There are many different types of fraud charges in Texas, including criminal charges that can occur under both state and federal law. Health care fraud is one commonly charged type of fraud, and consequences for a conviction can be serious. When you are facing health care fraud charges or any other kind of white collar crime charges in Houston, you need to have an aggressive and experienced defense lawyer on your side. In the meantime, the following are five things you should know about health care fraud charges in Texas.
1. Health Care Fraud is a Type of White Collar Crime
Health care fraud is one of many different types of white collar crimes. While white collar crimes do not typically involve any allegations of violence, it is essential to know that prosecutors take these offenses extremely seriously. Indeed, in many cases, health care fraud and other white collar crimes will result in conviction penalties that are more severe than the penalties for a violent crime.
2. Health Care Fraud is Usually Charged as a Federal Offense
Most health care fraud charges are brought under federal law. While there are different statutes under which different types of health care fraud charges can be brought, the definition of health care fraud is listed under 18 U.S.C. § 1347:
“[The] attempt to execute a scheme or artifice . . . to defraud any health care benefit program or to obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care benefit program.”
3. Health Care Fraud Can Take Many Different Forms
Health care fraud can take a wide variety of forms, and many different types of parties can face charges. For example, health care providers can face charges for fraudulent medical billings, and patients can face charges for fraudulently using somebody else’s insurance or forging a doctor’s signature on a prescription. Accordingly, sometimes health care fraud can involve Medicaid fraud or Medicare fraud, insurance fraud, and even internet fraud depending upon how the fraudulent scheme was allegedly conducted.
4. Multiple Defense Strategies May Be Applicable to Your Case
You may be able to rely on multiple defense strategies, such as lack of intent, lack of evidence, or mistaken identity.
5. You Need a Texas White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side
While you might think the charges you are facing are not especially serious since they are white collar charges, it is critical for you to understand that any kind of federal fraud charges, including health care fraud, often result in years of imprisonment in the event of a conviction. Accordingly, you need a Houston white collar criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you develop a defense strategy and to fight the charges you are facing.
Contact Our Houston White Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
If you are facing health care fraud charges or any other type of white collar criminal charges in Texas, do not hesitate to get in touch with an experienced and aggressive Houston white collar criminal defense attorney at our firm. Although white collar crimes do not involve allegations of violence, the consequences can be severe, and convictions often result in many years of imprisonment. You need to do everything you can to beat the charges you are facing. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates today to learn more about how we can assist with your defense.