Health Care Fraud Lawyer Henrico County — Federal Defense Strategy
A federal health care fraud charge in Henrico County is a serious felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying up to 10 years in prison per count. If you are under investigation by the FBI, HHS-OIG, or the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, you need a health care fraud lawyer Henrico County with federal experience.
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, and private insurers. In Henrico County, these cases are typically investigated by federal agencies and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond. A conviction can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from federal health care programs.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal health care fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347. For information on the local federal court, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
handling a Federal Health Care Fraud Investigation in Henrico County
Federal investigations for health care fraud in Henrico County often begin with a subpoena, search warrant, or an interview request from agents. These cases are complex, involving vast amounts of billing records, patient charts, and electronic data. The key local procedural fact is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has a dedicated health care fraud unit that aggressively pursues these cases. Early intervention by a defense attorney is critical to protect your rights, manage the document review process, and potentially negotiate before an indictment is filed.
- Secure immediate legal representation upon learning of an investigation.
- Conduct an internal audit to understand the scope of the allegations.
- Communicate with federal investigators only through your attorney.
- Develop a defense strategy focused on intent, compliance, and mitigating factors.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In the federal system, health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum increases to 20 years; if it results in death, the maximum is life imprisonment.
| 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) or $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, program exclusion, asset forfeiture |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Mandatory restitution, permanent exclusion |
| 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 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, 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 specific tactics used by agencies investigating health care fraud. Our approach is collaborative, drawing on the experience of our entire team to build a strong 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
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our attorneys have successfully defended clients in complex federal matters. While specific results are confidential, our strategic approach focuses on challenging the government’s evidence on intent, negotiating for reduced charges, and advocating for alternatives to incarceration where possible. We work diligently to protect our clients’ professional licenses and livelihoods.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Health Care Fraud Defense Team in Henrico County
Our Richmond location serves clients throughout Henrico County facing federal investigations. We are accessible from I-64, I-95, and I-295.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
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.
We serve Glen Allen, Short Pump, Innsbrook, Tuckahoe, Highland Springs, and surrounding communities.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a health care fraud audit and an investigation?
An audit is a routine review of billing practices by a payer. An investigation, led by agencies like the FBI or HHS-OIG, is a criminal probe with the goal of proving intentional fraud for prosecution.
Can I go to jail for a simple billing error?
No. Prosecution for health care fraud requires the government to prove you acted knowingly and willfully to defraud. Honest mistakes or negligence are not criminal under federal law, though they may have civil consequences.
What should I do if a federal agent contacts me about my medical practice?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Do not provide any documents or statements. Contact a health care fraud lawyer Henrico County immediately, as anything you say can be used against you.
What are common examples of health care fraud schemes?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), kickbacks for patient referrals, and providing medically unnecessary services. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Henrico County can analyze the specific allegations against you.
What defenses are available against health care fraud charges?
Potential defenses include lack of intent, good faith reliance on professional advice, compliance with ambiguous regulations, insufficient evidence, and challenging the methods used to calculate alleged losses. An experienced healthcare scheme charge lawyer Henrico County will identify the best strategy for your case.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal charges, you may need a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Henrico County. For state-level fraud allegations, see our Henrico County Criminal Defense page.
Other Locations: We also assist clients in Chesterfield County and Hanover County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding health care fraud defense.