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Conspiracy to Commit Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. 1347; 18 U.S.C. 371)
Last Updated on: 14th March 2025, 12:56 am
CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT HEALTHCARE FRAUD
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re worried about allegations of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We are recognized as a top rated legal team, and we understand the gravity of these accusations. We also know that you deserve straightforward answers, without any sugarcoating. Our objective is to explain what conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud means under 18 U.S.C. 1347 and 18 U.S.C. 371, how it might impact you, and what steps you can consider. We will talk about penalties, potential defenses, and our philosophy for representing you. We are available 24/7, and we can help you.
WHAT IS HEALTHCARE FRAUD THAT WAS CONSPIRATORIAL?
Healthcare fraud that was committed in violation of federal law happens when individuals or organizations submit false or misleading information about services, treatments, or costs in order to receive unauthorized benefits or payments from health plans. Conspiracy that was formed to commit this fraud is an agreement between two or more people to carry out these illegal acts. If prosecutors believe that you joined an agreement to cheat government healthcare programs, you may face charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
This is scary because the government takes these investigations very seriously. If they decide that you took active steps to further a fraudulent plan, they will file charges that might lead to severe penalties. Those penalties can include prison time, heavy fines, and a criminal record. At the end of the day, the stakes could not be higher.
WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT FOCUSED ON THIS?
Agencies that were created to protect Medicare and Medicaid—from local offices to the Department of Justice—are motivated to stop fraud. When public funds are misused, the entire healthcare system is harmed. Because of that fact, prosecutors spend significant resources building cases. If you have been contacted by investigators, you cannot ignore this. They will not drop the issue simply because you “didn’t know.” If they gather evidence that was tied to your practice or business, it can lead to serious charges against you.
If they cannot find enough proof, they may still keep digging, which can force you into a long legal battle. At the end of the day, you do not want to face these accusations alone. That is why a top rated defense team can help you understand what’s ahead and what steps you can take.
STATUTES THAT ARE INVOLVED
18 U.S.C. 1347 (Healthcare Fraud) is the law that was designed to punish people who knowingly execute—or attempt to execute—a plan to defraud any healthcare benefit program. Evidence that was collected from billing records, email communications, or witness statements can be used against you. If that evidence is thrown out, the entire case might collapse, meaning you could avoid conviction. Yet authorities will do everything to make sure the evidence is admissible.
18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy to Commit Offense or Defraud the U.S.) addresses situations where two or more individuals agree to commit a federal offense. If you knowingly joined a fraudulent scheme, and took any step—even a small one—to support it, you could face conspiracy charges that were intended to hold you accountable. This statute can impact your life significantly. The potential punishment includes prison time, monetary fines, and a permanent felony record.
SIMPLE COMPARISON TABLE
| Aspect | 18 U.S.C. 1347 | 18 U.S.C. 371 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Direct healthcare fraud | Conspiracy to commit federal offenses |
| Key Elements | Scheme that was aimed at defrauding healthcare programs | Agreement that was formed between parties + Overt act |
| Penalties | Up to 10 years (20+ if serious bodily injury results) | Up to 5 years (or more if tied to underlying offense) |
| Scope | Fraudulent claims, false billing | Planned effort to commit or defraud the U.S. |
As you can see, both statutes can overlap. Prosecutors often file conspiracy charges along with healthcare fraud if multiple parties were involved. This combination means your sentence may be stacked, resulting in heavier fines and prison time. If you’re caught unprepared, you could lose your freedom and your ability to practice in the future.
POTENTIAL PENALTIES AND CONSEQUENCES
Prison Time can easily reach 10 years or more if the fraud was large. If someone suffered bodily injury due to the fraud, the penalty may rise to 20 years. Prison is life-changing because you lose personal freedoms, which can ruin careers and family relationships.
Fines can be enormous—sometimes in the millions. This can destroy your finances, which means you may be forced to sell your house or assets to pay off legal debts. That situation puts your future in jeopardy, and your family may struggle.
Restitution may also be imposed. That means you have to pay back the funds that were wrongfully taken. This additional burden can cripple you financially, which can eliminate your ability to invest, grow your business, or live comfortably.
Professional Sanctions are common if you work in a licensed field such as healthcare. Even accusations that were made publicly can lead to suspension of licenses or privileges. This outcome makes it impossible to practice medicine or run your business properly.
HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP CAN DEFEND YOU
We are not your average defense lawyers. Our federal criminal attorneys have experience handling complicated fraud cases, and we approach each matter with an aggressive mindset. We won’t tolerate excuses, and we won’t let you settle for second-best outcomes. When we accept a new client, we examine every step that was taken by investigators, looking for errors or improper procedures. If evidence that was gathered is questionable, we can argue for it to be suppressed, meaning it may be thrown out. That can weaken the government’s entire case and lead to a dismissal or a favorable plea.
We believe in finding leverage points that create maximum impact. For example, if investigators used questionable wiretaps, that can undermine their credibility. If that evidence is suppressed, the government might lose a major part of its proof, which can force them to negotiate a better deal—or even drop the case. Our strategic approach is all about uncovering these weaknesses and using them to your advantage. We will push you beyond your comfort zone so we can build the strongest defense possible.
STRATEGIC INSIGHTS: THE HARSH REALITY
We get it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might be hoping the government will back off if you keep quiet. That’s not going to happen. If you fail to address the allegations directly, they will likely grow stronger, and you could face bigger problems later. We are unafraid to confront the hardest parts of your situation. We do not shy away from telling you the truth. Our job is to identify the root cause of your legal challenges, call out your blind spots, and push you to act. If you delay, you risk a far worse result that could haunt you for years to come.
This is a time when excuses will not serve you. If you fail to hire the right federal defense lawyer, the government will proceed without opposition, and that could mean prison time. If you do not organize your financial records, the prosecution might claim you’re hiding evidence. If you choose to keep people in the dark, you might destroy vital relationships that could have testified on your behalf. Every choice you make has a consequence, and each consequence can shape your future.
FAQ QUICK-REFERENCE
| Question | Answer |
| What if I didn’t realize I was part of a conspiracy? | Prosecutors must prove you knowingly agreed to the plan. If you truly didn’t know, that fact can be a strong defense, but you need an attorney to help gather evidence. |
| What about a plea bargain? | Many cases resolve with deals, but the best option depends on your situation. We consider the evidence and your goals before advising on any plea agreement. |
| How soon should I call a lawyer? | Immediately. If investigators are talking to you, it means you could be a target or a witness. Delay can lead to mistakes that hurt your defense. |
CONTACT OUR TEAM 24/7
We have offices throughout the USA, and we stand ready to take your call. Our approach is simple: focus on your future, defend your rights, and force the government to prove every piece of its case. We hold ourselves to high standards, and we expect you to be honest and proactive. That means you must share every detail with us. We do not want surprises in court, because that can sabotage your defense.
We are recognized as a top rated federal defense firm because we fight aggressively, and we do not back down. Regardless of whether you’re facing a minor charge or a multi-million dollar healthcare fraud indictment, we are dedicated to winning your case. We understand how it feels to have your freedom on the line. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience dealing with criminal allegations, so we know how to push back. If you want an extremely talented legal team that is unafraid to challenge the government, contact us today for a risk free consultation.
DISCLAIMER
No recipient of content from this article, client or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting based on anything included here without seeking the appropriate legal advice from an attorney licensed in their state. The content here has general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements. Spodek Law Group expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site. Communication with Spodek Law Group through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.
If you’re ready to fight back, and you want a seasoned legal defense that puts your best outcome first, then call us now. Our team is available 24/7 and will speak with you about your next steps. We won’t tolerate excuses, but we will do everything we can to protect your future. That is what it means to have Spodek Law Group on your side.