If you have been contacted by a federal agent for health care fraud, the decisions you take now could determine the course of your life for the years to come. Whether it is a blow to the door of your office, a telephone call from the FBI or a assignment of Grand Jury landing in your reception box, federal involvement of involvement that you are either a target, a subject or a witness in a serious criminal investigation.
And do not be mistaken – the investigations on health fraud are among the crimes in white collar the most aggressively prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice (DoJ), the FBI and other federal agencies. Sanctions may include a prison sentence, heavy financial sanctions, loss of professional licenses and permanent damage to your reputation.
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we defend doctors, billing directors, hospitals, pharmacists and California business owners who face a meticulous examination of the federal authorities.
It is crucial to guarantee a first -rate legal representation before responding, speaking or putting a single information.
Understand what is really going on
When federal agents start contact, it may seem relaxed. They could simply say that they “have a few questions”, or that they could minimize the nature of the investigation. Do not fall for that. Federal agents are trained interrogators. You are not.
Their work is not to help you – is to collect evidence. If they contact you as part of a health care fraud investigation, this means that they have already collected information and now seek to build or solidify a criminal case.
The most common types of fraud they investigate: include:
- Billing for unremitted services
- Coding or unbundling procedures
- Bridge
- Medicare or Medicaid Fraud Refund
- Prescription fraud or pharmacy
- False certifications or documentation
Even if you don’t think you did something wrong, never assume that you are clear. You can be a target – or you might become one.
Do not say anything without legal advisor
If there is a universal rule in the criminal defense of white passes, that’s it: Do not speak to federal agents without present lawyer.
You do not have to answer questions without legal representation, even if you are unexpectedly approached. Say politely but firmly: “I understand that you have any questions, but I will not speak with anyone without legal advisor. Please provide your contact details and my lawyer will follow up. “
It is not an obstruction. It is Your constitutional law. Everything you say can, and will be used against you, even apparently harmless or honest answers. The agents are trained to seek inconsistencies, admissions or evidence of intention.
Determine the nature of the contact
There are three general categories of people in a federal case:
- Witness: You have any information relevant to the investigation but do not suspect reprehensible acts.
- Subject: You are the subject of an investigation and you may have done something illegal, but no accusation has yet been filed.
- Target: The government considers that you have committed a crime and that you are likely to bring charges.
You may not know in which category you fall unless the agents tell you (and they will not often). However, receiving a Grand jury for assignmentOr a more aggressive questioning, is often a sign that you are either a subject or a target.
A defense qualified lawyer can determine your classification and respond appropriately, without compromising your legal position.
Do not destroy or modify any recording
If you have received an assignment or a suspect that you have under investigation, do not Delete emails, modify graphics or “clean” files. This can be considered as Obstruction of justicewhich is a distinct crime accusation.
Even if you think that a document looks bad, the modification or hiding it will be worse.
Here is what you want to do instead:
- Preserve all recordings, emails and notes as they exist.
- Identify systems and employees with access to sensitive data.
- Avoid discussing the case with colleagues or staff.
Leave your Los Angeles Healthcare Fraud Defense Avocado Manage all communications and coordination concerning any documentation request.
Keep an experienced criminal defense lawyer in federal affairs of health care fraud
Cases of federal fraud on health care are not routine. They require an in -depth understanding of medical billing practices, regulatory compliance and DOJ’s pursuit strategies. You need a team that has successfully defended high -level and high exposure customers, especially in cases where your life, freedom and license are at stake.
HAS Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLPOur defense lawyers include former prosecutors, litigants tested by the trial and strategic negotiators who took the DoJ and won. We are only qualified to answer:
- FBI contact advice and communication management
- Assignment response of the great jury and production of documents
- Interviews and sessions to offer with federal agents
- Practice of defense and movement of acts
- Trial advocacy if your business goes before the courts
What an aggressive defense strategy looks like
When a customer comes to see us after being contacted by a federal agent for health care fraud, we act immediately. Our approach is proactive, not reactive.
Key steps that we take:
- Determine your status (witness, subject or target)
- Prosecutor Before the charges are deposited
- Production of control documents To avoid excessive disclosure
- Prepare for interviews or deposits So you are never unprotected
- Pre-indication file When possible to stop the case before it degenerates
Each movement we make is calibrated to protect your freedom, finances and your professional reputation.
Do you need a lawyer if you haven’t been charged?
Yes. In federal cases, the investigation phase may last for months or even years. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to wait and see. The more you keep the advice, the more opportunities you have to resolve the problem before an indictment is filed.
It’s time to act if you have been contacted by an agent, received an assignment to Grand JuryOr believe that your practice is audited by the DoJ or the HHS-OIG.
Talk to a lawyer for the defense of health fraud in Los Angeles today
Being taken in a health fraud investigation is both stressful and changing your life. Without experienced legal orientation, which begins as a conversation could end with a criminal accusation.
Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP is one of the most respected criminal defense companies in California. We represent customers in Los Angeles and beyond who are faced with the most serious accusations, including Health insurance fraudViolations of the brutal law and accusations of federal conspiracy. We are discreet, strategic and implacable.
Call (213) 688-0460 Today to plan a first consultation with one of our competent and experienced criminal defense lawyers – absolutely free and completely confidential. Let us protect your rights, your reputation and your future.
