Healthcare Fraud Lawyer St Marys County — Federal & State Defense
Healthcare fraud in St. Mary’s County is a serious white-collar crime prosecuted under federal and Maryland statutes, carrying severe penalties. As a healthcare fraud lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients against allegations of billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickbacks, and false claims. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides strategic defense for individuals and medical professionals.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
What Is Healthcare Fraud in Maryland?
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 by false pretenses. In Maryland, this can be prosecuted under both federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1347) and state statutes (Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 8-501 et seq.). Common schemes include billing for services not provided, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than performed), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be combined), and receiving kickbacks for patient referrals. The federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733) also imposes civil liability for submitting false claims to government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal fraud statutes, see the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For federal court procedures in Maryland, refer to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by investigators or receive a subpoena for records.
- Charging Decision: Prosecutors (federal or state) review evidence for indictment or criminal information.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court or Maryland Circuit Court to hear formal charges.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for a favorable resolution or prepares for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court imposes penalties under federal or state guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Healthcare Fraud
In St. Mary’s County, healthcare fraud can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, and mandatory restitution, depending on whether charges are filed in federal or state court.
| Charge Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Felony | Up to 10 years per count; up to 20 years if injury results; up to life if death results | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) per count | Mandatory restitution, asset forfeiture, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, professional license revocation. |
| Maryland Medicaid Fraud (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 8-501) | Felony | Up to 5 years and/or | Up to $10,000 | Civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, restitution, license discipline. |
| Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729) | Civil / Criminal | N/A (Civil) or Criminal penalties apply | Civil: Treble damages + $11,000+ per claim | Whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuits possible; defendant liable for plaintiff’s attorney fees. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Complex Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the intricate financial and regulatory landscapes of healthcare fraud investigations. Our team includes attorneys with backgrounds in complex financial analysis, which is critical for dissecting billing records and audit trails. We have a documented record of handling sophisticated white-collar cases.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific healthcare fraud results in St. Mary’s County are not disclosed for client confidentiality, our firm’s approach to complex white-collar defense is proven. We meticulously analyze discovery, engage financial experts when necessary, and challenge the government’s evidence on both procedural and substantive grounds. Our goal is to seek dismissal, negotiate for reduced charges, or, if necessary, present a compelling defense at trial. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Healthcare Fraud Defense Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland office represents clients facing fraud charges in St. Mary’s County courts and the U.S. District Court. We serve clients in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
Healthcare Fraud Lawyer St Marys County FAQ
What agencies investigate healthcare fraud in St. Mary’s County?
Multiple agencies. Federal investigations are typically led by the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), or IRS Criminal Investigation. State-level cases are handled by the Maryland Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). These agencies often collaborate.
What are common defenses to healthcare fraud charges?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of intent (you made an honest billing error), insufficient evidence, entrapment, statute of limitations expiration, and challenging the legality of the investigation (e.g., illegal search). A skilled fraud charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can evaluate which defenses apply to your case.
Should I speak to investigators if they contact me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are explaining an innocent mistake.
What is the difference between civil and criminal healthcare fraud?
Criminal fraud requires proof of intent “beyond a reasonable doubt” and can lead to imprisonment. Civil fraud (like under the False Claims Act) has a lower “preponderance of the evidence” standard and results in monetary penalties, damages, and exclusion from programs. The same conduct can trigger both proceedings.
Can a healthcare fraud lawyer help if I’m a whistleblower?
Yes. An attorney can guide you through filing a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act. This is a complex area where legal counsel is essential to protect your rights and potential share of any recovery. Mr. Sris and our team have the experience to advise in these matters.
For defense against serious fraud allegations, contact a healthcare fraud lawyer St Marys County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Related Practice Areas: Federal Criminal Lawyer St. Mary’s County | Maryland White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer
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Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.