Resolve Allegations Of False Claims Subject To Civil Penalties Or Criminal Charges
The False Claims Act is a powerful tool that the federal government uses to discover and pursue individuals and businesses that have made improper or fraudulent claims for government funding. Small and medium-sized businesses have been under more intense scrutiny than usual because of programs offering relief from COVID-19-related hardships.
An investigation or demand from the U.S. government regarding alleged false claims may be resolved administratively in many cases. In practical terms, this may mean having an attorney negotiate reduction of penalties and/or restitution. In serious cases, criminal charges may come about. Candice Fields is a premier federal white collar crime defense attorney who represents clients both in civil contexts and in response to criminal investigations or arrests.
Two Common Problem Areas: Health Care Fraud And PPP Loan Fraud
Medicare fraud and other health care-related fraud have long been areas of interest among federal agencies. A statement issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued in early 2022 revealed that, “The Justice Department obtained more than $5.6 billion in settlements and judgments from civil cases involving fraud and false claims against the government in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2021.” Of that total, more than $5 billion was from fines involving health care providers and manufacturers, including “drug and medical device manufacturers, managed care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, hospice organizations, laboratories and physicians.”
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been another major area of False Claims Act violations. Since the U.S. government issued PPP loans in response to businesses’ hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have allegedly taken unauthorized loans, failed to meet the requirements for receiving such funds and/or falsified reports to avoid having to repay them.
Candice Fields Law, PC, based in Sacramento, is primarily a federal white collar criminal defense firm. Applying her strong defense skills, attorney Candice Fields helps clients resolve civil cases involving alleged false claims through Medicare, PPP fraud, and other government-sourced programs. Prompt legal advice can resolve civil claims cases before they escalate and threaten a health care industry player’s financial viability.
Fight Back Before Your Enterprise’s Federal Claims Act Investigation Escalates
While civil penalties can be financially crippling, criminal charges and penalties can be even more damaging. Some health care and PPP fraud cases incur both civil and criminal penalties for business owners and health care providers.
To resolve your case in the least harmful and most timely way, work closely with a premier defense attorney who knows both civil and criminal law. Contact Candice Fields Law, PC at 916-905-3629 or by email.