Have you been accused of healthcare fraud in Fort Worth, TX? These types of charges can threaten a defendant’s reputation and livelihood. Getting legal help right away is the most important thing you can do once you are arrested or find out you’re being investigated. Call (682) 777-3336 or contact our team at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to discuss your options.
With 60 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have handled complex fraud cases across Texas. Let our team review your situation and stand up for your rights in Fort Worth, Texas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth healthcare fraud attorney.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if You’re Arrested for Healthcare Fraud
If you’re facing healthcare fraud charges in Fort Worth, TX, having legal help can make a significant difference in how your case goes.
Here’s how our team can assist you:
- Handle all communication with investigators and law enforcement.
- Work with experts to clarify complex medical billing and coding issues.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for favorable plea deals.
- Build and present a strong defense if your case goes to trial.
Our Fort Worth criminal defenseattorneys are Board Certified in criminal law, showing a high level of expertise in defending complex cases like healthcare fraud. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth healthcare fraud attorney.
Overview of Healthcare Fraud in Texas
Healthcare fraud happens when someone intentionally gives false or misleading information for financial gain in connection with medical care or health insurance. This type of fraud can be perpetrated by doctors, nurses, clinics, hospitals, or even individual patients. Most often, it’s healthcare providers who get investigated for it.
There are a few common ways this crime is committed:
Wrongful Billing
This includes charging for care or procedures that were never actually provided, exaggerating the seriousness of an illness or injury to get higher payments (also called upcoding), or creating fake paperwork for tests or treatments the patient didn’t really need.
Kickbacks and Referrals
Sometimes, payments or gifts are given for referring patients to certain facilities or specific medical professionals, which is illegal and considered a form of healthcare fraud.
Patient Healthcare Fraud
While providers are most often investigated, patients can be accused too, for example, if someone lets another person use their insurance or forges claims.
Accusations of healthcare fraud are serious, and penalties can be harsh.
What Are the Penalties for Healthcare Fraud in Fort Worth, Texas?
Healthcare fraud charges in Fort Worth can lead to a wide range of penalties, depending on the amount of money involved in the alleged scheme.
- Class C Misdemeanor: For amounts under $100, the charge is a Class C misdemeanor, and the only penalty is a fine of up to $500.
- Class B Misdemeanor: If the amount is between $100 and $700, the potential punishment includes up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.
- Class A Misdemeanor: When the value is between $700 and $2,500. It can lead to Class A misdemeanor charges, carrying up to 1 year in county jail, a fine up to $4,000, or both.
- State Jail Felony: When the amount of the fraud is between $2,500 to $30,000, you will be charged with a state jail felony, which carries 180 days to 2 years in a state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Third-Degree Felony: In cases involving $30,000 to $150,000, the potential penalty increases to 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-Degree Felony: For healthcare fraud involving $150,000 up to $300,000, you’re facing a second-degree felony charge with sentences of 2 to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- First-Degree Felony: If the amount is more than $300,000, the charge is a first-degree felony and includes 5 to 99 years, or even life in prison, and a possible $10,000 fine.
It’s important to get the right legal guidance if you’ve been accused of healthcare fraud in Texas
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Healthcare Fraud?
If you’ve been charged with healthcare fraud in Texas, there are ways you can defend yourself.
Below are some of the most common legal defenses that could be raised on your behalf by your criminal defense lawyer:
Error or Miscommunication
Sometimes billing problems happen simply because of honest mistakes, like inputting the same service twice or confusing codes, rather than an attempt to break the law.
Genuine Medical Judgment
There are situations where a doctor or clinic genuinely thought specific tests or procedures were medically necessary based on the patient’s condition. If healthcare providers acted on an honest belief in the patient’s best interest, that can be used as a defense against fraud charges.
Lack of Sufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed fraud. If there isn’t clear proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to break the law, the lack of evidence can work in your favor and lead to an acquittal.
Each healthcare fraud case is different, and your specific defense will depend on the facts.
If you are facing a fraud investigation or have already been charged, it’s important not to wait to seek legal help. The sooner you act, the more options you have to defend yourself. It’s never a good idea to try to talk yourself out of the situation – let a professional help. Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth healthcare fraud lawyer.
