Health Care Fraud lawyer DC

Health care fraud charges in Washington, D.C. Are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia or the Department of Justice under the federal criminal code. An investigation may involve the FBI, HHS‑OIG, or other federal agencies, and a conviction can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. If you are facing an inquiry or indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, you need experienced counsel who understands the federal system and the local court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals and businesses in D.C. Health care fraud matters. To request a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

The principal federal health care fraud statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347, which prohibits knowingly executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program. A violation may be punished by up to 10 years imprisonment, or life if the scheme results in death.

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1347. 18 U.S.C. § 1347

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

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What Health Care Fraud Means in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Is unique because most local crimes are also prosecuted federally. Health care fraud cases are almost always brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, typically after a grand jury indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. Pursues these matters vigorously, often in conjunction with national DOJ initiatives. Because the federal sentencing guidelines apply and there is no parole in the federal system, the stakes are exceptionally high. Investigations may involve multiple agencies—FBI, HHS‑OIG, and sometimes the Capitol Police or Secret Service if the case touches government health plans.

Prosecutors look for billing irregularities, kickback arrangements, upcoding, and unnecessary services. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can lead to restitution orders and forfeiture in addition to incarceration. The court sits at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse at 333 Constitution Avenue NW, and proceedings follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Because D.C. Is a dense urban capital with a large government workforce and numerous health care providers—from hospitals in Georgetown to clinics in Dupont Circle—health care fraud investigations can arise from a wide range of billing practices. Our firm’s Arlington location is approximately 4.5 miles from the courthouse, and our attorneys regularly appear in the U.S. District Court for D.C.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Health Care Fraud Cases

Health care fraud defense begins with an immediate assessment of the government’s theory and the evidence. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review billing records, medical necessity documentation, and compliance files to identify factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The team works to challenge the government’s characterization of a scheme, raising issues such as lack of intent, billing errors rather than fraud, or lawful business practices that fall within the standard of care. They engage with federal prosecutors at the earliest possible stage to explore whether the matter can be resolved before indictment or, if indictment has already occurred, whether a pretrial motion may narrow the charges.

Throughout the process, counsel addresses the distinct pressures of a federal prosecution—mandatory minimums where applicable, the impact of the sentencing guidelines, and the absence of parole. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on extensive combined legal experience to evaluate every phase: grand jury representation, discovery and experienced attorney review, plea negotiations, and trial. They work to protect the client’s professional license, business, and reputation while navigating the complex intersection of criminal law and health care regulation. Each case is fact‑specific, and the team tailors a strategy to the client’s circumstances, from responding to subpoenas to mounting a defense at trial.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience, allowing the team to address complex federal criminal matters from multiple angles. They appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and are familiar with the local procedural expectations. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is health care fraud under federal law?

Health care fraud involves knowingly executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, including private insurers and government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE. It covers false billing, upcoding, unbundling, kickbacks, and medically unnecessary services. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases actively, and the law also reaches conspirators, aiders, and abettors. Because the statute is broad, even billing disputes can escalate into criminal investigations. An experienced attorney can help distinguish between civil overpayment issues and conduct that crosses into criminal territory.

What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud in D.C.?

If you learn of an investigation—through a subpoena, search warrant, or contact by federal agents—you should immediately retain counsel and refrain from discussing the matter with investigators without an attorney present. Do not alter or destroy any records. Preserve all billing, correspondence, and internal compliance documents. Early legal intervention can shape the trajectory of the case, potentially avoiding indictment or mitigating the scope of charges. Contact Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation.

How does a lawyer defend against health care fraud charges?

A defense may challenge the government’s proof of intent, demonstrate that billing practices fell within accepted norms, or show that the alleged loss amount is overstated. Counsel may also attack expert testimony, contest the reliability of statistical extrapolation used by the government, and argue that the conduct amounted to a civil regulatory matter rather than a crime. Because health care fraud often involves voluminous records, an experienced team conducts a thorough review to identify discrepancies in the government’s narrative. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explore every avenue—from pretrial motions to trial—to work toward a favorable outcome. Results may vary.

What are the penalties for health care fraud?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, a conviction can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years, or life if death results, plus fines, restitution, and forfeiture. The actual sentence is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount, the defendant’s role, and other factors. There is no parole in the federal system, so a defendant serves the majority of the imposed sentence. Additionally, a conviction can lead to exclusion from federal health care programs and loss of professional licensure. These consequences are severe, making early and skilled representation critical.

Can health care fraud charges be dropped in D.C.?

Charges may be dismissed if the government lacks sufficient evidence, if there were procedural violations, or if the defense persuades the U.S. Attorney’s Office that prosecution is not warranted. Dismissal can occur before or after indictment. A proactive defense that exposes weaknesses in the government’s case early in the investigation can sometimes result in the matter being resolved administratively or civilly rather than criminally. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. An attorney can evaluate whether a motion to dismiss might succeed based on the specific facts.

Do I need a lawyer for a health care fraud investigation in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. A federal health care fraud investigation carries the risk of indictment, incarceration, and loss of your livelihood; representation by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is essential. An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect you from making incriminating statements, and begin building your defense immediately. Even if you believe the matter is a misunderstanding, the government may already have compiled evidence against you. To discuss your circumstances, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

How long does a health care fraud case take in federal court?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the volume of discovery, and the court’s calendar, but federal health care fraud matters often span many months to over a year from investigation to resolution. The Speedy Trial Act imposes certain deadlines, but complex fraud cases routinely involve continuances. Early assessment of the charges and a coordinated defense can influence the pace and may lead to earlier resolution through a plea or dismissal. The court’s scheduling orders and the government’s production of discovery are the primary drivers of the timeline.

What is the difference between civil and criminal health care fraud?

Civil health care fraud cases seek monetary penalties and exclude providers from federal programs, while criminal health care fraud cases can result in imprisonment and felony convictions. The government may pursue both simultaneously. Civil actions often arise under the False Claims Act and can lead to treble damages and fines. Criminal prosecution requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt and targets intentional misconduct. An attorney with experience in both domains can help you understand the risks and coordinate a defense that addresses both civil and criminal exposure.

How can I find a health care fraud lawyer near DC Superior Court?

You can contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747. Our Arlington location is minutes from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal health care fraud matters throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area. We represent clients from Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and all neighborhoods across the city. To discuss your case, call or schedule a consultation.

What should I bring to a consultation about a health care fraud case?

Bring any documents you have received from the government, such as subpoenas, target letters, or search warrant materials, as well as relevant business records, compliance policies, and correspondence. Do not bring original documents that could be altered; copies are sufficient. An organized set of materials helps counsel quickly assess the scope of the investigation and the potential defenses. If you have not yet received formal documents but have been contacted by agents, simply be prepared to describe the contact and the nature of your work or billing practices. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437‑7747.

How do prosecutors build a health care fraud case in D.C.?

Prosecutors typically rely on billing data analysis, witness interviews, undercover operations or informants, and experienced attorney review of medical records. They may use statistical sampling to project loss amounts, which can inflate the potential sentence under the guidelines. The government also looks for patterns of upcoding, services not rendered, kickback payments, or medically unnecessary procedures. Understanding these methods is essential to challenging the government’s conclusions. An experienced team works to deconstruct the data and expose flaws in the prosecution’s methodology.

Official resources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia |
18 U.S.C. § 1347 |
DOJ Health Care Fraud Unit

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary.