Health Care Fraud lawyer DC
When a federal investigation or indictment alleges health care fraud, the stakes are measured in liberty, reputation, and the future of a career or practice. In Washington, D.C., these prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, a statute that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment—or life if the fraud results in death. Because the District of Columbia is a unique federal enclave, most felony-level cases, including health care fraud, are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse. The federal system offers no parole, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines exert significant influence over the length of any sentence. For a physician, hospital executive, billing manager, or medical-device professional under investigation, early involvement of experienced federal defense counsel is critical. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on federal criminal defense, and Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, has represented individuals in federal health care fraud matters since 1997. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Health Care Fraud Means in Washington, D.C.
In the District of Columbia, health care fraud prosecutions are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C., often with investigative support from the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and other federal agencies. Because D.C. Is not a state, there is no local district attorney’s office handling ordinary felony offenses; instead, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes both local and federal crimes. This means a health care fraud charge in Washington, D.C., is almost certainly a federal case, litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before an Article III judge.
The federal health care fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1347, makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully execute a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program—including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and private insurers—or to obtain money or property owned by or under the custody or control of a health care benefit program by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. Federal prosecutors in D.C. May pursue charges for billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickback arrangements, medically unnecessary procedures, or falsifying patient records. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines often produce lengthy advisory ranges because loss amounts in health care fraud cases can reach millions of dollars, and multiple victims or sophisticated conduct result in guideline enhancements. Because there is no parole in the federal system, an individual convicted of health care fraud serves at least 85% of the imposed sentence.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients in every D.C. Ward and neighborhood—from Georgetown and Capitol Hill to Petworth, Anacostia, and beyond—from the firm’s Arlington location. The Arlington, Virginia, location is approximately 4.5 miles from the U.S. District Court, providing convenient access for meetings and court appearances. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C., the Federal Defender, and the CJA panel, and they have experience litigating federal criminal matters before the judges of the District Court.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Health Care Fraud Cases
Federal health care fraud investigations often begin long before an indictment is returned. Subpoenas for billing records, patient files, and financial statements may arrive months in advance, and agents may contact employees or patients. The firm’s approach begins with an immediate review of the government’s theory of the case and the evidence it has assembled. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the indictment or the target letter, identify procedural and substantive defenses, and determine whether any statements were obtained in violation of the Sixth Amendment or whether the charging instrument properly alleges each element of the offense.
Because much of the evidence in a health care fraud case consists of business records, billing data, and experienced attorney analysis, the firm works with forensic accountants and medical-coding professionals to evaluate whether the government’s loss calculations are supported. If the case proceeds to pretrial litigation, the firm may file motions to suppress evidence, to dismiss the indictment on legal grounds, or to sever counts. In plea negotiations, the firm advocates for the lowest applicable guideline range, raising mitigating factors such as lack of criminal history, acceptance of responsibility, and the absence of patient harm. If a case goes to trial, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are prepared to challenge the government’s witnesses, cross-examine its attorneys, and present a thorough defense. Throughout the process, the client remains informed and involved in all strategic decisions.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He is a former prosecutor who, before founding the firm in 1997, gained insight into how the government builds criminal cases. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has guided individuals facing federal criminal charges for more than two decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). This multi-jurisdictional experience is especially relevant in D.C., where the interplay between federal and local prosecutorial authority demands careful navigation.
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal health care fraud defense. One Of Counsel attorney with over 30 years of experience practices regularly in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and is admitted to all federal, state, and local courts in both jurisdictions. That attorney has handled complex fraud matters involving scientific and technical evidence—experience that translates directly to health care fraud cases, where medical records and coding data are central. Collectively, the legal team works under the direction of Mr. Sris to mount a thorough defense on behalf of each client. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between state and federal health care fraud charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carry generally harsher penalties, and are subject to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines with no parole, whereas state charges are handled by local prosecutors with different sentencing structures. In Washington, D.C., there is no state-level prosecution of health care fraud; any felony-level billing or kickback case is typically filed as a federal indictment. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical to navigating the federal rules and guideline calculations.
How long does a federal health care fraud case take in D.C.?
The timeline for a federal health care fraud case in Washington, D.C., varies widely depending on the complexity of the investigation, the number of defendants, and whether the case goes to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, but the Speedy Trial Act generally requires that trial commence within 70 days of the filing of the indictment unless excluded periods apply. Multi-defendant, document-intensive health care fraud cases often take many months or even more than a year to reach disposition. The pace of discovery, motions practice, and the court’s calendar all influence the overall duration.
How much does a federal health care fraud lawyer cost in D.C.?
The cost of retaining a federal criminal defense lawyer in Washington, D.C., depends on the nature of the charges, the anticipated duration of the representation, and the experience of the attorney; fees are always discussed and agreed upon in advance. Some cases may be handled on a flat-fee basis, while others require a retainer and an hourly rate. To receive a specific fee estimate, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
What are the penalties for health care fraud in Washington, D.C.?
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, a conviction for health care fraud can result in imprisonment of up to 10 years, or life imprisonment if the fraud results in death. The actual sentence is driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the financial loss amount, the number of victims, whether the defendant was a leader or organizer, and whether patient harm occurred. In addition to incarceration, the court may impose supervised release, fines, restitution, and forfeiture.
The maximum penalty for health care fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is 10 years imprisonment, or life imprisonment if the fraud results in a death.
Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1347. U.S. Code, Title 18, Section 1347
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Can federal health care fraud charges be dropped in D.C.?
Federal health care fraud charges can be dropped or dismissed if the government’s evidence is insufficient, if constitutional violations occurred during the investigation, or if a motion to dismiss is successful, but such outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on the specific facts. In some instances, a defense attorney may persuade the U.S. Attorney’s Office to decline prosecution before an indictment is returned. After charges are filed, dismissal may result from pretrial litigation or a successful collateral challenge. Each case is unique, and no outcome can be assured.
Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for health care fraud in D.C.?
Yes—anyone who is the subject of a federal health care fraud investigation in Washington, D.C., should immediately retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney and should not speak with law enforcement agents without counsel present. Statements made without legal advice can unintentionally furnish the government with evidence. A defense lawyer can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preserve and assert your rights, and begin building a defense strategy even before formal charges are filed.
For further information, explore our pages serving the following D.C. Neighborhoods:
Georgetown Federal Criminal Lawyer |
Spring Valley Federal Criminal Lawyer |
Cleveland Park Federal Criminal Lawyer |
Chevy Chase D.C. Federal Criminal Lawyer |
American University Park Federal Criminal Lawyer
Official sources and further reading:
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia |
DOJ Health Care Fraud Unit |
18 U.S.C. § 1347
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.