Health Care Fraud Lawyer Stafford County — Federal Defense Strategy
Federal health care fraud charges in Stafford County are prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, carrying severe penalties including decades in prison and multi-million dollar fines. As a health care fraud lawyer Stafford County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against investigations by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and DOJ.
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Health Care Fraud)
Health care fraud is a serious federal crime involving the intentional deception or misrepresentation to obtain an unauthorized benefit from any health care benefit program. In Stafford County, cases are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The primary statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, makes it a crime 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.
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered (phantom billing), upcoding (billing for a more expensive service than provided), unbundling (billing each step of a procedure separately), kickbacks for patient referrals, and medically unnecessary services. A conviction can result in fines up to $250,000 for individuals ($500,000 for organizations) and imprisonment for up to 10 years per count. If the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum prison term increases to 20 years; if it results in death, the penalty can be life imprisonment.
- Secure immediate legal counsel upon learning of an investigation or receiving a subpoena.
- Conduct an internal audit with your attorney to identify potential exposure.
- Develop a strategic response, which may include negotiating a pre-indictment resolution or preparing for trial.
- handle grand jury proceedings, motions, and, if necessary, trial in federal court.
In Stafford County, federal health care fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 can lead to up to 10 years in prison per count, fines into the millions, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Mandatory exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid | Restitution, Asset Forfeiture, Corporate Integrity Agreement |
| Health Care Fraud Causing Serious Injury | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Permanent license revocation | Enhanced sentencing under guidelines |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Federal Felony | Same as underlying fraud | Same as underlying fraud | Exclusion likely | Broad liability for all co-conspirator acts |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom to federal health care fraud defense. Our team’s combined 120+ years of experience includes handling complex financial investigations and handling the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, provides a unique advantage in dissecting complex billing records and data evidence often central to these cases. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
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
Our firm has successfully defended clients in federal courts. For instance, in a related federal fraud matter, our team secured a favorable resolution for a client facing serious charges. In another complex case, we achieved a significant reduction in charges and potential penalties. These results demonstrate our strategic approach to federal defense.
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
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM; emergency evenings/weekends
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Stafford County and is accessible via I-95. As a health care fraud lawyer near Stafford County, we represent professionals and entities in Aquia Harbour, Brooke, and throughout the region. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings by appointment only.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs for Stafford County
What is health care fraud under federal law?
It is knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program or obtain its money/property by false pretenses, per 18 U.S.C. § 1347.
Who investigates health care fraud in Stafford County?
Federal agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, and DEA lead investigations, often in partnership with the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
What are common examples of health care fraud schemes?
Common schemes include billing for services not rendered (phantom billing), upcoding, unbundling, paying or receiving kickbacks for referrals (Anti-Kickback Statute violations), and providing medically unnecessary services or equipment.
What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud?
Immediately contact a federal health care fraud defense lawyer. Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Preserve all records and document all communications related to the inquiry.
What are the penalties for a health care fraud conviction?
Penalties include up to 10 years in prison per count, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, mandatory restitution, and exclusion from federal health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Can a medical billing fraud defense lawyer Stafford County help if I made an honest mistake?
Yes. A key defense is lack of intent. A skilled medical billing fraud defense lawyer Stafford County can argue the errors were unintentional billing mistakes, not criminal fraud, which requires proof of willful deception.
What is a target letter?
A target letter from a U.S. Attorney’s Office formally notifies an individual that they are the subject of a grand jury investigation. It is a critical moment to secure legal representation immediately.
How can a healthcare scheme charge lawyer Stafford County defend against conspiracy charges?
A healthcare scheme charge lawyer Stafford County can challenge the alleged agreement between co-conspirators, argue the client’s withdrawal from the scheme, or attack the sufficiency of the evidence linking the client to the overall conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1349.
If you are facing allegations of health care fraud in Stafford County, securing experienced counsel is the most important first step. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and defense options.