Health Care Fraud lawyer Rockville, MD
You are a medical professional in Rockville, Maryland, and you have just received a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Or, perhaps, a former employee has triggered a federal audit with allegations of improper billing practices. Health care fraud investigations under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 often unfold quietly—through subpoenas to your practice, interviews with your staff, and requests for records—before you realize the full scope of the government’s case. In Rockville, federal health care fraud cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, primarily in the Greenbelt division, where experienced Assistant U.S. Attorneys work alongside agencies such as the FBI, HHS-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Early engagement with a defense team familiar with the federal system is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent health care providers, executives, and entities facing federal fraud allegations in Rockville and throughout Maryland. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Federal Health Care Fraud Charges in Rockville
Federal health care fraud is not a regulatory matter—it is a felony offense prosecuted by the Department of Justice. The statute covers any scheme to defraud a health care benefit program, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private insurers. In the District of Maryland, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a dedicated health care fraud unit that pursues cases ranging from billing for services not rendered to kickback arrangements. For Rockville residents and businesses, an investigation may originate from an audit, a whistleblower complaint (qui tam), or a parallel civil inquiry. The Greenbelt courthouse at 6500 Cherrywood Lane is where most Montgomery County federal defendants appear for initial proceedings and trial. The Greenbelt division hears all criminal matters arising from Montgomery County, including Rockville. The courthouse is located near the Capital Beltway, making it accessible for clients and counsel. The U.S. Magistrate Judges in Greenbelt handle initial appearances, detention hearings, and arraignments, while felony trials are presided over by U.S. District Judges. Understanding the local rules and the preferences of the court is part of the preparation that Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring to every case.
Health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment, and up to life if the fraud results in a patient’s death.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1347. Read the statute
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Conviction rates in federal court are high, and there is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account the dollar amount of the loss, the defendant’s role, and whether the offense involved sophisticated means. A person convicted of health care fraud faces not only incarceration but also restitution orders, asset forfeiture, and exclusion from federal health care programs.
For a full statutory breakdown and broader perspective on federal criminal defense, see our comprehensive analysis at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Federal criminal defense practice.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Defend Health Care Fraud Cases
Defending a health care fraud charge in Rockville requires a thorough understanding of both the health care industry and federal criminal procedure. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel approach each case by first examining the government’s evidence: the billing records, the audit trail, and the testimony of cooperating witnesses. Early in the investigation, the team works to narrow the scope of the inquiry—whether by challenging overbroad subpoenas or by engaging with prosecutors to explain the medical necessity of the services at issue.
Many health care fraud cases involve complex medical coding, statistical sampling, and regulatory interpretations that demand more than standard criminal defense. The team consults with medical billing attorneys and forensic accountants to identify weaknesses in the government’s loss calculations. When a case moves toward indictment, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every pretrial motion, including motions to suppress evidence obtained through defective warrants or to dismiss an indictment that fails to state an offense. Throughout, the focus remains on achieving a favorable resolution—whether that means dismissal, a favorable plea, or acquittal at trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results across multiple practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Penalties and Consequences Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 reaches beyond a prison sentence. The district court may order restitution in the full amount of the loss—often millions of dollars in health care fraud cases. The government can also seek forfeiture of property traceable to the offense, including real estate, bank accounts, and proceeds from the fraud. Professional consequences are equally severe: physicians, pharmacists, and other licensed practitioners face disciplinary action by their licensing boards, and the Office of Inspector General may exclude a convicted provider from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and all federal health programs. Because the collateral consequences of a health care fraud conviction can be ruinous, the defense strategy must account for both the criminal penalty and the administrative aftermath. For a consultation about your specific exposure, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced federal criminal defense since the firm’s founding in 1997. A former prosecutor, he is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—giving his federal practice a multi-state dimension that is valuable in cases involving interstate health care networks. Mr. Sris leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring additional prosecutorial experience, including former state prosecutors who have handled complex fraud trials. The collective experience of Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel exceeds 120 years, and they draw on that background to confront federal health care fraud allegations with a defense grounded in both the law and the practical realities of the courtroom. Results may vary.
The firm’s Rockville location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 is available for consultations by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is health care fraud under federal law?
Health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any health care benefit program, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. The offense covers false claims, billing for services not provided, upcoding, kickbacks, and other fraudulent conduct. Federal jurisdiction attaches if the fraud affects a federal health care program or involves interstate wire or mail communications. The statute is broad, and investigations often begin with audits by contractors such as Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs) or the Recovery Audit Program.
What should I do if I am under investigation for health care fraud in Rockville?
If you learn you are under federal investigation for health care fraud, you should immediately retain experienced defense counsel and refrain from speaking with investigators without your lawyer present. Do not alter, destroy, or conceal any records—that conduct can lead to obstruction charges. Early legal guidance helps you understand the scope of the investigation, preserve evidence that supports your defense, and begin making strategic decisions about whether to cooperate, prepare for trial, or pursue a negotiated resolution. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a health care fraud investigation?
Yes, absolutely. Federal health care fraud investigations involve complex statutes, large volumes of records, and the possibility of incarceration and professional ruin. Without counsel, any statements you make to investigators can be used against you, and you may inadvertently waive important rights. An experienced attorney can intervene early to limit the damage, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a factual record that may lead to a declination or reduced charges.
How does the federal sentencing process work for health care fraud?
Sentencing for federal health care fraud is governed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a recommended range based primarily on the amount of loss and the defendant’s role. The court considers the guidelines, but they are advisory after United States v. Booker. The judge also weighs factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s history, and the need to avoid unwarranted sentencing disparities. Restitution is mandatory. An effective sentencing presentation requires a thorough mitigation package and legal arguments for a departure or variance.
Can health care fraud charges be dismissed?
Yes, health care fraud charges can be dismissed if the government’s evidence is insufficient, if there is prosecutorial misconduct, or if a pretrial motion demonstrates a defect in the indictment. However, dismissal is not common; more often, cases resolve through a plea agreement, deferred prosecution agreement, or trial. An attorney will assess the strength of the government’s case and advise on the trusted strategy. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
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