Health Care Fraud Lawyer Albemarle County — Federal Defense
Health care fraud in Albemarle County is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, investigated by agencies like the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A conviction can mean decades in prison, massive fines, and exclusion from federal health programs. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris leads our firm’s defense against these complex charges. Our team provides 24/7 consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal Courts | Virginia General Assembly
Federal health care fraud is not a state-level offense. It is prosecuted in federal court, often in the Western District of Virginia (WDVA) or Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA). The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, makes it a crime to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain money from such a program through false pretenses. This includes billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickbacks, and Stark Law violations. The penalties are severe, with sentences enhanced by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
For a Virginia fraud statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-178. For federal court procedures, visit the U.S. Courts website.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by federal agents (FBI, HHS-OIG) or receive a subpoena. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Charging Decision: The U.S. Attorney’s Office will decide whether to seek an indictment from a grand jury or file a criminal information.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will appear in federal court, enter a plea, and the court will determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense team will review voluminous evidence (patient records, billing data, emails) and file pre-trial motions to challenge the government’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved by plea agreement. If not, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal district court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the “loss amount,” your role, and other factors.
In Albemarle County, federal health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years per count (20 years if the violation results in serious bodily injury), fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, forfeiture of assets |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Bodily Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Same as above |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | Same as above |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, our team understands the high-stakes nature of federal prosecutions. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting complex billing records and financial data central to health care fraud defense.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. In Albemarle County, we have secured dismissals in traffic matters and favorable amendments in criminal charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For federal health care fraud, we draw on our extensive experience handling the federal system, including cases involving conspiracy and wire fraud statutes often charged alongside the core fraud allegation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients facing federal charges in Albemarle County and the Charlottesville area. We represent individuals and professionals in Crozet, Earlysville, Ivy, and North Garden. If you need a health care fraud lawyer near the Albemarle County courts or are under federal investigation, contact us 24/7.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is health care fraud?
It is a federal crime to knowingly defraud any health care benefit program. Common schemes include billing for services not performed, upcoding, paying or receiving kickbacks for referrals, and falsifying patient records to justify services.
Who investigates health care fraud in Virginia?
Multiple federal agencies investigate, including the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit may also be involved in state-related aspects.
What are the penalties for a health care fraud conviction?
Penalties include up to 10 years in federal prison per count (20 years if injury results), fines up to $250,000 for individuals, mandatory restitution to the defrauded programs, and mandatory exclusion from participating in Medicare and Medicaid.
Can I go to jail for a billing error?
No. The government must prove you acted “knowingly” and with intent to defraud. Honest mistakes, negligence, or inadvertent billing errors are not criminal. A strong defense often focuses on the lack of criminal intent.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about health care fraud?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Do not provide documents or make statements. Contact a federal health care fraud defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
What is the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733) allows whistleblowers (“relators”) to file lawsuits on behalf of the government. These “qui tam” suits are a major source of health care fraud investigations and can lead to triple damages and civil penalties.
If you are under investigation or charged with a federal health care scheme in Albemarle County, you need a lawyer experienced in federal court. For related defense services, see our Albemarle County criminal defense lawyer page or our Virginia federal criminal defense hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.