The legal system takes federal healthcare fraud conspiracies very seriously. And, for this reason, if you have been accused of a federal healthcare fraud then, even though you are not a criminal, you must obtain legal help from a qualified criminal defense attorney.
What Does It Mean To Be Charged With A Conspiracy?
A conspiracy is defined as an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act.
Just as an example, if two people agree to sell heroin laced with fentanyl and take a substantial step to further that agreement, then that would be a conspiracy. Without an action that furthers the goal of that agreement, no conspiracy has been committed.
Returning to our earlier example, if those same two people purchase heroin and fentanyl, then this would be considered an action that furthers the goal of their agreement.
On the other hand, though, if those two same people make an agreement to sell heroin laced with fentanyl but never actually do anything to further this, it is very unlikely they will be charged with a conspiracy.
What Is A Federal Healthcare Fraud Conspiracy?
On the federal level, a conspiracy is a regular conspiracy rooted in the intention to either commit an offense against the United States by violating its laws or to defraud the United States.
Given the definition outlined above, a federal healthcare fraud conspiracy occurs when two or more people conspire to defraud the United States through healthcare fraud.
Just as an example, two people may agree to file fraudulent claims for controlled pills to a federal health care benefit program so that they can illegally sell them in order to make a profit.
On the other hand, if, within that example, those same two people agreed to defraud a state institution or an institution outside of the government, they would be charged with a different kind of healthcare fraud conspiracy. However, if the state conspiracy utilizes the United States mail or any form of wire (phone, text, email, internet, etc.), the United States government has jurisdiction over the matter.
No matter what, in order for a federal healthcare fraud charge to be valid, the people involved must have taken action demonstrating that they did, in fact, intend to commit federal healthcare fraud.
If You Are Convicted Of Federal Healthcare Fraud, What Will Happen?
A wide variety of laws and regulations affect a federal healthcare fraud conviction and, in turn, the sentence that results. Even though determining an exact sentence is complex, it will likely be:
- A prison sentence of no more than ten years.
- A fine of no more than $250,000.
You are not a criminal and certainly do not deserve either of the consequences outlined above.
Though, if you are convicted of healthcare fraud, then you are likely to suffer these consequences.
Get The Legal Help You Need
You are not a criminal. However, if the legal system thinks you have committed federal healthcare fraud, it can treat you like one.
If you need representation for a federal criminal charge, with 30 years of experience in criminal law, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Contact one of our Chicago federal criminal defense lawyers today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.