Medicaid Fraud Lawyer Maryland, MD
Medicaid fraud allegations in Maryland can trigger parallel investigations by the Maryland Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. These cases often involve charges under both state criminal laws for theft and fraud, and federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1347 (health care fraud) and § 1341 (mail fraud). A conviction can lead to serious penalties including incarceration, substantial fines, restitution, and exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs. If you are a provider, billing professional, or individual facing scrutiny, early legal representation is critical.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has helped clients defend Medicaid fraud investigations and prosecutions across Maryland. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, together with his Of Counsel, brings extensive criminal defense experience, including complex financial-fraud cases. The firm’s Rockville location serves all Maryland counties, from Montgomery and Prince George’s to the Eastern Shore. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Medicaid Fraud Means in Maryland
Medicaid fraud in Maryland is prosecuted as both a state crime and a federal offense. The Maryland Attorney General’s MFCU investigates and prosecutes provider fraud, recipient fraud, and kickback schemes under the Maryland Medicaid Fraud Control Act and general criminal statutes such as theft, false statements, and forgery. At the same time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland can bring charges under federal health care fraud, wire fraud, and false claims statutes. Because the federal and state systems operate independently, a single course of conduct can lead to dual investigations and the possibility of separate state and federal prosecutions.
Maryland’s Medicaid program is administered by the Department of Health, and the MFCU has authority to conduct civil and criminal investigations. Common allegations include billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickbacks for patient referrals, and falsifying records to meet program requirements. A criminal conviction under either state or federal law can result in incarceration, restitution, and mandatory exclusion from all federal health programs. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt, handles federal cases, while state felony fraud matters are generally prosecuted in the Circuit Court for the county where the offense occurred. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in both state and federal courts across Maryland, providing a defense that is coordinated across jurisdictions.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Medicaid Fraud Cases
Defending a Medicaid fraud case begins with a careful review of the investigation’s origin. Many cases start with a data analysis or a whistleblower complaint, and the government may spend months or years gathering records before making contact with a target. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to intervene early, often before charges are filed, to protect the client’s ability to respond and to shape the direction of the investigation. The team examines billing documentation, identifies weaknesses in the government’s audit methodology, and evaluates whether the conduct alleged actually violates the statute.
Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor and members of the Of Counsel team include former Maryland prosecutors, the firm brings an inside understanding of how state and federal agencies build fraud cases. This experience informs decisions about challenging evidence, negotiating for reduced charges or pretrial diversion, and, when necessary, taking the matter to trial. The firm handles all phases of the case, from grand jury representation through sentencing and any post-conviction proceedings. Throughout the process, the goal is to work toward a favorable resolution while protecting the client’s professional license and future employment.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris is supported by experienced Of Counsel who bring additional prosecutorial and criminal defense knowledge, including former prosecutors with Maryland court experience. The combined legal experience of Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel exceeds 120 years. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes Medicaid fraud in Maryland?
Medicaid fraud in Maryland typically involves billing the state Medicaid program for services that were not provided, inflating charges, paying kickbacks for referrals, or falsifying records to obtain reimbursement. The Maryland Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates both provider fraud and recipient fraud. Federal authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, may also pursue charges. Because the definition of fraud is broad, a person can face serious criminal charges even when a billing error appears unintentional; the government may argue that the pattern of conduct establishes fraudulent intent.
What are the potential penalties for Medicaid fraud in Maryland?
A conviction for Medicaid fraud can carry significant penalties, including incarceration, substantial fines, restitution, and mandatory exclusion from federal health programs. Under Maryland law, felony theft or fraud charges can lead to imprisonment, while federal health care fraud carries its own sentencing range. The actual penalty depends on the amount of money involved, the number of fraudulent transactions, and whether the defendant has a prior record. In addition to criminal penalties, a provider may lose their professional license. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to minimize the consequences at every stage.
How does a Medicaid fraud investigation work in Maryland?
Investigations often begin with a data analysis, a whistleblower complaint, or a referral from a fiscal intermediary, and may be conducted by the MFCU, the FBI, or both. Investigators may issue subpoenas for records, interview employees, and execute search warrants. A target may not learn of the investigation until a search warrant is served, a grand jury subpoena arrives, or an agent makes contact. Because cooperating without counsel can harm a defense, anyone who suspects they are under investigation should speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel help clients navigate each step, from initial contact to the grand jury and beyond.
Should I hire a lawyer if I receive a subpoena or target letter?
Yes—receiving a subpoena, a target letter, or a visit from an investigator is a strong indication that criminal charges are being considered, and you should consult an attorney immediately. An experienced defense lawyer can evaluate the scope of the investigation, advise you on responding to document requests, and communicate with prosecutors on your behalf. Attempting to explain billing discrepancies or provide records without legal guidance can inadvertently strengthen the government’s case. The earlier Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel become involved, the more options are usually available to shape the outcome.
Can I be charged with both state and federal Medicaid fraud offenses?
Yes, because Maryland’s MFCU and the U.S. Attorney’s Office operate independently, a single course of conduct can lead to parallel state and federal prosecutions. Federal charges often involve health care fraud, mail fraud, or wire fraud, while state charges may include theft, false claims, or conspiracy. These jurisdictions have different procedural rules and sentencing frameworks. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are admitted in Maryland and can handle both tracks, allowing a coordinated defense strategy that addresses the unique risks of each proceeding.
How do you defend against Medicaid fraud charges in Maryland?
Defenses in Medicaid fraud cases focus on challenging the evidence of fraudulent intent, the accuracy of billing records, and the government’s investigative methods. A defense may show that billing was consistent with medical necessity, that errors were clerical rather than intentional, or that the government’s audit methodology is flawed. Where appropriate, the firm negotiates for a reduction of charges, pretrial diversion, or a deferred prosecution agreement. When a trial is necessary, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly, drawing on their prosecutorial background to anticipate the government’s case and to present a strong defense. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related practice areas: Wire Fraud Lawyer Maryland · Mail Fraud Lawyer Maryland · Bank Fraud Lawyer Maryland · Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Maryland · Tax Fraud Lawyer Maryland
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