Health Care Fraud

At The Justice Firm, our Los Angeles health care fraud lawyers understand the complexities involved in cases involving fraudulent activity in regards to health care. The government vigorously prosecutes those charged with this type of fraud throughout the state of California; criminal penalties for those convicted may include substantial fines, potential jail/prison time, and even the loss of a professional license.

We believe in justice, and know that all people make mistakes. In some cases, an individual may be falsely accused. Regardless of the circumstances your career, reputation, and freedom may be at risk. We will fight aggressively on your behalf, working with you to obtain the desired outcome. If you have been arrested or charged with health care fraud in the Los Angeles area, it does not necessarily indicate you will be convicted. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Doctors, claims adjusters, even patients may be accused of various types of health care fraud. We provide an effective defense for anyone accused of cases involving:

• Accusations of Medicare fraud
• Physicians illegally obtaining patient referrals through payments
• Filing of false medical insurance claims by patients
• Falsifying patient records
• Unnecessary medical procedures/surgery performed by doctors
• Over-billing for medical services through Medi-Cal or other programs funded by the government
• Charging fees for services not provided

Whether you perform medical billing, are an office employee or manager, physician, patient, or patient recruiter, it is vital you obtain the legal support and guidance of a capable and highly experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately when accused of health care fraud.

Most types of health care fraud in the state are prohibited under Penal Code 550(a) PC. The criminal penalties if convicted of health care or medical billing fraud may vary depending on your unique situation, however below is a general overview of the penalties you may expect to face if convicted:

Individuals are typically charged with a misdemeanor offense if the fraudulent claims are valued at $950 or less in total. Penalties if convicted include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six (6) months in county jail, or both.

You may be charged with felony health care fraud if the alleged fraudulent activity involves amounts over $950; however, this is also what is known as a "wobbler" in California, which means it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony at the prosecutor's discretion. If charged as a felony and convicted, penalties may include a fine of up to $50,000 or double the amount of the fraud, jail/prison time of two, three, or five years, or both prison/fines.

While the punishment is harsh, there are various defense strategies which often prove effective for those charged with health care fraud. Our talented criminal defense firm will work personally with you to determine the best course of legal action in your situation.

No matter how challenging a case may seem, the Justice Firm is ready to take action - we are not intimidated by the government, and believe in a fair criminal justice system. You may feel that your situation is hopeless, or that there is no way out. Our experience, skill, and knowledge of the laws regarding health care fraud make our team an outstanding choice for those in need of legal guidance. We urge you to contact us today, or call 310-914-2444 for a free consultation.