If you have been charged with federal healthcare fraud, you may be wondering what exactly you are facing. Someone convicted of healthcare fraud may have to pay expensive fines, spend time in jail, and endure other serious consequences. If you have been arrested for healthcare fraud, speak with an experienced lawyer who is knowledgeable about Maryland federal healthcare fraud charge expectations and how to build a defense for your case.
What to Expect After Being Charged with Fraud for First Time
A first-time offender’s Maryland federal healthcare fraud charge expectations should include knowing that their practice is going to be closely scrutinized. Federal investigators will conduct a thorough investigation of the defendant’s financial and business-related documents and transactions. The individual will likely have all their books, records of account, and records of practice subpoenaed. Employees and other doctors will likely be interviewed by federal agents.
A defendant has to be prepared for a thorough and transparent look at their practice and be prepared to defend those practices. The specific areas of practice investigators are going to focus on depends on the allegations. The defendant should also expect to be facing serious penalties.
Formally Charged of Healthcare Fraud Process
Once the individual is formally charged, if the person has not been arrested, a warrant is issued and law enforcement agents will track down the accused offender and take them into custody. Most of the time, the individual knows about the charges and that an arrest may be coming. A surrender to the authorities could be arranged through the defendant’s lawyer and their communication with the government.
If it is clear that the individual is cooperating, such as not trying to flee the jurisdiction or destroy evidence, then it may be arranged for the person to turn themselves in, post bond, and then quickly released with some type of supervision while they await the trial date.
When charges are filed, a plea may be accepted at the same time. In some cases, it may be in the government’s best interest to have a plea wrapped up as soon as possible. If the evidence against the defendant is relatively strong, it may be in their best interest to enter a plea deal. In many healthcare fraud cases, the nature of the evidence is conclusive. If this is the case, then it is not in the best interest of the defendant to pursue a trial and lose any sentencing benefits that may come from cooperating with the government.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes made by an individual charged with healthcare fraud is talking to the government. Many times the accused will speak with law enforcement officers and provide the government with the self-incriminating evidence. When people either through ignorance or overconfidence cooperate with the government, they often provide information that proves that person’s guilt when it comes to trial or to the criminal case. The government has tools to obtain information. They are able to subpoena business and financial records and testimony from other individuals.
A target of an investigation may not be as experienced or as informed about the circumstances and the law as they think they are. They think that they have nothing to hide, that they did not do anything wrong, and that their conduct was an industry practice, relatively common, and not criminal. The individual may turn over business records or financial information, make statements, or answer questions of the government, which could lead directly to an indictment or give the government a strong foundation to continue building their case against the individual. To learn more about the mistakes to avoid and Maryland federal healthcare fraud charge expectation, speak with a lawyer today.
