The areas of Medicare, Medicaid, and others forms of general healthcare fraud have become a focus of both the Attorney General of Florida and other states, as well as the Department of Justice. Years ago the United States established the Medicare Strike Force that has become a front-runner in these prosecutions across the nation. Mr. Prieto has handled cases in these areas at both the State and Federal level with excellent results.
Just an arrest for these types of charges can destroy reputations, close businesses, and impact an individual’s’ ability to earn a living.
The Prieto Law Firm represents a range of clients who may be accused of Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare fraud in Florida. These include physicians, medical clinics, “patient recruiters,” and even lower level employees who were under the impression they were just doing their job. The state and the federal government will target the health care company itself and their personnel, medical billing and coding companies, and durable medical equipment businesses. These healthcare fraud investigations will even focus on kickback schemes which can taint even a legitimate claim made to Medicare/Medicaid; however, they generally focus on business practices where the patient did not qualify for services (false or fraudulent prescriptions), when services were never rendered, or a combination of both.
Often federal agents and state investigators will select a vulnerable individual who they believe was involved in a fraudulent scheme and coerce them to make a statement without an attorney present. It can be overwhelming when a person is confronted by “evidence” of wrongdoing even if they were not involved in the actual fraud. When in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified defense attorney before speaking with these government agents. Only a state attorney, district attorney, or United States Attorney can grant immunity; the agents and investigators do not have that authority. Agencies are extremely aggressive in their prosecution of these fraudulent healthcare offenses both before an indictment is even filed and after. Attorney, Frank Andrew Prieto, has the experience, resources, knowledge, integrity, and passion to put forth an aggressive defense to get the best result either through a plea agreement or through a jury trial.
Healthcare fraud can be prosecuted on both the civil enforcement side and the criminal side of the law. Civil penalties can be steep, ranging from huge fines and revocation of licenses that effectively terminate a business’s ability to function as a going concern.
Criminal penalties can deprive you of your freedom with stiff prison sentences being handed down depending on the person’s role in the offense and the amount of loss to the government program. The advice of competent counsel is imperative to obtaining the best outcome of your specific case. The Prieto Law Firm is here to guide clients through the legal process at all stages to get the best results possible.
Don’t Delay!
If you or somebody you know is being investigated or has been charged (either by the State or the United States) for Medicare, Medicaid or any other form of Healthcare fraud, contact the Prieto Law Firm, immediately. Getting an aggressive attorney on your side early on can make the difference in your ability to confront these charges and have a positive outcome. Whether it is a dismissal of charges, charges never being filed, early plea negotiations, or going the distance and exercising your Constitutional right to a trial, Frank Prieto, Esq. is behind you every step of the way to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Contact the Prieto Law Firm, in Florida, or across the United States. Mr. Prieto is licensed to practice in all Florida State Court’s and all Federal Courts. Mr. Prieto has the ability to represent clients in federal prosecutions across the United States by appearing pro hac vice or based upon a certification of good standing. Many federal courts do not require an appearance pro hac vice for criminal matters. If you are a business or individual facing possible Federal or State charges for healthcare fraud, contact us immediately. Call us at 305-577-3440 to set up a free consultation.
