Atlanta Government Program Fraud Attorney

If you are under investigation concerning a government program fraud case, you must notify a defense lawyer immediately. When you receive a target letter or have been charged, federal agents likely already have a wealth of information and evidence against you. You need accomplished and dedicated legal representation from a qualified Atlanta government program fraud attorney.

At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, our Georgia white-collar criminal defense attorneys are focused on helping you prepare your response to allegations that may ruin your good name. We understand the severe penalties associated with a conviction, but also help you fight against other negative impacts of simply being a suspect. Contact us immediately to discuss your concerns so we can protect your rights.

atlanta government program fraud attorney

We provide top-tier representation against government program fraud charges

With a background serving in offices for various government prosecuting attorneys’ offices, the team at Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC provides superior knowledge and understanding of investigation techniques and goals. We can put this skill to work in preparing your defense, including having charges dismissed, identifying evidence against you, and negotiating reduced penalties.

If you have been unwittingly involved in criminal acts, we can present a defense showing how you were unfairly targeted. Your white-collar crimes attorney will educate you on your options to prioritize your best interests.

For executives who have been targeted, we can help your company prepare for a dawn raid from investigating agencies. Correct and focused preparation enables you to establish a response team and be ready if a warrant is served. At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, we are dedicated to managing high-stakes situations with complex litigation demands for the best outcome possible for our clients.

Work with Atlanta’s leading government program fraud defense firm

Partnering with the right legal team when facing serious federal or state government charges is crucial. Many crimes that begin under the eye of the Georgia Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or other state agencies can quickly turn into federal investigations. When the federal government becomes involved, an Atlanta-based fraud case can quickly lead to much more devastating outcomes for your business and you individually.

Not only are you in danger of paying substantial fines but you could also be incarcerated for years in federal prison and forced to pay restitution to those affected. Your business may fail, personal relationships end, and you likely will be unable to find work. You may not be able to do business with the government again and could lose any professional licensing or certifications.

At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, we forcefully push back to maintain your rights against those who want to make an example of you. We care about all the consequences you could face and work diligently to help you protect your reputation, livelihood, and freedom.

We prioritize your rights and best interests

You may be under surveillance for weeks, months, or years before agents show up to formally charge you. During this time, you could feel subtle effects that make you suspicious that someone is following your actions. Even if you are completely surprised by this covert investigation, you can act on your suspicions immediately by hiring an Atlanta government program fraud lawyer for help.

Government agencies often use confidential informants to build their cases, meaning someone around you may be working with the government to implicate you.  Not knowing who to trust can add paranoia and anxiety while you try to concentrate on building your defensive strategy.

At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, we have the experience and training to inform you of the investigation’s progress and the evidence against you. We will always be honest about the outlook, but we work to keep you positive and focused on protecting your rights.

Our Atlanta defense lawyers have experience with all kinds of government program fraud cases

Federal law broadly prohibits fraudulent schemes involving government programs.  According to 18 U.S.C. § 1031, a person commits “major fraud against the United States” by executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud, or to obtain money or property by means of false representations, in any grant, contract, loan, guarantee, insurance, contract, subcontract, or other form of Federal assistance with a value of more than $1,000,000.  Other available charges include 18 U.S.C. § 641, which addresses theft or conversion of property of the United States, federal mail, wire, and bank fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1344) and 18 U.S.C. § 666, which addresses bribery involving organizations that receive federal program dollars.

These crimes are investigated by various agencies, depending on the program involved. For example, common types of program fraud include:

  • Bid rigging: If the government suspects a party acted to avoid or eliminate fair competition in a bidding process to increase the value of the contract, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice may investigate.
  • Defense contractor fraud: The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) of the Department of Defense oversees investigations against companies or individuals who seek to overcharge the government or use inferior products and materials in contracts involving the armed forces.
  • Grant or research fraud: Researchers who attempt to defraud government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by fabricating results or falsifying grant applications may be investigated for misusing federal funds.
  • Medicare fraud: When practitioners or institutions charge for non-existent patients or services, or overcharge for unnecessary procedures, they can come under investigation by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Most of these investigations are aimed at companies or entities doing substantial business with the government. However, it is essential to recognize that even forging a signature on another person’s Social Security benefits check constitutes government program fraud. Many charged with fraud may also be unwitting actors in a larger scheme intended to throw suspicion off the primary instigators.

Why does the government take program fraud so seriously?

The United States government and the State of Georgia regularly enter contracts with providers for services totaling millions and billions of dollars. The opportunities for fraudulent acts are widespread for those unscrupulous enough to commit these crimes. State and federal investigators are focused on bringing those people to justice, recovering lost funding, and ensuring the integrity of their respective programs.

However, it is easy for these investigations to sweep up those who played no part in a criminal scheme or who can offer information that leads to a more impactful prosecution. Successfully navigating the minefield of a fraud case means you must have a legal advocate who is fully versed in the law and procedures that can benefit you.

Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC takes immediate action to reduce your charges and penalties in an Atlanta government fraud case

Your defense begins when you become aware that you are a target or are being charged with government program fraud. Everything you say and do will be scrutinized even more closely than before you were notified, and building the most powerful defense strategy requires an aggressive and hard-fighting Atlanta white-collar defense team. We will advise you on how to respond, then begin tailoring appropriate defense techniques, such as:

  • Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the allegations are true, but this requires substantial, high-quality evidence. Your fraud defense attorney will file motions to exclude irrelevant or improper evidence and other motions that reduce the government’s support for its case.
  • Lack of intent to defraud: If you demonstrate that you lacked the intent to defraud the government, or were unaware that your actions were fraudulent or criminal, you may be able to argue that you are not guilty of the charges brought against you.  The burden of proof is on the prosecutor to show that you had a culpable mental state.
  • Wrong person or mistakes: Innocent people are often inadvertently wrapped up in fraudulent activity, sometimes by mistaken identity or other means. Your defense lawyer can prove you were ignorant of the fraud or that your actions have been misconstrued.
  • Your rights were violated: Your attorney will examine every interaction with agents and law enforcement, identifying where your constitutional rights were violated and requesting that inadmissible or unlawfully procured evidence be thrown out.

Your Atlanta government program fraud attorneys will come out swinging in your defense.  We will fight with you through your trial or negotiate on your behalf to reduce or eliminate the charges, and we will stand up for your freedom, rights, and future against overzealous prosecutors who are seeking a quick conviction.

Work with the most trusted government program fraud defense firm in Atlanta

When you partner with Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, you put your case in the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled Atlanta government program fraud attorney who will help you protect your right to a fair trial. We push to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible, knowing you must keep your future safe.

If you suspect you are being investigated, contact us immediately to arrange a consultation by calling (404) 891-9150.

We answer common questions about government program fraud in Atlanta

What should you do if you are under investigation for government program fraud?

You may be under investigation for some time before you become aware that you are suspected of government program fraud. As soon as possible, seek out a defense attorney who will help you protect your rights against unfair prosecution. Do not speak with investigators unless your lawyer is present.

How long will your government program fraud investigation take?

Cases can be highly complex, especially if multiple parties are under investigation along with you. The process can last months or even years, often starting well before you become aware you are under investigation. You must engage a reputable and aggressive defense attorney who will be at your side throughout the case.

Can your attorney get your government program fraud charges reduced or dismissed?

By thoroughly investigating and crafting your defense, your lawyer will use every technique possible to have evidence thrown out, charges dismissed, and/or penalties reduced. When necessary, they will negotiate plea deals with the prosecuting attorney where you plead guilty to lesser charges but may be able to avoid incarceration and fines.

Useful information for individuals charged with government program fraud

Government agencies that investigate white-collar crime:

Our office in Atlanta

Visit us at:

75 14th Street NE, Suite 2250

Atlanta, GA 30309

Phone: (404) 891-9150

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