Health Care Fraud Lawyer Botetourt County — Federal Defense
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Botetourt County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. A conviction can mean decades in prison and massive fines. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of medical billing fraud and other healthcare scheme charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Health Care Fraud Statute)
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice, often involving agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or DEA. The primary statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, makes it illegal to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or obtain money from such a program through false pretenses. This includes upcoding, billing for services not rendered, kickbacks, and medically unnecessary procedures. If you are a doctor, clinic owner, pharmacist, or medical administrator under scrutiny, securing a health care fraud lawyer Botetourt County residents can rely on is critical from the earliest stage of an investigation.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may issue subpoenas, execute search warrants, or conduct interviews. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The U.S. Attorney’s Office will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment. This is a secret proceeding where the defense has no right to participate.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: After indictment, you will be arraigned. Your attorney can argue for your release pending trial.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense team will review thousands of pages of billing records, audits, and interview transcripts to build your case and file pre-trial motions.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If your case goes to trial, it will be before a federal judge and jury in Roanoke.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the strict U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the “loss amount” attributed to the fraud.
In Botetourt County and the Western District of Virginia, a federal health care fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison per count, or 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count (20 years if injury) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid, loss of medical license |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | All conspirators liable for total loss amount |
| False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1035) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Often charged alongside main fraud counts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal defense. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of federal court and the specific nuances of defending against allegations of medical billing fraud and other healthcare scheme charges. Our team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing a unique perspective on complex, high-stakes litigation.
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
Our firm has handled numerous federal cases. For example, in Botetourt County, we successfully defended a client facing a Class 1 misdemeanor reckless driving charge (86/70 mph), achieving a reduction to a simple speeding infraction. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This result demonstrates our ability to handle Virginia courts effectively, a skill that translates to building a strong defense posture in federal matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Botetourt County and is positioned to assist those facing federal charges in the Western District. We are your local resource for a health care fraud lawyer Botetourt County residents can consult. We serve the communities of Fincastle, Daleville, Troutville, Blue Ridge, and Eagle Rock.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is health care fraud?
Yes. Health care fraud is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 as knowingly executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program (like Medicare or Medicaid) or to obtain money from such a program through false pretenses. Common examples include billing for services not rendered, upcoding, and receiving kickbacks for patient referrals.
Who investigates health care fraud in Botetourt County?
Federal agencies. Investigations are typically led by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They often work with the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Botetourt County based can interface with these agencies.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agent about health care fraud?
No. You should not speak to them without an attorney. Politely state you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Then, immediately contact a federal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, and agents are trained to obtain incriminating statements.
What are the penalties for a health care fraud conviction?
Severe. Each count carries up to 10 years in federal prison (20 years if the fraud caused serious bodily injury). Fines can be up to $250,000 for an individual. Courts must also order restitution to the defrauded program and may impose asset forfeiture. You would also face exclusion from all federal health care programs.
Can I fight a health care fraud charge?
It depends. Defenses often challenge the intent element (proving you did not “knowingly” defraud), the accuracy of the loss amount calculated by the government, the legality of the investigation methods, or the reliability of witness testimony. An experienced healthcare scheme charge lawyer Botetourt County residents hire can evaluate the specific evidence against you.
If you are under investigation or charged, act quickly. Learn more about our federal criminal defense practice in Virginia. For related local defense, see our pages for Shenandoah County criminal defense and Botetourt County DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.