Defending Government Contractors and Healthcare Professionals in High-Stakes Federal Investigations
When you’re under federal investigation or facing charges for federal wire fraud, your livelihood, reputation, and freedom are on the line. Whether you’re a government contractor accused of submitting false claims or a healthcare provider allegedly involved in billing fraud, the Department of Justice (DOJ) treats this charge as a serious federal offense.
At Watson & Associates, LLC, our Washington DC federal wire fraud lawyers bring decades of experience and a sharp understanding of federal contracting and healthcare law to protect your rights and interests aggressively.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud, prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, is a serious federal crime that involves using electronic communication channels to carry out a fraudulent scheme. Unlike mail fraud—which relies on the postal system—wire fraud centers around the use of interstate telephone calls, emails, text messages, internet platforms, or financial wire transfers. These tools are often part of schemes to unlawfully obtain money, property, or sensitive data from individuals, businesses, or the government.
To bring a wire fraud case, federal prosecutors must establish four key elements: (1) that a scheme to defraud existed; (2) the defendant knowingly and willingly participated in the scheme; (3) it was reasonably foreseeable that interstate wire communications would be used; and (4) those wire communications were in fact utilized in executing the fraud. These elements give prosecutors broad authority, especially in cases involving government contracting, healthcare billing, or financial scams conducted via digital means.
Wire fraud allegations often arise from sending false invoices, manipulating financial data, or submitting fraudulent claims to federal agencies or insurers using electronic platforms. The penalties are steep—convictions may carry up to 20 years in prison per count, plus hefty fines. Because the law is complex and the evidence often involves thousands of digital communications, it is critical to work with a wire fraud lawyer who knows how to dismantle the government’s theory and expose gaps in intent or causation.
In many cases, wire fraud charges hinge on what the accused knew or intended at the time of the communication. A skilled federal wire fraud lawyer can challenge the government’s assumptions, dispute whether the communications were truly deceptive, and negotiate early resolutions—or fight for acquittal at trial. If you or your business is under investigation for wire fraud, early legal intervention can make the difference between an indictment and a favorable outcome.
Why Wire Fraud Charges Are a Federal Priority
Wire fraud, under 18 USC 1343., involves the use of interstate electronic communications—such as emails, faxes, or wire transfers—as part of a scheme to defraud the United States or other parties. In federal investigations, prosecutors often use wire fraud as a catch-all charge to enhance sentencing exposure or broaden the scope of a fraud indictment. This is especially common in cases involving government contract fraud and health care billing fraud, where digital systems are central to daily operations.
Because even a single email or electronic invoice can satisfy the jurisdictional element of wire fraud, companies and individuals are vulnerable to sweeping allegations—even for conduct that may have been unintentional or based on regulatory confusion.
Government Contractors: Wire Fraud and Federal Procurement Cases
Federal contractors face increasing scrutiny for compliance failures in the bidding, invoicing, and performance phases of government contracts. Common allegations include:
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Falsifying cost data or certifications
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Misrepresenting DBE or SBA program status
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Billing for work not performed or outside contract scope
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Using subcontractors not disclosed to the agency
Prosecutors often pair wire fraud charges with violations of the False Claims Act (FCA), alleging that digital communications—such as SAM.gov submissions, email certifications, or EFT payment processing—were used to commit fraud. The government may also pursue criminal conspiracy or attempt charges even if the scheme was not completed.
Our Washington DC wire fraud defense lawyers have a deep understanding of FAR clauses, SBA rules, and procurement regulations. We engage early with federal agents and OIG investigators to shape the narrative and push back against unfounded claims—often before formal charges are filed.
Healthcare Providers: Wire Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid Investigations
Healthcare professionals—doctors, clinics, pharmacies, billing companies—are increasingly targeted under wire fraud statutes when billing practices trigger DOJ or OIG audits. Examples include:
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Submitting electronic claims for services not rendered
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Upcoding or using outdated CPT codes
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Misrepresenting patient eligibility or medical necessity
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Participating in kickback schemes disguised as referrals
Wire fraud charges arise when interstate communications, including digital billing to CMS, Medicare Advantage plans, or third-party administrators, are used to carry out the alleged fraud. The government doesn’t need to show loss—only that an electronic device was used in furtherance of a fraudulent scheme.
As former defense contractors and regulatory compliance professionals, our federal wire fraud lawyers understand the nuances of medical billing, HIPAA, and payer-provider agreements. We challenge both the factual basis and the government’s intent theory—key issues following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Schutte v. SuperValu Inc., which clarified that actual knowledge and subjective belief matter in FCA and fraud cases.
What to Do If You Are Under Investigation
If you’ve received a target letter, subpoena, or knock on your door from federal agents, the steps you take next are critical. Do not speak with investigators without legal counsel. These early interactions often determine how your case unfolds—whether it becomes a criminal indictment, a civil settlement, or gets closed altogether.
Watson & Associates defends clients before:
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DOJ Criminal Division
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U.S. Attorney’s Offices
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OIG Investigators
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SBA Office of Inspector General
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HHS and CMS Fraud Units
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Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)
Our DC-based federal wire fraud attorneys intervene early, evaluate exposure, develop strategic defenses, and where possible, negotiate favorable outcomes or case dismissals.
Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC in Federal Wire Fraud Defense Cases
✔ Deep federal litigation and regulatory experience
✔ Former government contracting professionals on your team
✔ We focus on getting results in high-stakes procurement and healthcare fraud cases
✔ Strategic pre-indictment intervention and trial-tested defense
✔ Offices in Washington DC and Colorado – Serving clients nationwide
Call Our Washington DC Federal Wire Fraud Lawyers Today
Federal wire fraud charges don’t just threaten your business—they can lead to prison time, fines, and debarment. Don’t wait for formal charges to act. If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, get experienced legal counsel immediately
📞 Call Watson & Associates, LLC at 1-866-601-5518 for a FREE confidential consultation.