How to Find the Best White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer for Healthcare Fraud

How to Find the Best White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer for Healthcare Fraud

Getting charged with healthcare fraud can be really scary. The laws are super confusing and the penalties are no joke. You could be facing huge fines or even jail time. So you definitely want to find the best lawyer possible to defend you. But how do you even start looking for someone good? This article will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Look for Lawyers Specializing in Healthcare Fraud

The first thing you need to do is search for lawyers who specifically focus on healthcare fraud cases. This area of law is really complex with lots of complicated regulations and weird loopholes. You want someone who knows all the ins and outs. Don’t just hire any old criminal defense attorney. Make sure they list healthcare fraud as one of their main practice areas on their website or LinkedIn profile. Terms to search for are “healthcare fraud defense attorney” or “Medicare fraud lawyer.”

Find a Lawyer with Federal Case Experience

Since healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid are federal, the charges will usually come from the Department of Justice or U.S. Attorney’s office. So your lawyer needs experience handling federal criminal cases. Many state-level criminal defense attorneys have never stepped foot in a federal courthouse before. You don’t want them learning on the job with your case! Look for lawyers who regularly deal with the U.S. Attorney’s office in your district. Check their case results to see if they’ve gone to trial and won federal criminal cases before.

Consider Board Certified Lawyers

There are a couple organizations that certify lawyers as specialists in certain areas of law. For criminal defense, the main ones are the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. If a lawyer is certified by one of these organizations, it shows they have a lot of experience and expertise. They had to pass exams and show a high level of knowledge to get certified. So it’s a good sign if your lawyer has one of these credentials.

Look for Former Prosecutors

Here’s an insider tip for you. Lots of great defense attorneys used to be prosecutors earlier in their careers. This gives them a huge advantage because they know how the government builds cases. They have insight into the other side’s strategies. Former prosecutors turned defense lawyers have experience deciding which cases to charge and how to negotiate plea deals. So they can use that experience to defend you now.

Find Someone with Trial Experience

You hopefully won’t have to go to trial. But you want your lawyer to be ready and willing to take your case to trial if needed. Many healthcare fraud cases end in plea agreements. Not all lawyers have recent trial experience. Ask specifically how many trials they’ve done in the past few years. Look up news articles about them online to verify they’ve been in front of juries before. The threat of going to trial gives you leverage in plea negotiations too.

Look for a Strong Communicator

These healthcare fraud cases can get extremely technical and complex. There are often thousands of pages of documents. You need a lawyer who can explain things in a way you understand. Big words and legal jargon should be avoided. Look for reviews praising their communication skills. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to them during your initial consultation. Ask lots of questions and see how well they explain the concepts.

Understand the Costs Upfront

Top healthcare fraud defense attorneys often charge higher rates because of their level of experience. Federal criminal cases take a ton of time and resources too. Definitely get fee estimates from any lawyer you consider hiring. See if they offer flat fees or payment plans to make costs more predictable. Be wary of lawyers quoting super low fees as that may be a red flag about their experience level. This is your freedom at stake so it’s worth investing in good representation.

Consider the Lawyer’s Location

If the federal prosecutors and investigators handling your case are located in a certain city, it may help to find a local lawyer. They may have connections with the local U.S. Attorney’s office and know the prosecutors personally. This could help with plea negotiations. Of course it’s still possible to hire an out-of-town lawyer if needed. But proximity to the federal courthouse handling your case is a small advantage.

Check Reviews and References

It’s always smart to read online reviews of any lawyer you’re considering. Look for consistent themes in what past clients have said. See if they praise things like communication, responsiveness, and case results. Take negative reviews with a grain of salt, but look for any red flags. Also ask the lawyer for references such as past clients or other attorneys. Checking references gives you more data points to feel confident in your choice.

Meet in Person if Possible

Choosing a lawyer is a very personal decision. After doing your research, try to meet with your top choices in person for a consultation. Get a feel for their personality and communication style. Make sure you feel comfortable opening up about sensitive case details. Bring along a list of questions to ask them during the meeting. Go with your gut feeling on who you most trust to defend you.

Don’t Feel Overwhelmed!

Finding the right lawyer may seem scary. But taking it step-by-step will lead you to someone great. Stay organized in your search process. Talk to multiple lawyers before deciding. If a lawyer makes you feel rushed or pressured, move on. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you! Don’t settle out of fear. With patience and diligence, you’ll find the healthcare fraud defense attorney who is the perfect fit for you. Best of luck!