Facing a Federal Government Contract Fraud Charge Subpoena, or Indictment? Quickly Increase Your Chances of Getting Your Case Dismissed, Charges or Fine Reduced.
When federal agents arrive at your office or you receive a target letter from the DOJ, every decision matters. Your next move can determine the future of your company and your personal freedom. Do not speak to investigators without an experienced government contract fraud lawyer by your side. Call our 24/7 Hotline and connect with our legal team for a Free Initial Consultation. Call 1.866.601.5518. Speak to Theodore Watson.
When the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show up at your door, they are looking for something that could possibly connect you to a federal fraud crime or sole allegation where you or your company can be exposed to civil or criminal liability. The go-to allegations are either False Claims Act violations, wire fraud, or conspiracy to commit fraud. In either situation, knowing how to respond is critical; knowing how to respond to civil investigative demands (CIDs) or subpoenas is just as important. Our defense contractor fraud lawyers plan a more realistic approach to defending both civil and federal criminal cases.
We Have Former Federal Government Contracting Officials and Former DOJ Attorneys on Our Team.
As a government contractor, your financial health and reputation are at risk when facing a federal civil or criminal investigation. Watson & Associates’ law firm has compiled a sophisticated government contracting and government procurement fraud practice of skilled federal lawyers—many of whom are former government contract officials or former DOJ prosecutors. The law firm helps companies of all sizes manage federal investigations, indictments, and trials involving federal contracts.
When it comes to federal procurement law for contractors, we help you avoid costly legal mistakes commonly seen in the federal procurement industry. With offices in Washington, DC; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; and Los Angeles, California, the government contract fraud lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC represent federal contractors nationwide and internationally, including small businesses and large defense contractors. Our clients include private security contractors, logistics companies, intelligence and engineering services firms, information technology (IT Services) providers, construction contractors, various service contractors, and medical support companies.
Our services our defense contractor fraud lawyers offer include:
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- Contract non-compliance investigations.
- Regulatory non-compliance investigations.
- Small business and SBA investigations.
- Procurement fraud investigations.
- Defective pricing investigations.
- Suspension and debarment actions.
- False Claims Act (FCA) investigations (civil and criminal).
- Congressional investigations.
- Civil investigative demands and subpoenas
- Trade Agreements Act and Buy American Act fraud cases
- High-profile cases involving corporate CEOs and management.
Companies that seek a cheap way out quickly learn that hiring traditional criminal defense lawyers with no experience in federal government contracting can be an expensive disaster.
At Watson & Associates, LLC, our small-business and large-defense-contractor clients understand the value of forming a 4-6-member legal team to quickly identify the underlying issues and seek to have charges reduced or dismissed. This is our law firm’s number one priority.
Nationwide Government Fraud Lawyers – Representation for Federal Government Contractors
Watson & Associates LLC attorneys also focus on federal criminal defense of government contractors charged with crimes such as False Claims Act violations, Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance and Buy American Act BAA noncompliance. Our white-collar crime law firm has the expertise to navigate complex government contract fraud cases. Our defense contractor fraud lawyers can provide sound legal advice, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a strong defense strategy to fight for your rights.
Government contractor fraud can involve various activities, such as false billing, kickbacks, bid rigging, collusion, etc. The penalties for these crimes can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and damage to your reputation.
Government Contract Fraud Bid Rigging Defense Lawyers
Collusion, bid-rigging, and other anti-competitive conduct schemes erode fair competition. Bid rigging in the federal procurement process can create serious criminal liability. Such anti-competitive conduct can also expose prime contractors, subcontractors, and small business owners and executives to substantial penalties. If you are seeking to hire a defense contractor fraud lawyer to defend allegations against you or your company, call us immediately at 1.866.601.5518. Speak to Theodore Watson.
Federal False Claims Act Defense Contractor Fraud Attorney
When federal prosecutors find evidence of government contracting fraud, the result is of often allegations of violating the Federal False Claims Act ( 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733. ) The FCA provides that any person who knowingly submits, or causes to submit, false claims to the government is liable for three times the government’s damages . At Watson & Associates, LLC our defense contractor fraud attorneys represent large and small businesses throughout the United States in civil or criminal False Claims Act cases.
Buy American Act and the U.S. Trade Agreements Act Government Contract Fraud
Federal contractors are alleged or indicted for defrauding the Government by knowingly providing goods that were procured in violation of the Buy American Act and the U.S. Trade Agreements Act, if the Government would not have purchased the goods from that contractor if it had known of the violations. If you are defending a Buy American Act fraud or Trade Agreements Act fraud case, contact our government contractor fraud attorneys for immediate help.
Cross-charging and Mischarging Defense Contractor Fraud Attorney
“Cross-charging” and “mischarging” are common types of government procurement fraud allegations that may be a basis for a False Claims Act qui tam lawsuit. Cross-charging fraud occurs when a federal contractor performs work or incurs costs on one contract and then charges such work or costs to another contract. Mischarging occurs when defense contractors inflate government invoices by charging for labor, parts or other costs that are greater than those the company actually incurred, or mischaracterizing its costs, or charging for things that are unallowable under the terms of the contract. Watson’s defense contractor fraud attorneys can help.
Government Contractor Fraud Lawyer for SBA & Small Business Fraud
When the DOJ, OIG, or FBI initiates an investigation or indictment for government contract small business fraud, you want to find a government contract fraud law firm that understands the various SBA programs ( SDVOSB, 8(a) BD,, HUBZone). You can hardly fight or defend allegations of SBA fraud or government procurement fraud if you do not understand the unique rules of each program. Watson’s government contract fraud lawyers can help.
Common False Claims Act allegations against government contractors include:
- Billing Fraud: Submitting invoices for work not performed, materials not delivered, or services that don’t meet contract specifications. Defense strategies often focus on proving that any billing errors were unintentional and that the contractor provided legitimate value to the government.
- Certification Fraud: Making false certifications about compliance with contract requirements, small business status, or regulatory standards.
- A skilled government contractor fraud lawyer can often demonstrate that certifications were made in good faith based on reasonable interpretations of complex regulations.
- Cost Mischarging: Allocating costs to the wrong contracts or charging the government for unallowable expenses.
- Defense requires a detailed analysis of cost accounting standards and demonstration that any errors were inadvertent.
- Product Substitution: Providing products that don’t meet contract specifications or substituting cheaper materials without authorization.
- Effective defense often involves proving that substitutions were approved or that products met functional requirements despite technical non-compliance.
Having a skilled federal white-collar criminal defense lawyer or defense contractor fraud attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. When you retain our Washington DC or Denver, Colorado-based law office, our defense contractor fraud attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the evidence against you and look for flaws or inconsistencies that could weaken the DOJ or OIG prosecution’s case.
Meet Our National Defense Contractor Fraud Law Firm Team Leads
Theodore P. Watson (U.S. Air Force Retired Veteran and Former Federal Procurement Official)
- Experience with DoD, SBA, OIG, FBI, DOJ investigations
- DOJ False Claims Act Civil and Criminal Cases
- SBA criminal defense cases ( FAR and SBA CFRs)
- Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act
- Handled federal government contractor fraud cases involving False Claims Act, cost accounting fraud, and procurement bid fraud.
- Litigates at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Call and Speak Directly to Mr. Watson at 1.866.601.5518.
Cheryl Adams (Associate Attorney – Former Federal Contracting Officer)
Cheryl Adams is an Associate Attorney with Watson and Associates, LLC. She is a former federal Contracting Officer with years of hands-on experience with all phases of federal procurement. She brings to clients an intimate understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and an insider perspective on the procurement processes of a federal government headquarters.
She understands the government’s relationships with small businesses and subcontractors, as well as relationships with Fortune 500 corporations.
She has worked side by side with government auditors, and personally conducted government property audits. She has handled all sizes of contract award from micropurchases through major systems.
She has cradle-to-grave hands-on operational experience with all phases and all types of government contracting processes, from acquisition planning through contract closeout. Read more..
Chris Mancini – Of Counsel (Former DOJ Prosecutor)
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of legal experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Experience with DoD, SBA, OIG, FBI, DOJ investigations: Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
He has handled high-profile white collar crime cases and is a well respected criminal defense attorney
Former federal prosecutorial roles: If you are a defense contractor and have been indicted or investigated for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back. Read more.
Carolyn L. Oliver – Of Counsel (Former DOJ Prosecutor)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends.
Former federal prosecutorial roles: Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
Experience with DoD, SBA, OIG, FBI, DOJ investigations: As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations.Read more…
Robert “Bob” Ayers – Of Counsel (Defense Attorney)
With over 20 years of experience in high-stakes federal cases,Bob Ayers (Corporate Defense Counsel)has represented corporate executives, public officials, and in-house counsel in matters involving fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, and other financial and regulatory offenses.
Jennifer Higgins (Former SBA Attorney)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Jennifer Higgins brings a wealth of experience in government procurement and small business law to Watson & Associates. As a former SBA lawyer, and senior attorney for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), she offers clients a deep understanding of federal regulations and the inner workings of government agencies. Wise D. Allen, Esquire – Of Counsel
Wise D. Allen, Esquire, Counsel, A former Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military, Wise Allen brings extensive knowledge and experience in resolving corporate defense and litigation in vast international and national legal issues.
Mr. Allen’s federal litigation experience as a former appellate attorney representing the United States and a federal white collar criminal defense attorney for defendants in trials that led to his clients receiving overwhelmingly favorable outcomes in contested issues and obtaining non-contested resolutions. Read more..
We Understand the FAR and Compliance Regulations
Additionally, Watson’s defense contractor fraud lawyers have a deep understanding of the underlying procurement laws and FAR regulations surrounding government contractor fraud. They can use this knowledge to challenge the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution, and potentially get their criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Former DOJ Attorneys and Former Federal Procurement Officials Team Up to Defend Your Case
Most defense contractors simply hire traditional criminal defense lawyers, expecting that an investigation or criminal charge will simply go away. Our law firm understands that in order to demand a dismissal, reduce criminal charges, or to win a criminal government fraud trial, one must understand the rules that apply. Clients have come to us after spending between $500K and $700K with firms that have no experience with federal government contracts. Our former DOJ attorneys and Federal Procurement Officials will form a solid team to fight back.
- Wire Fraud Defense
- Mail Fraud Defense
- Conspiracy Defense
- Civil and Criminal False Claims Act
Nationwide Lead Defense Contractor Fraud Attorneys
Our government contractor fraud attorney services cover all states regarding federal civil and criminal matters. We assist federal small businesses and large DoD contractors in Alaska, Arizona defense contractor fraud attorney, Arkansas, California defense contractor fraud lawyer, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii defense contractor fraud attorney, Illinois, Indiana, washington government contracts fraud lawyer, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland government contract fraud lawyers, Massachusetts, Michigan government contractor fraud attorney, Minnesota government contracts fraud lawyer, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska defense contractor fraud attorney, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico defense contractor fraud law firm, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee defense contractor fraud lawyer, Texas government contractor fraud attorneys, U.S. Virgin Islands defense contractor fraud lawyer, Utah, Vermont, Virginia government contract fraud lawyer, Washington, Washington, DC government contractor fraud attorney, West Virginia, Wisconsin government contractor fraud attorney, and Wyoming.
Cities in which our government contract fraud attorneys assist federal government contractors include Anchorage, AK; Atlanta overnment contractor fraud attorneys, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Baltimore government contractor fraud attorney, Dallas federal fraud lawyer, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV defense contractor fraud law firm; Los Angeles government contract fraud lawyer, CA; Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Miami government contractor fraud attorneys, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego defense contractor fraud lawyer, CA; Houston government contract fraud lawyers; San Francisco defense contractor fraud law firm, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa government contract fraud attorneys, FL.
If you are facing criminal charges related to government contractor fraud, do not hesitate to contact our experienced white collar crime attorneys for criminal defense. They will protect your rights and fight for your best interests throughout the legal process. With their guidance and support, you can have a better chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. So, if you or someone you know is facing government contractor fraud charges, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Remember, you are innocent until proven guilty, and with the right legal representation by your side, you can fight these criminal charges and clear your name.
In conclusion, government contractor fraud is a serious offense that requires the expertise of federal government attorneys for criminal defense. Don’t take chances with your future and reputation. Hire a skilled federal criminal defense attorney and government defense contractor fraud lawyer at Watson & Associates, LLC today to protect your rights and fight for justice. Call us toll-free at 1.866.601.5518.