Health Care Fraud Lawyer Chesapeake — Federal Defense Strategy
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Chesapeake, Virginia, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. A conviction can result in decades in prison, massive fines, and mandatory restitution. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients accused of medical billing fraud and complex healthcare schemes.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Health Care Fraud Law in Virginia
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The statute makes it illegal to knowingly and willfully execute, or attempt to execute, a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program or to obtain money or property from such a program through false pretenses. This includes fraudulent billing to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurers. In Chesapeake, these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The government must prove you acted with specific intent to defraud. Common allegations include upcoding services, billing for services not rendered, performing medically unnecessary procedures, kickbacks for patient referrals (Stark Law/Anti-Kickback Statute violations), and falsifying patient records. Defenses often challenge the government’s proof of intent, the reliability of complex billing data, or the legality of underlying business arrangements.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal health care fraud statute, visit the official U.S. Code at 18 U.S.C. § 1347. For information on the local federal court handling Chesapeake cases, see the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
- Initial Investigation: You may receive a subpoena for records, an audit notice, or be contacted by federal agents.
- Grand Jury Proceeding: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a secret grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: You appear in federal court, are formally charged, and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews thousands of pages of evidence and files pre-trial motions to challenge the case.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a federal jury trial or is resolved through negotiation.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are often severe.
In Chesapeake, a federal health care fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison per count. If the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum increases to 20 years; if it results in death, the maximum is life imprisonment. 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 | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, forfeiture, exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Death | Federal Felony | Up to Life | Up to $250,000 | 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.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal cases. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of federal prosecutions and the unique strategies required to defend against agencies with vast resources. Our approach is collaborative, drawing on the specific knowledge of attorneys like Mr. Sris, who has a background in accounting and information systems that is invaluable in dissecting complex financial evidence common in health care fraud cases.
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
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in complex cases. For instance, in a federal case involving multiple counts of credit card fraud, our attorneys secured a resolution resulting in a suspended sentence and probation for the client. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. In health care fraud defense, a favorable result often means avoiding indictment, securing a reduction of charges, or negotiating a resolution that avoids prison time. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ professional licenses, livelihoods, and freedom.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond Location
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Chesapeake and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. We represent individuals facing federal charges at courts throughout Virginia. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your health care fraud defense.
We provide legal services to neighborhoods including Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a health care fraud audit and an investigation?
An audit is a review of billing practices, often by a contractor for Medicare/Medicaid. An investigation, conducted by the FBI or HHS-OIG, is a criminal probe where agents seek evidence for prosecution. An audit can escalate into an investigation.
Can I go to jail for a simple medical billing error?
No. Prosecution requires proof of intent to defraud. Honest mistakes or negligence are not criminal under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Chesapeake can help demonstrate the absence of criminal intent.
What should I do if a federal agent contacts me about my practice?
It depends. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Your attorney will communicate with investigators to protect your rights from the very start.
What are common examples of a healthcare scheme charge?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for services usually bundled), paying kickbacks for patient referrals, and falsifying diagnoses to justify tests. A healthcare scheme charge lawyer Chesapeake analyzes the specific allegations to build a defense.
Is health care fraud a state or federal crime?
It can be both. Most significant cases are prosecuted federally due to the involvement of Medicare/Medicaid (federal programs). Virginia also has its own Medicaid fraud laws. You need an attorney experienced in both federal and state courts.
For more information, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, our Norfolk Federal Criminal Lawyer can also assist. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, consider our Chesapeake Business Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.