Medicare Fraud Lawyer Maryland, MD
Medicare fraud is prosecuted actively by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, often in coordination with the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A federal health care fraud charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is a serious felony that can result in imprisonment, substantial fines, and exclusion from federal health care programs. If you are under investigation, have received a target letter, or have been indicted for Medicare fraud in Maryland, you need defense counsel who understands federal practice in the District of Maryland. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s federal criminal defense practice and represents clients facing health care fraud allegations in Maryland. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Medicare Fraud Means in Maryland
Medicare fraud in Maryland is not a state-level matter—it is a federal criminal offense prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The District of Maryland has two divisions: the Northern Division in Baltimore and the Southern Division in Greenbelt. Which division hears a case typically depends on where the alleged conduct occurred. Health care fraud prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can arise from allegations of billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickback arrangements, durable medical equipment fraud, home health care fraud, and laboratory or pharmacy fraud schemes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland maintains a dedicated health care fraud unit and works alongside the HHS Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and other federal investigative agencies. Investigations often begin with data analysis of billing patterns, whistleblower complaints under the False Claims Act, or patient complaints. By the time a target letter or indictment is issued, the government has typically gathered extensive documentation. Medicare fraud cases in Maryland frequently involve parallel civil False Claims Act proceedings, which can compound the legal exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and all other Maryland counties from its Rockville location.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Medicare Fraud Cases
Federal health care fraud defense begins with an assessment of the charging documents, the evidence the government has gathered, and the client’s specific circumstances. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review billing records, medical documentation, and correspondence with government investigators to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Early engagement in an investigation—before an indictment is returned—can materially affect the direction of the case.
The firm evaluates every aspect of the government’s investigation, including whether the government obtained evidence through lawful means, whether the billing practices at issue reflect legitimate medical judgment, and whether the government can prove the intent element required under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. Pretrial motion practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland may include challenges to the sufficiency of the indictment, motions to suppress evidence, and requests for discovery. The firm’s attorneys also assess whether a case is most effectively resolved through negotiation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office or through trial. Sentencing exposure in federal health care fraud cases is driven by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which account for the loss amount, the number of patients affected, and whether the defendant held a position of trust.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997 and has led its federal criminal defense practice since the firm’s inception. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings experience from both sides of the courtroom to the defense of clients facing federal charges. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and appears regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional experience in criminal defense and federal litigation. Working alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute to case strategy, motion practice, and trial preparation. The firm represents clients in federal criminal matters throughout Maryland, including in Baltimore and Greenbelt. For a consultation about a Medicare fraud investigation or charge, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicare fraud under federal law?
Medicare fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 that prohibits knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a federal health care program. The statute covers billing for services not provided, falsifying medical records to support claims, paying or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals, and other deceptive practices intended to obtain reimbursement from Medicare. A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted knowingly and willfully. The government often relies on billing data, patient records, witness testimony, and cooperating witnesses to establish the elements of the offense. Related charges may include conspiracy, false statements, money laundering, and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for Medicare fraud in Maryland?
Yes, you need defense counsel immediately if you are under investigation for Medicare fraud in Maryland, even before charges are filed. Federal investigations often proceed quietly for months or years before a target letter or indictment is issued. During this time, investigators may interview employees, review billing records, and gather evidence. Engaging counsel early allows you to understand the scope of the investigation, preserve relevant evidence, and avoid statements that could be used against you. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can communicate with government investigators on your behalf and work to shape the direction of the case before charges are filed. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Medicare fraud case proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland?
A Medicare fraud case in the District of Maryland typically proceeds from grand jury indictment through arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations or trial, and sentencing. After an indictment is returned, the defendant appears for an initial appearance and arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The government produces discovery, which in health care fraud cases often includes thousands of pages of billing and medical records. Pretrial motions may address evidentiary issues and the scope of the charges. Throughout the process, defense counsel evaluates the strength of the government’s case, negotiates with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and prepares for trial if a resolution cannot be reached. Sentencing follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
What are the potential penalties for Medicare fraud?
Medicare fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment per count, or up to 20 years if the fraud results in serious bodily injury. If the fraud results in death, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. In addition to incarceration, a conviction may result in substantial fines, restitution orders, and mandatory exclusion from federal health care programs. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines determine the advisory sentencing range based on the loss amount, the sophistication of the scheme, the defendant’s role, and other factors. Courts also consider relevant conduct beyond the charged offenses. Federal law does not provide for parole, though good-time credit may reduce the time served.
How long does a federal Medicare fraud case take in Maryland?
The timeline for a federal Medicare fraud case in Maryland varies based on the complexity of the allegations, the volume of discovery, and court scheduling. Cases involving multiple defendants, extensive financial records, or parallel civil proceedings may take longer to resolve than simpler matters. The Speedy Trial Act imposes certain deadlines, but both the government and the defense may request continuances for good cause. A case that goes to trial typically takes longer than one resolved through a plea agreement. The court’s calendar and the availability of witnesses also affect the timeline. For a consultation about your specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can Medicare fraud charges be dropped or reduced?
Medicare fraud charges may be dismissed, reduced, or resolved through a plea agreement depending on the facts of the case, the strength of the government’s evidence, and legal challenges raised by defense counsel. A defense attorney may seek dismissal by filing motions that challenge the sufficiency of the indictment, the admissibility of evidence, or the government’s compliance with discovery obligations. In some cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may agree to dismiss certain counts or reduce charges as part of a negotiated resolution. The likelihood of a favorable outcome depends on the specific facts, and prior results do not guarantee a similar result. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related Federal Criminal Defense Pages
Federal Criminal Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD ·
Federal Criminal Lawyer in Prince George’s County, MD ·
Federal Criminal Lawyer in Howard County, MD ·
Federal Criminal Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, MD
Federal Health Care Fraud Resources
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ·
HHS Office of Inspector General ·
18 U.S.C. § 1347 — Health Care Fraud
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