Healthcare Fraud Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, MD
Healthcare fraud is a serious federal white-collar crime prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Charges can include conspiracy, false claims, and kickbacks under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1347. As a healthcare fraud lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for medical professionals, administrators, and entities facing federal investigation.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Federal Healthcare Fraud Law
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. The primary federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347. In Maryland, federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, often following investigations by agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or IRS. These are not state charges handled in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court; they are federal matters. Defending these charges requires a lawyer who understands both federal criminal procedure and the intricacies of healthcare regulations.
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Process for Federal Charges
For an Anne Arundel County resident facing federal healthcare fraud charges, the case will not be in a local county court. It will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which has divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt. The process typically begins with a federal grand jury indictment. After arrest or summons, an arraignment is held where pleas are entered. The case then moves through discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a trial or plea negotiation. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines heavily influence potential penalties if convicted.
- Receive a target letter, subpoena, or be indicted by a federal grand jury.
- Secure legal representation immediately. Do not speak with investigators without your lawyer.
- Attend the arraignment in U.S. District Court to hear the formal charges and enter a plea.
- Your attorney will review discovery, which can include thousands of pages of medical records and billing data.
- Work with your defense to develop a strategy, which may involve challenging the evidence, negotiating a plea, or preparing for trial.
- If the case proceeds to sentencing, advocate for mitigation under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Healthcare Fraud
In federal court, healthcare fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years per count, or up to 20 years if the violation results in serious bodily injury. Fines can reach $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations, plus mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, loss of professional license. |
| Healthcare Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above, with enhanced penalties. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | Holds all conspirators liable for acts of co-conspirators. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally oversees complex federal defense strategies. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting financial evidence common in fraud cases. We approach each healthcare fraud charge defense in Anne Arundel County with a detailed review of the evidence and the specific intent required for conviction.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While every case is unique, our systematic approach to federal defense focuses on challenging the government’s evidence on intent and knowledge. For a fraud charge defense lawyer in Anne Arundel County, understanding the local federal court procedures and the tendencies of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is key. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our position in negotiations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | Anne Arundel County Healthcare Fraud Defense
Serving: Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville and surrounding areas.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Maryland office represents clients in federal courts across the state, including matters for Anne Arundel County residents.
Healthcare Fraud Defense FAQs
What is healthcare fraud under federal law?
It is a federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. It involves knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a healthcare benefit program (like Medicare) or to obtain money from such a program through false pretenses, representations, or promises.
Who investigates healthcare fraud in Maryland?
Federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and IRS Criminal Investigation. Their investigations are presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, which decides whether to seek an indictment.
What are common examples of healthcare fraud?
Common examples include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than provided), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), kickbacks for patient referrals, and providing medically unnecessary services or equipment.
What should I do if I am under investigation for healthcare fraud?
Contact a federal white collar crime defense lawyer in Anne Arundel County immediately. Do not speak with investigators, sign documents, or attempt to explain billing records without legal counsel. Your attorney can communicate with the government on your behalf.
Can I lose my medical license if convicted?
Yes. A federal conviction for healthcare fraud almost certainly triggers administrative action by state medical boards, skilled to license suspension or revocation. It also results in mandatory exclusion from participating in federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
What defenses are available against healthcare fraud charges?
Defenses may include lack of intent (you did not act “knowingly”), mistake, insufficient evidence, challenging the reliability of the government’s data analysis, or procedural defenses like statute of limitations. Each defense depends on the specific facts of the case.
Related Legal Services in Anne Arundel County
If you are facing federal charges, you need a dedicated healthcare fraud lawyer in Anne Arundel County. Our firm also handles related matters: Federal Criminal Defense, Business Law, and State Criminal Defense. For a broader view of our federal practice, visit our Maryland Federal Criminal Defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.