Health Care Fraud lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD
Federal health care fraud is a serious offense that falls under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, which makes it unlawful to knowingly execute a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program. Charges may arise from allegations involving Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or private insurance programs, and they carry severe penalties — up to 10 years in prison, or up to life imprisonment if the fraud results in a patient’s death. Because these cases are prosecuted in federal court, the stakes are high from the outset. Residents of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, who are facing a federal health care fraud investigation or indictment need an experienced defense team with a strong background in federal criminal procedure. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt, handles health care fraud prosecutions that affect individuals and businesses across the state. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practices in federal courts and has defended clients against serious federal charges since 1997. If you are looking for a health care fraud lawyer in St. Mary’s County, MD, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Federal Health Care Fraud Means in St. Mary’s County
Health care fraud under federal law covers a wide range of conduct — billing for services never rendered, upcoding to increase reimbursement, paying or receiving kickbacks for patient referrals, or falsifying records to obtain money from health care benefit programs. The government pursues these cases through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, which can bring charges against providers, facilities, and individuals living or doing business in St. Mary’s County. Because the federal system has no parole and mandatory minimum sentences often apply, a health care fraud conviction can have life-changing consequences for professionals and their families.
St. Mary’s County residents who become targets of a federal health care fraud investigation will typically see their cases proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with proceedings held in Baltimore or Greenbelt. The distance from Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, or other local communities means that having counsel who is familiar with the court, the prosecutors, and the procedural landscape is especially important. Federal agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and IRS-Criminal Investigation regularly collaborate on health care fraud matters, making early legal guidance critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in federal court and work to protect the rights of clients throughout the Southern Maryland region.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Health Care Fraud Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. regarding a health care fraud matter, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by evaluating the charges or the investigation. They examine the indictment, search warrant materials, and discovery to identify weaknesses in the government’s case. Often, health care fraud prosecutions rely on complex billing data, financial records, and cooperating witnesses — each requires careful scrutiny. The team explores whether billing disputes reflect a lack of intent, whether procedures were improperly characterized, or whether the government’s interpretation of applicable regulations is overbroad.
From there, the focus shifts to pre-trial strategy: challenging the admissibility of evidence, negotiating with federal prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, and preparing for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached. Federal criminal defense also involves sentencing advocacy, including the preparation of a comprehensive sentencing memorandum and arguments for downward departures under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris draws on his prosecutorial background and the team’s extensive experience to craft a defense tailored to the client’s specific circumstances.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm he established in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He concentrates his practice on complex federal criminal defense, including health care fraud matters, and works closely with his Of Counsel to bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris is supported by his Of Counsel team, which includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts before joining the firm. This collective experience on both sides of the courtroom gives the firm insight into how federal and state prosecutors build health care fraud cases. The attorneys collaborate on every matter, ensuring that clients receive the benefit of multiple perspectives and deep familiarity with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is health care fraud under federal law?
Federal health care fraud is intentionally defrauding any health care benefit program, including Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers, for financial gain. The primary statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, prohibits schemes to obtain money or property from such programs through false representations, billing for services not provided, upcoding, or kickbacks. Federal prosecutors treat these cases seriously, often relying on data analysis and whistleblower complaints to build charges. An experienced defense attorney can examine whether the government can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt and whether billing disputes are actually criminal rather than contractual.
What are the penalties for a health care fraud conviction?
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 may result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or up to life imprisonment if the fraud results in death, along with substantial fines and restitution. Beyond imprisonment, the court may order asset forfeiture and impose supervised release. Federal sentencing guidelines take into account the amount of loss, number of victims, and other aggravating factors. Because federal court offers no parole, a prison sentence is served day for day with limited good-time credit. An attorney can argue for departures under the guidelines or seek a plea agreement that mitigates exposure.
What should I do if I am being investigated for health care fraud?
If you are being investigated for health care fraud, you should immediately retain experienced federal criminal defense counsel and refrain from speaking with investigators until your lawyer is present. Federal agents may approach you directly or execute a search warrant. Do not attempt to destroy documents, communicate with witnesses, or make statements that could be used against you. An attorney can assess the scope of the investigation, identify potential charges, and work to protect your rights from the earliest stage. Early intervention often helps shape the course of the case.
How does a federal health care fraud case move through the court system?
A federal health care fraud case typically begins with a grand jury indictment, followed by an arraignment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where the defendant enters a plea. Then pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations may occur. If the case proceeds to trial, it is heard by a federal district judge or jury. Sentencing occurs after conviction and includes a presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Throughout the process, a defense attorney challenges the government’s evidence and works toward favorable outcomes given the specific facts.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with health care fraud in Maryland?
Yes, anyone charged with federal health care fraud should be represented by a lawyer who understands federal criminal procedure and the health care fraud statutes. The federal system is complex, with strict rules of evidence, sentencing guidelines, and discovery obligations. A lawyer can assess whether the government has violated your constitutional rights, negotiate with prosecutors, and present a thorough defense at trial if needed. Because the stakes include years in prison and substantial financial penalties, experienced legal representation is essential.
Our firm represents clients facing federal criminal charges across Maryland. Learn about our services in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Howard County.
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