Norwalk Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud Defense Attorney
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, business owner, or healthcare employee, being accused of Medicare or Medi-Cal fraud can lead to serious problems. In a place like Norwalk, California, where healthcare rules are strict and complicated, even a small mistake or misunderstanding can trigger an investigation and potentially criminal charges that could jeopardize your career, reputation, and freedom.
The good news? You don’t have to face these allegations alone. With the right legal help, you can protect your rights, understand your options, and build a defense strategy designed to challenge the government’s case.
If you’ve been arrested, contacted by investigators, served with a subpoena, or charged with a healthcare fraud offense, the Norwalk Medicare/Medi-Cal fraud defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates are ready to help. With over two decades of experience representing clients across Los Angeles County, we understand how these cases are investigated and how prosecutors attempt to prove intent. Learn more about our law firm.
Office Nearby: The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates is located at 100 Oceangate, Suite 525, Long Beach, CA 90802, near W. Ocean Blvd and Queens Way. We’re a convenient drive from Norwalk via I-605, I-5, and major corridors such as Imperial Highway, Norwalk Blvd, and Firestone Blvd. We regularly assist clients coming from areas near the Norwalk Civic Center, Metrolink station, and shopping corridors along Imperial Highway. Call 562-216-2944 or submit a contact form to discuss your case in greater detail.
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What Is Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud?
Medicare and Medi-Cal are government-funded programs that provide healthcare coverage to people who are elderly, disabled, or financially disadvantaged. Medicare is federal, while Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program for qualifying low-income individuals and families.
Fraud allegations generally involve claims that someone intentionally falsified information to receive benefits or payments they were not entitled to. These cases can stem from a wide range of situations, including alleged billing errors, documentation disputes, or misunderstandings about coding and authorization. Common accusations include:
- Billing for services not provided: Submitting claims for treatments or procedures that never occurred.
- Overbilling: Charging for more expensive services than what was actually performed.
- Upcoding: Using billing codes that reflect a higher-level or more complex service than what was provided.
- Kickbacks: Receiving or offering something of value in exchange for referrals.
- Falsifying patient records: Altering notes or creating documentation to support claims.
Fraud investigations can involve doctors, nurses, billing staff, clinics, pharmacies, home health providers, DME (durable medical equipment) businesses, and even office managers. And in many cases, the government’s narrative starts with assumptions before the full context is understood.
Why Are Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud Charges So Serious?
Medicare and Medi-Cal fraud allegations are treated aggressively by both state and federal authorities because the programs involve public funding and vulnerable populations. Investigators often devote significant time and resources to these cases and charges can carry severe consequences.
Depending on the allegations, you may be facing:
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
- Jail or prison time
- Substantial fines
- Restitution (repayment of alleged losses)
- Professional licensing consequences (suspension, revocation, or reporting requirements)
- Exclusion from Medicare/Medi-Cal participation
- Damage to reputation that can follow you long after the case ends
Even an investigation before any charges can create serious risk for your employment, credentialing, and future opportunities. That’s why it’s critical to respond carefully from the beginning.
Where Medicare/Medi-Cal Investigations Often Start in Norwalk
Healthcare fraud cases frequently begin long before someone is arrested. In Norwalk, investigations may start after:
- An audit, billing review, or internal compliance complaint
- A patient complaint or competitor report
- A referral from an insurer, managed care plan, or government contractor
- A pattern flagged in billing data (frequency, coding, or service type)
- A subpoena request for records or a request for an interview
Norwalk’s commercial and medical corridors along Imperial Highway, Norwalk Blvd, Firestone Blvd, and Civic Center Dr include many clinics, professional offices, and healthcare-adjacent businesses where recordkeeping and billing disputes can quickly become “fraud” allegations if investigators believe something looks unusual.
If you learn that agents want to interview you, or you’re asked to provide records beyond normal operations, it’s wise to speak with counsel first. Statements made early especially without context can be used later to build a criminal case.
How Prosecutors Try to Prove Healthcare Fraud
To secure a conviction, prosecutors generally try to show:
- A false or misleading claim or statement was made
- The claim was connected to Medicare/Medi-Cal billing or benefits
- You knew the statement was false (knowledge)
- You acted with intent to defraud
That last element—intent—is often the most contested. Honest mistakes, unclear documentation policies, or coding disputes are not the same as criminal fraud. But prosecutors may try to frame administrative problems as intentional wrongdoing.
Why You Need a Norwalk Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud Defense Attorney
If you’re facing allegations, hiring an experienced Norwalk Medicare/Medi-Cal fraud defense attorney is one of the most important steps you can take. These cases are document-heavy and detail-driven, and they often involve complex regulations, billing systems, and professional standards.
When you work with our legal team, we can:
- Review the investigation timeline and identify where the government’s narrative began
- Analyze billing practices, records, and communications for context and accuracy
- Challenge weak assumptions about what certain codes, notes, or patterns “must” mean
- Look for procedural errors, improper searches, or coercive interview tactics
- Develop defenses such as lack of intent, authorization disputes, or third-party billing mistakes
- Engage experts when needed, including billing and compliance professionals
- Negotiate strategically to seek reductions, dismissals, or alternatives when appropriate
Your attorney may uncover issues such as:
- Faulty billing systems or software errors that created discrepancies
- Shared logins or staff actions that were incorrectly attributed to you
- Documentation gaps that reflect workflow problems not criminal intent
- Misclassification or coding disagreements that are civil/regulatory issues, not fraud
- Pressure or coercion from employers or third parties that contributed to alleged conduct
A thorough defense can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and protect you from outcomes that could permanently affect your career and future.
Contact Our Norwalk Medicare/Medi-Cal Fraud Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with Medicare or Medi-Cal fraud or you believe you’re under investigation, don’t wait. Early defense work can help protect your rights, preserve helpful evidence, and prevent avoidable missteps.
Ready to speak with a lawyer? Contact The Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates for a confidential consultation. Call 562-216-2944 or fill out our contact form today. We’re here to help.
