Health Care Fraud lawyer Manassas, VA

Health care fraud is one of the most actively prosecuted federal offenses. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, it is a federal crime to defraud any health care benefit program. A conviction can bring a sentence of up to ten years in prison, rising to life if a death results from the fraudulent conduct. When a federal investigation targets a Manassas resident, the matter typically moves through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia—the Alexandria courthouse or, in some instances, the Richmond Division. Federal agents from the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, or the IRS Criminal Investigation division may execute search warrants, interview witnesses, and present evidence to a grand jury long before an indictment is returned. The government draws on extensive resources, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines often call for substantial prison terms. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent individuals and businesses facing these investigations. To request a consultation with a health care fraud lawyer serving Manassas, call (888) 437-7747.
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What Health Care Fraud Means in Manassas, VA

Manassas sits within the Eastern District of Virginia, one of the most active federal districts in the country. Health care fraud cases filed here are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, often in coordination with specialized fraud units in Washington, D.C. The charges typically involve allegations of false billings to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurers, kickback schemes, durable medical equipment fraud, or fraudulent prescriptions. Because the federal government pays out billions annually, even small irregularities in a provider’s billing patterns can attract scrutiny. Manassas‑area physicians, practice managers, home health agency operators, and pharmacy owners who bill federal programs are subject to the same federal statutes as those in Alexandria or Richmond.

Federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia is known for moving quickly. There is no parole in the federal system, and sentencing is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which assign offense levels based on the amount of loss, the number of patients affected, and whether a position of trust was abused. A defendant may face forfeiture of assets, restitution orders reaching millions of dollars, and lengthy terms of supervised release. The Fairfax Location of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients from Manassas, Manassas Park, and the surrounding Prince William County area. The firm’s federal criminal defense practice concentrates on cases pending in the Eastern District and works toward outcomes that minimize the impact of a federal health care fraud charge.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Health Care Fraud Cases

Federal health care fraud investigations are complex and often begin long before an arrest. Subpoenas for medical records, financial documents, and billing software may arrive with little warning. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel counsel clients on how to respond to grand jury subpoenas, preserve documents, and avoid making statements that could be used against them later. When the government extends a target letter or an invitation to proffer, early counsel can be critical in deciding whether cooperation or a negotiated resolution is appropriate. The defense work includes reviewing billing data, consulting with forensic accounting attorneys, and carefully examining whether the government can prove the “knowing and willful” intent that 18 U.S.C. § 1347 requires.

Once an indictment is returned, the focus shifts to motion practice—often seeking to suppress evidence obtained through questionable search warrants, challenging the government’s loss calculations, or filing for a bill of particulars to clarify the charges. Pre‑trial release arguments and detention hearings are also part of the early litigation. At trial, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys and Mr. Sris may cross‑examine government witnesses, including billing‑compliance auditors and cooperating defendants who received leniency in exchange for their testimony. At sentencing, the team presents a detailed mitigation case, working to persuade the court to impose a sentence below the guideline range where the law allows. Every stage of the process is tailored to the facts of the individual case and the procedures of the Eastern District of Virginia.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he draws on firsthand knowledge of how the government builds health care fraud investigations. Testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), Mr. Sris demonstrated a commitment to legislation that affects Virginia families—experience that informs his approach to complex federal litigation. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. Together, they concentrate on federal criminal defense matters throughout Northern Virginia, including the Eastern District of Virginia. To discuss a health care fraud matter with Mr. Sris or a member of the firm’s Of Counsel team, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is health care fraud under federal law?

Federal health care fraud is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1347 as knowingly executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program. The statute covers false claims, kickbacks, and billing for services not rendered. The maximum penalty is ten years imprisonment, or life if the fraud results in a death. Federal sentencing guidelines also provide for substantial fines, asset forfeiture, and mandatory restitution. Because the statute is broad, even behavior such as upcoding a billing claim or paying a referral fee can trigger federal liability when Medicare or another federally funded program is involved.

What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud in Manassas?

Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak with agents until your lawyer is present. Federal agents often approach targets before an indictment is returned, and anything you say can be used against you. Preserve all documents—or tell your attorney where they are located—and do not attempt to delete records, as obstruction charges can be added. An attorney can begin to communicate with the prosecutors early, which may influence whether charges are filed and what they look like.

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

Defense strategies in federal health care fraud cases often focus on challenging the government’s proof of intent, the accuracy of the billing data, or the legitimacy of the search. Many cases turn on whether the defendant acted “knowingly and willfully.” An attorney may also argue that billing discrepancies were administrative mistakes rather than fraudulent schemes, or that the government’s loss calculation overstates the financial harm. The credibility of cooperating witnesses is frequently a central issue. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between state and federal charges in Manassas?

Federal charges, such as health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney and carry generally longer sentences with no parole. State fraud charges are handled in Virginia’s General District or Circuit Courts and involve different procedures and sentencing ranges. The federal system uses sentencing guidelines that are often stricter, and conviction rates in the Eastern District of Virginia are high. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for health care fraud charges in Virginia?

Yes; federal health care fraud is a serious felony with the potential for imprisonment, forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record. The government’s investigation often involves hundreds of thousands of pages of records, witness interviews, and expert testimony that a defendant without counsel cannot effectively challenge. An experienced attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, file pretrial motions, and present a mitigation case at sentencing. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does the federal criminal process work for health care fraud in Northern Virginia?

The federal process generally begins with an investigation, followed by indictment, arraignment, pretrial motions, trial, and sentencing. In the Eastern District of Virginia, the initial appearance and arraignment often occur in the Alexandria courthouse. A grand jury indictment is required for felony charges. The case then moves through discovery, where the government discloses its evidence, and defense counsel may file motions to suppress or to dismiss. If a case goes to trial, sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, with no parole available.

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

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

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

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