develop counter-strategies focused on challenging intent, knowledge, and the valuation of alleged losses.
Representing Clients in Union County
Our firm represents individuals and entities facing federal health care fraud allegations originating in Union County. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in contested cases. A strong defense often involves attacking the government’s proof of willful intent, negotiating for reduced charges, or advocating for alternatives to incarceration such as probation or home confinement.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Health Care Fraud Lawyer Near Union County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at federal court in Newark and throughout Union County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Route 22. We provide representation to individuals and businesses in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
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) 651-9900
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 a federal agent about a health care fraud investigation?
No, you should not speak to them without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to consult with your lawyer. Contact a federal health care fraud defense lawyer as early as possible, as early strategy can profoundly impact the case outcome before any charges are filed.
What are common examples of health care fraud schemes?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered (medical billing fraud), upcoding services to a higher-paying code, performing medically unnecessary services, paying or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals, and falsifying diagnoses to justify tests. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Union County can analyze the specific allegations against you.
Can I go to jail for a mistake in medical billing?
It depends. Federal health care fraud requires proof of willful intent to defraud. Honest billing errors or negligence are not criminal. The defense often focuses on demonstrating lack of criminal intent, which a skilled healthcare scheme charge lawyer Union County can argue through documentation and experienced testimony.
What is the Anti-Kickback Statute and how does it relate to health care fraud?
The Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b) makes it illegal to knowingly offer, pay, solicit, or receive remuneration to induce referrals for services payable by federal health programs. Violations are often charged alongside health care fraud and carry similar penalties, requiring a defense attorney familiar with both statutes.
What are the collateral consequences of a health care fraud conviction?
Beyond prison and fines, consequences include mandatory exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, loss of professional licenses, damage to personal and business reputation, and difficulty securing future employment. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Union County will work to mitigate these lifelong impacts.
Related Legal Services in Union County
If you are facing federal charges, you may need assistance with related matters. Our firm also handles Federal Criminal Defense in Union County. For state-level charges, see our Union County Criminal Defense page. For a broader view of our federal practice, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Federal laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Union County cases are handled by our New Jersey health care fraud practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Union 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 Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union 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.