When the government investigates you for Medicare or Medicaid fraud, it has tremendous resources on its side. The FBI, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and federal and state prosecutors are just a few of the entities that will work together to build a case against you.
You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands complex health care laws and regulations. Most of all, you need a trial lawyer who will fight to protect your rights.
John Howley, Esq. has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in complex health care investigations, criminal prosecutions, and civil lawsuits. His clients have included major pharmaceutical companies, individual physicians, physician practice groups, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and healthcare entrepreneurs.
Defending Against Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Claims
Medicare and Medicaid fraud are serious crimes. If convicted of a felony, you could face up to 25 years in prison. You need an experienced healthcare fraud criminal defense attorney to avoid potentially devastating consequences.
Early intervention by an experienced trial lawyer is your best defense. By negotiating with investigators and prosecutors before charges are filed, your lawyer may be able to resolve the dispute without criminal charges or at least lessen their severity.
Once charges are filed, you may have viable defenses. Government investigators may not have all the facts. The credibility and motives of witnesses may be attacked. Motions may be filed to dismiss or limit the charges. Once again, getting an experienced criminal defense attorney involved as soon as possible is critical to building a strong defense.
Do not go into an investigation alone. Remember that the government investigators already believe that you are guilty. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Before you answer any questions or turn over any documents, retain a trial lawyer who specializes in Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations and defense. Let an experienced advocate help you develop a strategy, prepare a defense, develop the evidence, and present your case.
Protecting Your Freedom, Your Professional License, and Your Livelihood
How you handle a Medicare or Medicaid fraud investigation will impact the rest of your professional career. Even if you avoid criminal prosecution, your professional license could be suspended or revoked, and you could be excluded from government healthcare programs. You could also face financially devastating fines, penalties, and restitution orders.
You need a criminal defense attorney who will be both an aggressive defender of your rights in the criminal proceedings and a smart advocate before licensing and regulatory authorities.
Retaining an Experienced Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Lawyer
John Howley, Esq. has more than 25 years of experience representing healthcare providers. His practice is focused on representing physicians, pharmacists, nurses, medical office staff, and healthcare entrepreneurs in Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations, criminal prosecutions, the defense of professional licenses, and exclusion appeals.
In recognition of his work as a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Howley has received the Gideon Champion of Justice Award from the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Thurgood Marshall Award from the New York City Bar Association, and the Medal for Excellence in Advocacy from the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has also been named one of New York’s SuperLawyers and one of the Ten Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in New York based on client satisfaction.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with Medicare or Medicaid fraud, then you should click here to download our free report, “5 Deadly Mistakes in Medicaid Fraud Investigations.”
