Health Care Fraud Lawyer Virginia Beach — Federal Defense Strategy
If you are under investigation for health care fraud in Virginia Beach, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, which can lead to decades in prison and massive fines. A Health Care Fraud lawyer Virginia Beach from SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense against federal prosecutors.
Federal Health Care Fraud Statute and Penalties
Health care fraud is a federal crime prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The law 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 a wide range of activities, from billing for services not rendered to upcoding, unbundling, and kickback schemes prohibited by the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b).
Last verified: April 2026 | Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (official U.S. Code)
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the severe implications of these charges. A conviction can result in up to 10 years in federal prison per count. If the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum penalty increases to 20 years; if it results in death, the penalty can be life imprisonment. Fines can reach $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations, plus mandatory restitution.
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the legal framework is critical. The primary statute is 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (Health Care Fraud). For court procedures in the relevant jurisdiction, refer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website. These .gov resources provide the official text of the law and local court rules.
Local Federal Court Process for Health Care Fraud Charges
Health care fraud cases in Virginia Beach are typically investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, HHS-OIG, or DEA and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The process is intensive and moves quickly under the Federal Speedy Trial Act. An experienced medical billing fraud defense lawyer Virginia Beach must handle grand jury subpoenas, complex discovery involving terabytes of billing data, and aggressive plea negotiations.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: You may receive a subpoena for records or a target letter. A grand jury may issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Initial Appearance: You will appear before a federal magistrate judge to hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney will review thousands of pages of evidence and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in federal district court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which are often severe for financial crimes.
Potential Penalties for Health Care Fraud
In Virginia Beach, a federal health care fraud conviction carries severe penalties including decades in prison, fines up to $500,000, and mandatory restitution to government programs like Medicare.
| Offense Level | Statutory Maximum Prison | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347) | 10 years per count | $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, forfeiture of assets, exclusion from federal health programs. |
| Fraud Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury | 20 years | Same as above | Enhanced sentencing under guidelines. |
| Fraud Resulting in Death | Life imprisonment | Same as above | Mandatory minimums may apply. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349) | Same as underlying fraud | Same as above | All conspirators liable for acts of co-conspirators. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, nationwide defense. We understand that a health care scheme charge lawyer Virginia Beach must be adept at dissecting complex financial records and medical documentation to challenge the government’s case. Our approach is built on early intervention, thorough investigation, and strategic negotiation.
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
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex cases. For instance, we have successfully negotiated reductions of serious felony charges to lesser offenses and secured dismissals where the government’s evidence was lacking. In one case involving multiple counts of credit card fraud in Fairfax County, we secured a result where a 2-year sentence was fully suspended with probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on federal matters, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former certification for death penalty cases and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into high-stakes litigation.
Health Care Fraud Lawyer Near Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients facing federal charges in Virginia Beach. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Serving Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Oceana, and surrounding communities.
Health Care Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between a billing error and health care fraud?
It depends on intent. An honest mistake is not a crime. Federal prosecutors must prove you knowingly and willfully engaged in a scheme to defraud. A medical billing fraud defense lawyer Virginia Beach can demonstrate lack of criminal intent through documentation and experienced testimony.
Can I go to jail for a first-time health care fraud offense?
Yes. Federal sentencing guidelines for financial crimes are severe, and judges often impose prison time even for first-time offenders. The amount of the loss, your role in the scheme, and other factors heavily influence the sentence. Early intervention by a lawyer is crucial.
What should I do if I receive a subpoena or target letter?
Do not speak to investigators. Immediately contact a health care fraud lawyer Virginia Beach. Anything you say can be used against you. Your attorney will review the subpoena, advise you on your obligations, and begin building your defense before charges are ever filed.
What is a “kickback” in health care?
A kickback is any remuneration offered or received to induce referrals of services payable by a federal health care program. They are illegal under the Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b). Defending against such a healthcare scheme charge requires showing that a safe harbor exception applies or that the intent to induce referrals was absent.
How long does a federal health care fraud case take?
Federal cases can take from several months to multiple years. The Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day clock from indictment to trial, but complex cases often have delays for discovery and motions. Your attorney’s ability to manage this timeline strategically can impact the outcome.
Internal Resources: For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Lawyer hub. For related local issues, consider a Virginia Beach Business Lawyer. We also serve neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific case.