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Conspiracy to Make False Statements Relating to Healthcare Matters (18 U.S.C. 1035; 18 U.S.C. 371)
Last Updated on: 29th March 2025, 01:56 am
CONSPIRACY TO MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS RELATING TO HEALTHCARE MATTERS
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We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We have over 50 years of combined experience defending individuals who were accused of serious federal crimes. If you are under investigation for conspiracy to make false statements relating to healthcare matters, you need to face this head on. This offense is not minor. It can lead to prison. That can destroy your career, your finances, and your family.
WHAT IS THIS CRIME?
A conspiracy that was formed to make false statements in connection with healthcare benefits or reimbursements is a coordinated plan among at least two people. Federal law (see 18 U.S. Code § 371) says that conspiracy occurs when individuals who were part of an agreement take an overt step, such as submitting false documents, in order to carry out the plan. A statement that was materially false is one that can affect how a federal program makes decisions about payments or eligibility.
When you lie to programs like Medicare or Medicaid, you violate the public trust. That can result in serious penalties. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) often prosecutes these crimes aggressively. If you face these allegations, you must recognize the damage that a conviction can bring. A criminal record may shut you out from jobs, from certain licenses, and from normal life opportunities.
POSSIBLE PENALTIES UNDER FEDERAL LAW
Federal prosecutors treat healthcare fraud conspiracies harshly. A person who was found guilty of this offense may face:
- Imprisonment: You can be sentenced to years in federal prison. That can lead to a loss of freedom and separation from your loved ones.
- Fines: You may owe thousands or even millions of dollars. That can cripple your finances and take years to repay.
- Probation: You might get restricted travel rights, mandatory check-ins, and ongoing monitoring. That can make daily life difficult.
- Restitution: Courts can require you to pay back money that was fraudulently obtained. That can strain you financially for a long time.
Criminal charges like these are no joke. If a court decides that your actions damaged a federal healthcare program, then you risk both financial ruin and jail time.
WHY THE SYSTEM COMES DOWN HARD
Federal agencies, such as the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health & Human Services, invest time and money into uncovering fraud. A defendant who was involved in large-scale fraud can face very high sentences. If you think you can ignore these charges, you’re lying to yourself. If you do nothing, you’ll lose valuable time to build your defense. That can destroy your chances of a positive result in court.
OUR STRATEGIES FOR DEFENDING YOU
We are Spodek Law Group. We fight. We protect. We have the know-how to create a defense strategy that keeps your future in focus. Below are some of the approaches we use:
- Challenging Evidence: Evidence that was obtained illegally might be thrown out. That can weaken the government’s case and force them to reduce charges.
- Lack of Intent: You must have knowingly agreed to submit false statements. If we show you did not willfully join a conspiracy, that can lead to a dismissal.
- Insufficient Proof: Prosecutors must prove every element of conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt. If we show they lack solid proof, the charges could be dismissed.
- Plea Negotiations: Sometimes, it makes sense to negotiate lesser charges. That can help you avoid a harsh sentence and preserve your future.
A QUICK LOOK AT COMMON PENALTIES
| Offense | Potential Penalty | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Conspiracy to Make False Statements | Up to five years in prison or more, plus fines | Loss of freedom, crippling debt, permanent record |
| Healthcare Fraud | Can include restitution, hefty fines, prison | Severe financial strain, future employment issues |
| False Claims Submission | Criminal charges, civil penalties (like the FCA) | Destroyed professional license, large settlements |
WE’RE NOT HERE TO BE NICE
We know you want to fix this problem, and we refuse to coddle you. If you leave these charges unanswered, you jeopardize your freedom. That can lead to a criminal record. That can take you out of the workforce. Stop making excuses. Our job is to push you to act boldly so you can come out on top.
MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW
Prosecutors might argue that Medicare and Medicaid must be protected from scammers. They believe harsh sentences discourage others from lying to these programs. Meanwhile, you may claim that you made an unintentional error or that you were following the advice of someone else. Courts care about the truth. You need a solid defense plan that highlights your innocence or reduces your role in the alleged conspiracy.
SPEAK WITH SPODEK LAW GROUP TODAY
We encourage you to call us if you want to avoid worst-case outcomes. We are Spodek Law Group and we can help you. Contact us at 888-997-5177 for a risk free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your situation.
DISCLAIMER
Any information that is provided here is general. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. You should speak directly to a qualified attorney for guidance. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. We practice law nationwide, and we often work with local counsel in states outside New York. If you are uncertain about your rights, contact us or another licensed legal professional.
We won’t tolerate delays or second-guessing. You need a real solution right now. That is why we are here.