A federal Medicare or wire fraud charge in Illinois can put more than your freedom at risk. You may face prison, restitution and other financial penalties. If you work in health care or another licensed field, a conviction may also affect your license and your ability to keep working.
How the case develops may affect the penalties you face and what happens to your career and assets. However, a charge does not mean that prosecutors have proved the case. They still have to establish each part of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
How fraud charges can affect your freedom and career
Wire fraud involves using electronic communications to carry out a scheme meant to defraud someone. If prosecutors secure a conviction, you may face a lengthy prison sentence. In some health care fraud cases, the government may also seek forfeiture of assets tied to the offense.
Your career may face separate consequences. If you are a licensed health care worker in Illinois, a Medicare or other intentional health care fraud conviction triggers an automatic and indefinite license suspension. The same applies if you plead guilty or no contest. Other licensed workers may also face discipline under the rules for their profession.
How defense work can protect your future
Early defense work can examine whether the evidence shows that you knowingly took part in the alleged fraud. Emails, billing records and other files may support or weaken the government’s claims. This evidence could help challenge parts of the case, narrow the charges or identify facts that affect sentencing.
Financial records may also show which funds belong to you and which ones prosecutors claim are tied to the alleged fraud. If you hold a professional license, checking the rules for your field may help you understand what could lead to discipline.
Prepare for the next stages
Consider keeping records that explain your work, billing and finances. You may also want to organize documents related to property or professional licenses that the case could involve. Doing so can help you build your defense strategy and get ready for the next stages of the case.