Fraud refers to intentionally deceiving or lying to others, with the sole intention of depriving them of their property or their rights. All types of government program fraud are criminal and may result in a prison sentence, although the range varies with different types of fraud. Maryland federal government program fraud penalties are quite serious and include consequences like fines, and, time in prison. With so much at stake, it is vital that if you have been charged with federal government program fraud, you work with a determined government fraud lawyer that could fight relentlessly for you.
Penalties for Federal Government Fraud
A conviction in federal court for committing fraud via a government program can result in incarceration, fines and other costs, and probation. The specific range of Maryland federal government program fraud penalties and the actual sentence that will be imposed on an individual depend on the nature of the criminal activity and, the convicted person’s background and situation.
For example, if a person has no criminal history, accepts responsibility, and the criminal conduct was relatively minor, that person may be facing only a few months imprisonment or even a sentence of probation with no actual imprisonment. Conversely, if the person has a criminal history or the scope of the fraud was large, that person may be facing many years in prison.
Prosecution of Government Program Fraud
It is not an exaggeration to say government program fraud is prosecuted quite heavily. A case brought in federal court represents a significant investment of government time, money, and other resources. Usually, federal investigators have already begun investigating a case prior to filing the charges. Sometimes the investigation may be effectively concluded. In fact, it is not uncommon in federal cases for an indictment and a plea agreement to be filed concurrently. In these situations, the government has already revealed to the suspect the scope of the government investigation and evidence. Plea negotiations will often involve modifications to the exact charges that are filed and the wording of the indictment.
Treatment of State Cases of Government Program Fraud
In state cases involving government program fraud, it is rare for a high level of investigation to occur prior to the filing of charges. Most evidence is collected after charges have been filed. As a result, charges may be filed with much less substantiation, and the mere fact that a charge was filed does not necessarily correspond to the strength of the case the way it often does in federal court.
Long-Term Implications of Defrauding the Government
The long-term implications of Maryland federal government program fraud penalties and fraud convictions include a federal guilty conviction on the person’s record. The conviction cannot get expunged or erased in any way so it is going to follow the individual everywhere. For every job application, housing application, loan application, or other professional licensing application that looks at a person’s record, the individual will have to disclose the conviction.
The conviction will also come up in any background check that is run on the individual, jeopardizing future job opportunities. The conviction could also impact a person’s eligibility for federal programs or prevent them from receiving benefits or participating in different federal programs. That may be true with certain types of convictions, but especially a conviction for fraud against the government program.
Debarment as a Consequence of Government Program Fraud Convictions
There might be the standard blanket restrictions, but also as part of a person’s conviction, there could be specific debarments that prevent the person from participating in or receiving funds from government programs. Debarment is often a consideration in plea negotiations. There is often a specific provision that prevents the defendant from receiving or participating in government programs, whether indefinitely or at least for a specific period of time.
Value of a Maryland Federal Government Program Fraud Attorney
The threat of Maryland federal government program fraud penalties can be difficult to face alone. That is why it is imperative that you speak with an experienced federal government fraud lawyer that could help. A skilled attorney could conduct their own investigation and collect the necessary evidence in order to build your case. Furthermore, they could leverage their experience and knowledge of the courts, in order to negotiate on your behalf. Speak with a government fraud lawyer today and know that you are in capable hands.
