Health Care Fraud lawyer Somerset County, NJ
Facing a federal health care fraud investigation or indictment in Somerset County, New Jersey, means confronting a prosecution team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. These cases are built on extensive paper trails, billing records, and witness testimony gathered by federal agents before charges are filed. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals and businesses in federal health care fraud matters across New Jersey, including matters venued in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The firm’s New Jersey location is at 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, or up to life if the violation 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.
What Federal Health Care Fraud Means in Somerset County, NJ
Federal health care fraud encompasses schemes to defraud any health care benefit program—including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and private insurers reimbursed by federal funds. In Somerset County, the investigations that lead to these charges are typically handled by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and other federal task forces. Once an indictment issues, the case proceeds in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has courthouses in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. Most matters originating in Somerset County are assigned to the Trenton vicinage.
A federal charge under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is not merely a billing dispute. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly executed a scheme to obtain money or property from a health care benefit program through false representations. The stakes are high because the federal system does not offer parole, and the Sentencing Guidelines often call for significant incarceration even for first-time offenders. Additionally, asset forfeiture is a regular feature of these prosecutions, meaning the government may seek to seize property connected to the alleged fraud. Anyone under investigation should understand that the procedural rules, discovery obligations, and plea-negotiation dynamics differ substantially from state court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience handling these distinctions.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Health Care Fraud Cases
When a client first contacts the firm, the immediate focus is on preserving evidence and protecting the client’s rights during the investigative phase. In health care fraud matters, this often means coordinating with billing attorneys, medical professionals, and forensic accountants to review the government’s allegations before charges are filed. Early intervention can shape whether the case proceeds by indictment or information, and whether the client remains out of custody pending trial.
Once charges are filed, the legal team examines every aspect of the government’s case—search warrants, witness statements, billing audits, and electronic records. Challenges may include motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, challenges to the sufficiency of the indictment, and arguments under the Speedy Trial Act. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel also evaluate whether cooperation, a deferred prosecution agreement, or a trial is the appropriate path for the client’s circumstances. Throughout the process, the firm’s approach is to explain the law clearly so clients can make informed decisions about how to proceed. The goal is to work toward the most favorable resolution possible under the specific facts of the case. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and brings that experience to federal criminal defense. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he routinely works on federal matters throughout those jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
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 Of Counsel team includes attorneys with backgrounds in prosecution, law enforcement, and complex litigation, allowing the firm to approach federal health care fraud cases from multiple perspectives. The firm’s New Jersey location in Tinton Falls serves clients in Somerset County and throughout the state. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if federal agents contact me about a health care fraud investigation?
You should politely decline to answer questions and contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Federal agents build cases through statements made during interviews, and anything you say can be used against you. Do not provide documents or access to records without legal counsel. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can communicate with investigators on your behalf and help you understand the scope of the investigation. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
How are federal health care fraud cases different from state-level fraud cases?
Federal health care fraud cases involve prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, no parole, and sentencing under federal guidelines. The investigative resources are typically broader, with multi-agency task forces and grand jury subpoenas. The procedural landscape in federal court—from discovery obligations under the Jencks Act to the advisory Sentencing Guidelines—differs markedly from New Jersey state court. A lawyer experienced in federal criminal defense is essential.
What are the potential penalties for health care fraud under federal law?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, a conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison, or up to life imprisonment if the violation results in death. Fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture are common. Sentencing is guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider loss amount, number of victims, and aggravating factors. There is no parole in the federal system; inmates serve most of their sentence. Consult with an attorney for a case-specific assessment.
There is no parole in the federal criminal justice system; inmates generally serve at least 85% of their sentence under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 3624. 18 U.S.C. § 3624
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
Can I go to trial in a federal health care fraud case?
Yes, every defendant has a constitutional right to a jury trial, and many cases proceed to trial. The decision to go to trial depends on the strength of the evidence, potential sentencing exposure, and the client’s goals. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have trial experience and are prepared to challenge the government’s case before a jury if that is the right strategic decision. Trials in federal health care fraud cases often involve complex expert testimony and thousands of documents.
How can a lawyer help before charges are filed?
Early involvement can influence the direction of the investigation and, in some cases, prevent charges from being filed. An attorney can present exculpatory evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for alternative resolutions such as civil settlements or deferred prosecution. The pre-indictment stage is a critical window. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
What is the role of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines in my case?
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide a framework that judges must consider when imposing a sentence, though they are now advisory, not mandatory. The guidelines calculate an offense level based on loss amount, role in the offense, and other factors, then produce a recommended range of imprisonment. Departures and variances can reduce a sentence below the guideline range in appropriate circumstances. A defense lawyer will argue for the lowest applicable range and for mitigating factors that warrant a downward variance.
Since United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005), the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
Source: United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005). Booker opinion
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Outbound primary-source authority: 18 U.S.C. § 1347 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.