Medicare Fraud Lawyer Near Me
You received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Federal agents from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General or the FBI have reviewed billing records, patient files, and reimbursement claims. The letter cites 18 U.S.C. § 1347, the federal health care fraud statute. A conviction under this statute carries imprisonment, substantial fines, and exclusion from federal health care programs. Medicare fraud investigations move methodically, and early engagement with experienced defense counsel can affect the course of a case before charges are filed. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practices federal criminal defense in Maryland and represents health care providers, practice managers, billing professionals, and medical businesses under investigation for Medicare fraud. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal matters in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, including the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Medicare Fraud Means in Maryland
Medicare fraud is a federal offense prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1347. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, including Medicare, or to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program through false or fraudulent pretenses. The government must prove that the defendant acted knowingly and willfully, and that the conduct involved a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program. Federal prosecutors in the District of Maryland pursue these cases actively, often working with investigative agencies that have reviewed billing data for years before making contact with a target.
In Maryland, Medicare fraud cases are investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal agencies. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Common allegations include billing for services not rendered, upcoding, unbundling, kickback arrangements in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and false certifications of medical necessity. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and the court may order restitution to the Medicare program. The firm’s Maryland location serves clients facing these charges throughout the state, from Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and the Eastern Shore.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Medicare Fraud Cases
Federal Medicare fraud cases typically begin with an investigation that may run for months or years before the subject learns of it. Investigators review claims data, interview witnesses, execute search warrants, and may use undercover operations or confidential informants. When a target receives a subpoena, a search warrant is executed at a practice location, or a target letter arrives, the investigation has moved into an active phase. Engaging counsel at this stage allows the defense to assess the scope of the investigation, communicate with prosecutors, and work to shape the direction of the case before an indictment is returned.
Defense in a Medicare fraud case involves careful review of billing records, medical documentation, and the government’s audit methodology. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, together with Mr. Sris, examine whether billing errors reflect fraudulent intent or administrative mistakes, whether the government’s sampling and extrapolation methods are statistically sound, and whether the evidence supports each element of the charged offense. In some matters, the defense may present evidence of compliance programs, corrective actions, or legitimate medical judgment that undercuts the government’s claim of knowing fraud. Each case turns on its own facts, and the approach depends on the specific allegations, the volume of claims at issue, and the client’s particular circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He founded the firm in 1997 and is a former prosecutor. His prosecutorial background provides insight into how federal fraud cases are investigated and charged. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice includes federal criminal defense, and he represents clients in complex fraud matters before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in federal criminal defense to Medicare fraud cases. Of Counsel attorneys are independent practitioners who work with the firm on federal matters. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled federal criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions. The firm represents clients in Maryland from its Rockville Location, serving communities including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Annapolis, and Baltimore. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am under investigation for Medicare fraud in Maryland?
Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak with investigators without counsel present. Federal agents may seek an interview before charges are filed. Statements made during that interview can become evidence. Preserve all billing records, correspondence with Medicare contractors, and compliance documentation. Do not alter or destroy any records. Early engagement of counsel allows the defense to assess the scope of the investigation and communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before an indictment is returned. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
How is Medicare fraud prosecuted in federal court in Maryland?
Medicare fraud is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland in the U.S. District Court, with cases heard in the Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly executed a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program. Federal sentencing guidelines apply. The court may impose imprisonment, fines, restitution, and forfeiture. Exclusion from Medicare and other federal health care programs is a common administrative consequence. The timeline and specific procedures vary by case.
What is the difference between a Medicare fraud investigation and an audit?
An audit is a civil review of billing practices by a Medicare contractor; a fraud investigation is a criminal inquiry conducted by federal law enforcement agencies. Audits may result in overpayment demands or civil penalties. A fraud investigation involves agencies such as the HHS Office of Inspector General or the FBI and may lead to criminal charges. If a routine audit escalates into a fraud referral, the matter takes on a different character. Contact counsel when you learn of any federal inquiry into your billing practices. To discuss the details of your matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I be excluded from Medicare if I am convicted of Medicare fraud?
Yes, exclusion from federal health care programs is a mandatory consequence of a Medicare fraud conviction under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7. The exclusion applies to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs. The minimum exclusion period depends on the specific offense. For some convictions, exclusion is permanent. The Office of Inspector General maintains a public list of excluded individuals and entities. Exclusion can end a medical practice or health care business. Early defense strategy considers the administrative consequences alongside the criminal exposure.
What defenses are available in a federal Medicare fraud case?
Common defenses include lack of intent, good faith reliance on billing guidance, and challenging the government’s audit methodology. Medicare fraud requires proof of knowing and willful conduct. Billing errors, even widespread ones, do not by themselves establish fraud if they resulted from mistake or reasonable interpretation of complex billing rules. The defense may also challenge statistical sampling and extrapolation methods the government uses to calculate alleged overpayments. Each defense depends on the specific facts. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
When should I hire a lawyer for a Medicare fraud matter in Maryland?
As soon as you learn of an investigation, audit referral, subpoena, or search warrant involving your practice or billing records. Early engagement allows the defense to assess the scope of the investigation, communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and develop a strategic response. Waiting until an indictment is returned limits the defense options. Federal prosecutors often spend months building a case before bringing charges; the defense should use that time as well. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a federal Medicare fraud case take in Maryland?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the volume of records, and whether the case resolves before trial. Federal cases operate under the Speedy Trial Act, but complex fraud cases often involve extensive discovery, motion practice, and negotiation. An investigation alone may last many months before charges are filed. The court schedules proceedings on its calendar, and the pace depends on multiple factors. Contact the firm to discuss the likely timeline for your specific circumstances.
For additional information about federal criminal defense in Maryland, see our resources on federal criminal defense in Maryland, health care fraud defense, and white collar crime representation. The firm also handles federal criminal matters in Baltimore and cases in the Greenbelt division.
Additional resources: 18 U.S.C. § 1347 — Health Care Fraud | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | DOJ Health Care Fraud Unit
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. The firm’s Maryland location is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. By appointment only. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. © 1997-2026 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.