Health Care Fraud Lawyer Manassas — Federal Defense for Medical Billing & Scheme Charges
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation or charged in Manassas, you need a health care fraud lawyer Manassas with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients against allegations of medical billing fraud and complex healthcare schemes. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides 24/7 consultations.
Federal Health Care Fraud Law and Penalties
Health care fraud is primarily prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. This statute makes it a felony to knowingly 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. The law covers both government programs like Medicare and Medicaid and private insurance plans.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal Courts | Virginia General Assembly
The penalties for a health care fraud conviction are severe. Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If the violation results in serious bodily injury, the maximum increases to 20 years. If a death results, a life sentence is possible. Fines can reach $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for an organization per count, plus mandatory restitution to the defrauded program.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the primary federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (health care fraud). For information on the federal court process in the Eastern District of Virginia, which includes Manassas, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Defending Against Health Care Fraud Charges in Manassas
Federal investigations into health care fraud in Manassas are typically conducted by agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or IRS. These cases are complex, involving vast amounts of records. A key local procedural fact is that initial appearances and arraignments for federal charges originating in the Manassas area are typically held at the federal courthouse in Alexandria. A strong defense requires immediate action to analyze the government’s evidence and challenge its legal theories.
- Secure Immediate Legal Counsel: Contact a federal health care fraud lawyer Manassas at the first sign of an investigation, such as a subpoena or agent contact.
- Preserve and Review Evidence: Work with your attorney to secure all relevant medical, billing, and business records for a full review.
- Challenge the Investigation: Your lawyer can file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly or challenge the scope of search warrants.
- Negotiate or Litigate: Based on the evidence, your attorney will advise on pursuing a negotiated resolution or preparing for a complex federal trial.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In federal court, a health care fraud conviction carries a maximum of 10 years in prison per count, with fines up to $250,000 for individuals.
| 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 federal programs, loss of medical license. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Same as above, with enhanced penalties. |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Death | Federal Felony | Any term up to life | Up to $250,000 | Same as above. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Health Care Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results. We understand the high stakes of federal charges. Our approach combines rigorous analysis of complex billing data with strategic legal challenges to the government’s case. We defend clients at every stage, from the initial investigation through trial.
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 firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex cases. While every case is unique, our strategic approach focuses on challenging the government’s evidence and intent. For instance, we have successfully negotiated resolutions that avoided prison time for clients facing serious fraud allegations by presenting alternative interpretations of billing practices and medical necessity.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Fairfax location serves clients facing federal charges in Manassas. We are accessible via I-66 and Route 28. If you need a health care fraud lawyer near Manassas or a medical billing fraud defense lawyer Manassas, contact us 24/7 to schedule a confidential consultation by appointment.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a mistake and health care fraud?
It depends on intent. A simple billing error is not a crime. Health care fraud requires the government to prove you knowingly and willfully executed a scheme to defraud. An experienced healthcare scheme charge lawyer Manassas can demonstrate a lack of criminal intent through documentation and experienced testimony.
Who investigates health care fraud in Virginia?
Federal health care fraud is investigated by agencies like the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the IRS. These agencies work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to build cases for prosecution.
Can I go to prison for a first-time health care fraud offense?
Yes. Federal sentencing guidelines do not automatically preclude prison for first-time offenders in fraud cases. The potential sentence depends on the “loss amount” calculated by the government, your role in the offense, and other factors. A skilled health care fraud lawyer Manassas is critical to mitigating this risk.
What should I do if a federal agent contacts me about a health care investigation?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with your attorney. Do not provide any documents or statements. Immediately contact a federal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you, and agents are trained to obtain incriminating statements.
What are common examples of health care fraud schemes?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered, upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than provided), unbundling (billing separately for services that should be bundled), paying or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals, and providing medically unnecessary services or equipment.
For more information on related legal issues in Manassas, see our pages on federal criminal defense and business law. To learn about our firm’s broader practice, visit our Virginia federal criminal defense hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.