Health Care Fraud lawyer Prince George’s County, MD
A federal health care fraud investigation can upend your professional life without warning. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with its Greenbelt division, prosecutes these cases actively, often after extensive investigations by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and other federal agencies. For a physician, practice owner, billing manager, or any health care professional in Prince George’s County, an indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 means confronting a system where conviction rates are high and federal sentencing guidelines leave little room for leniency without a well-prepared defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent clients in these matters from the earliest investigative stages through trial and, if necessary, appeal. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Health Care Fraud Defense Means in Prince George’s County, MD
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland hears all federal criminal cases arising in Prince George’s County. The court sits in two divisions—Baltimore and Greenbelt—and the Greenbelt courthouse at 6500 Cherrywood Lane is the venue most directly serving residents and businesses in Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, and the surrounding communities. Federal health care fraud cases are not handled by the state’s attorney; they are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, often with the involvement of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section. This means defendants face a federal indictment, federal sentencing guidelines, and no possibility of parole.
Health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 covers a broad range of conduct—billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickbacks, medically unnecessary procedures, and falsification of patient records to support claims. Federal prosecutors may also charge conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, or money laundering in connection with the same alleged scheme, multiplying the exposure. The investigation often begins long before charges are filed, with subpoenas to records custodians, interviews of employees, and execution of search warrants. Having experienced counsel during the investigative phase can affect the shape—and even the existence—of a later prosecution.
A conviction for federal health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, or up to life if the fraud results in death.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1347. 18 U.S.C. § 1347
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Health Care Fraud Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach every federal health care fraud matter with the understanding that early action can define the outcome. They work to secure and review the government’s evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and, where appropriate, present alternative narratives to the U.S. Attorney’s Office before an indictment is returned. If charges are filed, the team prepares for every phase—arraignment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations, and trial. The goal is always a favorable resolution, whether through dismissal, an advantageous plea, or an acquittal after trial.
Sentencing in federal court is governed by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the amount of loss, the number of victims, the defendant’s role in the offense, and other factors. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with clients to develop a sentencing presentation that tells the full story—not just the offense conduct, but the person behind the charges. That may include gathering character letters, employment history, community involvement, and medical or family circumstances that a judge should consider. In handling federal criminal matters at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, we have observed that a thorough sentencing memorandum, prepared well in advance, can make a meaningful difference in the sentence imposed.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he concentrates his practice on complex federal criminal defense. Mr. Sris’s background as a prosecutor gives him an inside understanding of how federal cases are built and where they can be challenged. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Supporting Mr. Sris is a team of Of Counsel attorneys—non‑employee lawyers who each bring extensive experience in criminal litigation. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. The team’s collective knowledge allows Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to handle health care fraud matters thoroughly, from the initial investigation through trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is health care fraud under federal law?
Federal health care fraud is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1347 as knowingly and willfully executing—or attempting to execute—a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, or to obtain money or property owned by or under the custody or control of any health care benefit program, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. The statute covers private insurers as well as Medicare and Medicaid, making it very broad. A charge under this section can arise from billing discrepancies, patient kickbacks, unnecessary medical testing, or false certifications.
Do I need a lawyer if I am only under investigation and not yet charged?
Yes, retaining an attorney at the investigation stage is important because statements you make to investigators and evidence you preserve or discard can affect whether charges are filed and, if they are, what shape those charges take. An experienced federal criminal lawyer can communicate with the government on your behalf, advise you on your rights, and begin building a defense before the formal accusation. This early involvement may lead to a declination of prosecution or more favorable resolution.
How do federal health care fraud cases in Prince George’s County differ from state cases?
Federal health care fraud cases in Prince George’s County are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland rather than the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, and they are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, not in the local District or Circuit Court. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, there is no parole in the federal system, and the penalties are often more severe than analogous state charges. Federal investigations also typically involve specialized agencies such as HHS‑OIG, the FBI, and the IRS‑CI, which can bring resources that state-level investigations may lack.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a federal defense attorney?
For your first meeting, bring any documents you have relating to the matter—copies of subpoenas, search warrant receipts, target letters, correspondence from government agencies, billing records, and your personal notes—as well as a list of potential witnesses. The attorney will need to understand the timeline and the scope of the investigation. You do not need to have everything organized; your lawyer will help you sort through what is relevant. The important thing is to bring whatever you have and to be honest about the facts.
What are the possible defenses to a health care fraud charge?
Defenses in federal health care fraud cases may include challenging the government’s evidence of intent to defraud, demonstrating that billing discrepancies were the result of honest mistakes or coding errors rather than fraudulent intent, attacking the reliability of statistical sampling used to estimate loss, or arguing that the defendant acted on the advice of counsel or relied on professional billing services in good faith. The viability of any defense depends on the specific facts of the case, and an attorney experienced in federal court can evaluate which approaches may be effective after reviewing the discovery. Each case is unique, and no two health care fraud prosecutions follow an identical path.
How can I find a federal health care fraud lawyer in Prince George’s County?
To find a federal health care fraud lawyer in Prince George’s County, you can research attorneys who practice federal criminal defense before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and verify their bar admissions and experience. Look for a lawyer who is admitted to the federal bar, has handled cases before the Greenbelt division, and is willing to meet with you promptly. You can reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747 to discuss your situation and determine the next steps. Consultations are by appointment.
Federal Criminal Defense Resources — Prince George’s County, MD: Montgomery County | Howard County | Anne Arundel County | Frederick County | Baltimore County
Primary legal authority: Virginia Code Title 13.1 | Virginia Courts | Maryland Judiciary
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Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — 199 East Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. By appointment only. (888) 437‑7747.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.