When federal prosecutors have charged you with Medicare fraud or embezzlement, turn to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss your legal options for resolving your charges. Don’t leave the outcome of your charges to chance. Contact SMT Legal for a free initial case evaluation to learn how our team will fight to protect your rights, reputation, and future from the potential consequences of an arrest or conviction for Medicare offenses.
Federal charges for Medicare fraud and embezzlement can have long-lasting consequences, as federal criminal law imposes harsh penalties for convictions. As a result, hiring experienced legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of your criminal case. For years, clients facing federal prosecution have trusted the attorneys from SMT Legal to help them seek favorable resolutions to charges because:
Under federal law, a person may commit Medicare fraud by violating the health care fraud statute. This statute makes it a crime for a person to knowingly and willfully execute or attempt to execute a scheme to:
A person who violates the statute must execute the scheme in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits, items, and services. The statute clarifies that a violation can occur without a person knowing the health care fraud law or having the specific intent to violate the statute.
Furthermore, federal law makes it a crime for a person to embezzle, steal, or knowingly convert, or without authority sell, convey, or dispose of any money or thing of value belonging to the U.S. government or any property made under contract for the federal government. A person also commits embezzlement by receiving, concealing, or retaining U.S. money or property, knowing another party had embezzled or stolen it with the intent to convert it to their gain or use.
A person convicted of Medicare fraud or embezzlement may face various penalties following a conviction. For example, a conviction for health care fraud carries penalties of up to ten years in federal prison plus potential fines; however, if an offense results in severe injury to another person, the maximum prison term increases to 20 years, and if the offense results in a death, the maximum term increases to life imprisonment.
A conviction under the federal embezzlement statute may impose a sentence that includes up to ten years in prison plus potential fines; however, if the offense involved the embezzlement of less than $1,000 of public money or property, a defendant may face up to one year in prison.
Courts may also order a convicted defendant to reimburse the government for unrecovered funds or property taken from the Medicare program as part of the defendant’s crime.
Convictions for Medicare fraud or embezzlement can have other long-term consequences beyond a prison term or fines. First, a conviction may result in a defendant’s disqualification from future participation in the Medicare program, including as a healthcare provider or another party that submits reimbursement claims to Medicare. Medicare fraud convictions can also disqualify individuals from other government benefits/services or professional licenses.
Finally, a conviction will result in a person having a criminal record. A record with a Medicare fraud or embezzlement conviction can make pursuing employment, educational, or housing opportunities challenging due to the stigma of having committed an offense involving dishonesty or theft.
The various penalties and consequences that may arise from a Medicare fraud or embezzlement convictions make having legal advocacy critical to protecting one’s rights and interests.
A person facing charges of Medicare fraud or embezzlement may pursue various defense strategies based on the facts and evidence in the case. Defense strategies seek to prove that the government’s case has insufficient evidence to prove each element of the charged statute beyond a reasonable doubt. Common defenses raised against Medicare fraud/embezzlement charges include:
When facing federal Medicare fraud/embezzlement charges, you don’t have to stand up to the criminal justice system alone. A criminal defense attorney from SMT Legal can help you resolve Medicare fraud or embezzlement charges by:
After federal officials have arrested and charged you with Medicare fraud or embezzlement, you need experienced legal guidance to protect your rights and interests. Contact SMT Legal today for a free, confidential consultation with a white-collar crimes defense attorney to discuss your options for seeking a favorable resolution to your case.
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