Health Care Fraud lawyer Chesapeake, VA

Federal health care fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. A conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison, and if a patient’s death results, the maximum becomes life imprisonment. For a healthcare provider, billing manager, or practice owner in Chesapeake facing an FBI, HHS-OIG, or IRS Criminal Investigation inquiry, early engagement of experienced defense counsel is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals and entities across the Hampton Roads region in federal health care fraud matters. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Health Care Fraud Means in Chesapeake, Virginia

Chesapeake—part of the dynamic Hampton Roads metropolitan area—hosts a growing network of hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, home health agencies, durable medical equipment suppliers, and physician group practices. Federal health care fraud investigations in the region often target billing schemes, kickback arrangements, upcoding, unbundling, and false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurers. Because federal healthcare spending is substantial, the U.S. Department of Justice devotes considerable resources to the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes a dedicated health care fraud strike force.

Federal agents from the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the IRS routinely collaborate to build cases. A federal grand jury sitting in Norfolk may return an indictment after months of investigation. The Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handles Chesapeake matters. Cases proceed under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—a points-based system that calculates offense level and criminal history to produce an advisory range. Mandatory restitution orders and asset forfeiture are standard in health care fraud convictions. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys understand the local federal practice and the particular demands of defending complex fraud allegations in this court.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Health Care Fraud Cases

A federal health care fraud case typically begins long before an arrest—with a sealed investigation. Search warrants, subpoenas for billing records, and interviews of former employees or patients may occur without the target’s knowledge. The firm’s approach emphasizes early intervention. If you learn you are under investigation, we work to engage with prosecutors and agents before an indictment is returned. Pre-indictment advocacy can sometimes lead to a declination or a negotiated resolution that limits exposure.

If charges are filed, the case moves to the U.S. District Court. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, together with Mr. Sris, examine the government’s evidence: billing data, medical records, witness statements, and experienced attorney analyses. Defense strategies in health care fraud matters often involve challenging the government’s interpretation of billing codes, demonstrating the absence of intent to defraud, or contesting the loss amount—a critical factor under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on their collective experience to test the government’s case and advocate for the client at every stage, from detention hearings through sentencing. The firm works toward a favorable resolution, whether through dismissal, acquittal, or a mitigated sentence. Results may vary.

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 to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris 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 experience in federal criminal defense, including matters investigated by the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, and HHS-OIG. Of Counsel to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., they collaborate with Mr. Sris on federal health care fraud cases, contributing focused knowledge of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, pretrial motion practice, and trial advocacy. The firm’s Richmond location serves clients in Chesapeake and throughout Hampton Roads. Reach us at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state and federal charges?

Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and generally carry harsher penalties, with no parole in the federal system. State charges are brought by local prosecutors in state courts; federal charges involve violations of the U.S. Code and are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI or HHS-OIG. Federal health care fraud cases proceed under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Because federal prosecutors have significant resources and high conviction rates, it is critical to work with an attorney experienced in federal court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

What is federal criminal court and how is it different in Virginia?

Federal criminal cases in Virginia are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in one of the two federal districts—the Eastern District (where Chesapeake matters are heard) or the Western District—and carry stricter sentencing guidelines than state proceedings. Cases are adjudicated in U.S. District Court before a federal district judge or magistrate judge. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, though advisory, heavily influence the sentence. Unlike Virginia state court, there is no parole in the federal system; good-time credit is limited. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense across the Eastern District, including the Norfolk Division.

How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Federal sentencing at the Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since *Booker* (2005), the guidelines strongly influence the sentence. In health care fraud cases, the loss amount is the primary driver of the offense level; other factors include the defendant’s role, use of sophisticated means, and number of victims. Mandatory restitution is separate. Acceptance of responsibility and substantial assistance under § 5K1.1 can reduce the sentence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437‑7747.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia?

Yes, you should contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately if you are under investigation or charged with a federal health care fraud offense in Chesapeake. Federal cases at the Norfolk Division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and mandatory restitution provisions demand a defense attorney who understands federal procedure and guideline calculations. Early engagement—before indictment—can materially affect the outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437‑7747, by appointment only.

How does a Virginia lawyer defend against health care fraud charges?

Defense strategies for health care fraud in Virginia may include challenging the evidence of intent to defraud, examining billing and coding practices, contesting the loss amount, or negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge or sentence. An experienced federal attorney evaluates whether the government can prove the defendant knowingly executed a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys and Mr. Sris review discovery, consult with medical and billing attorneys, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437‑7747.

What should I do if I am facing health care fraud charges in Virginia?

If you are facing health care fraud charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents, billing records, and communications, but do not alter or destroy anything. Federal investigators may have been building a case for months. Speak with an attorney before responding to any grand jury subpoena or investigator inquiry. To discuss the details of your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.

Primary legal resources:
18 U.S.C. § 1347 – Health Care Fraud |
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia |
U.S. Sentencing Commission

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

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Results may vary.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.