Blog

What is federal program fraud

What is Federal Program Fraud The federal government runs over 2,300 benefit programs, that distribute roughly $2.3 trillion every single year to American citizens. Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, unemployment insurance, PPP loans, disability payments – these programs touch almost every family in America at some point. But here’s what most people don’t realize until it’s […]

Is your company being investigated for PPP loan fraud

Contents1 Is Your Company Being Investigated for PPP Loan Fraud?1.1 Why the Government Is Going After PPP Fraud1.2 The High Stakes: Penalties That Can Ruin You1.3 Common Reasons Companies Face These Investigations1.4 Strategies That We Use to Defend You1.5 Harsh Truth: You Must Fight or You Might Lose Everything1.6 Our Approach at Spodek Law Group1.7 […]

Common mistakes with OWCP billing

Contents1 COMMON MISTAKES WITH OWCP BILLING1.1 WHY OWCP BILLING ERRORS MATTER1.2 TOP MISTAKES THAT JEOPARDIZE YOUR PRACTICE1.3 THE RISK OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY1.4 MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ON COMPLIANCE1.5 HOW WE DEFEND PROVIDERS1.6 SCENARIO: REAL CONSEQUENCES FOR LAX OVERSIGHT1.7 AVOIDING PITFALLS: PRACTICAL STEPS1.8 COMPACT FAQ1.9 DISCLAIMER AND FINAL WARNING COMMON MISTAKES WITH OWCP BILLING OWCP BILLING: […]

Civil and criminal penalties for hiring illegal workers

Contents1 Civil And Criminal Penalties For Hiring Illegal Workers: Know The Risks1.1 Let’s Talk About The “Knowingly” Factor1.2 Civil Penalties: Fines That Can Cripple You1.3 Criminal Consequences: Jail Is On The Table1.4 Why This Matters For You1.5 We Are Spodek Law Group. Here’s How We Defend You1.6 Common Excuses That Don’t Work1.7 Practical Steps To […]

What are the levels of intent in federal criminal cases

Contents1 UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS OF INTENT IN FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASES1.1 WHY INTENT MATTERS TO THE GOVERNMENT1.2 COMMON LEVELS OF INTENT IN FEDERAL LAW1.3 HOW PROSECUTORS PROVE INTENT1.4 PENALTIES AND STRATEGIES FOR DEFENSE UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS OF INTENT IN FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASES Intent matters. If you ever find yourself in a federal criminal case, intent is […]

Pre trial motions in federal criminal cases

Pre-Trial Motions in Federal Criminal Cases The Moment Your Federal Case Actually Begins A federal case doesn’t start with an arrest. It started months, maybe years ago, when some federal agent decided someone was worth investigating. By the time they knock on the door with that arrest warrant, the government has already built most of […]

The ultimate guide to the federal counterfeiting statutes

Contents1 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING STATUTES1.1 HOW FEDERAL LAW DEFINES COUNTERFEITING1.2 PUNISHMENTS FOR COUNTERFEITING1.3 YES, THERE ARE DEFENSES1.4 WHAT FEDERAL PROSECUTORS LOOK FOR1.5 HOW WE DEFEND YOU1.6 COMMON QUESTIONS1.7 A WORD OF WARNING1.8 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING STATUTES Counterfeiting is no joke. If the government accuses you […]

The ultimate guide to the federal insider trading statute

Martha Stewart sold her ImClone shares on December 27, 2001, saving herself exactly $45,673. That single phone call from her broker — lasting less than two minutes – triggered a federal investigation, that consumed four years of her life, cost her $195,000 in avoided losses (yes, more than she saved), five months in federal prison, […]

The ultimate guide to the federal bankruptcy fraud statute

Contents1 What Federal Bankruptcy Fraud Actually Means2 How the Government Builds These Cases3 The Timeline Problem That Traps People4 When Multiple Bankruptcies Become Criminal5 Asset Concealment vs Bad Memory6 The Creditor Meeting Trap7 Sentencing Guidelines Reality Check8 Defending Against Intent Requirements9 Post-Conviction Consequences Beyond Prison What Federal Bankruptcy Fraud Actually Means 18 U.S.C. § 157 […]

How do I protect my assets in healthcare investigations

Contents1 How do I protect my assets in healthcare investigations1.1 When They Freeze Everything You Own Before Trial1.2 Paper Trails That Destroyed Medical Practices1.2.1 Asset Protection Timing – The 18-Month Window1.2.2 Legitimate Structures vs. Fraudulent Transfers1.3 Your Practice’s Financial Anatomy Under Microscope1.4 The Spouse and Family Member Trap1.4.1 International Complications Nobody Mentions1.4.2 Parallel Proceedings Multiplier […]

Responding to ICE workplace search warrants

Contents1 RESPONDING TO ICE WORKPLACE SEARCH WARRANTS2 WHAT IS AN ICE SEARCH WARRANT?3 POTENTIAL PENALTIES YOU COULD FACE4 WHY MOST PEOPLE SCREW THIS UP5 HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP DEFENDS YOU6 CRITICAL GAPS YOU NEED TO ADDRESS7 GETTING AHEAD OF THE RAID8 MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW9 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES10 FAQ QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE11 OUR NO-NONSENSE APPROACH12 DISCLAIMER RESPONDING […]

The ultimate guide to the federal insurance fraud statute

Contents1 FEDERAL INSURANCE FRAUD STATUTE1.1 WHAT IS FEDERAL INSURANCE FRAUD?1.2 WHY IS IT TAKEN SO SERIOUSLY?1.3 POSSIBLE PENALTIES1.4 HOW WE DEFEND YOU1.5 HOW SERIOUS IS THIS REALLY?1.6 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)1.7 CONTACT US FOR A RISK-FREE CONSULTATION FEDERAL INSURANCE FRAUD STATUTE If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble and need the […]

Broker investigation defense strategies

Contents1 BROKER INVESTIGATION DEFENSE STRATEGIES1.1 First Reality Check—Why Regulators Care, even when the loss feels small1.2 That Letter 8210 lands — clock starts, excuses die1.3 Penalties on the Table ‑‑ they hurt1.4 Defense Move 1 — Stop Talking ‑‑ Strategize, THEN Speak1.5 Defense Move 2 — Structured Disclosure, Not Dump‑Truck Discovery1.6 Defense Move 3 — Parallel‑Proceeding Containment1.7 Defense Move 4 — Expert Narratives Beat Raw Data1.8 Psychology: why regulators pounce on inconsistent brokers1.9 Your blind spots—blunt list1.10 Action Plan—Do This Before Close of Business Today1.11 Case Snapshot – We fought, we fixed, we […]

What is the worst case scenario in a DEA pharmacy audit

What is the worst case scenario in a DEA pharmacy audit DEA Shows Up at Your Door Without Warning At 8:47 AM on a Tuesday, three agents in dark suits walk past morning customers. Administrative inspections don’t require warrants – thats the thing most pharmacists don’t realize until it’s too late. The lead agent hands […]

Drug diversion opioid investigations

Contents1 DRUG DIVERSION INVESTIGATIONS1.1 WHAT IS DRUG DIVERSION?1.2 POTENTIAL PENALTIES YOU COULD FACE1.3 HOW INVESTIGATIONS BEGIN1.4 STRATEGIES WE USE TO DEFEND YOU1.5 WHY WE WON’T TOLERATE EXCUSES1.6 QUICK-REFERENCE PENALTIES TABLE1.7 HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP CAN HELP YOU1.8 TAKE ACTION TODAY1.9 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER DRUG DIVERSION INVESTIGATIONS Drug diversion investigations are serious inquiries that focus on the […]

The FINRA 8210 letter what to do if you receive one

Contents1 UNDERSTANDING THE FINRA 8210 LETTER2 WHY LOCATION MATTERS: LOCAL NUANCES IN NEW YORK3 WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PENALTIES?4 HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP WOULD DEFEND YOU5 MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES: YOU VS. FINRA6 SPECIFIC LEGAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES7 COMMON ERRORS PEOPLE MAKE8 REACH OUT TO SPODEK LAW GROUP FOR PROTECTION FINRA 8210 LETTER: WHAT IT IS AND […]

How to be compliant with cardiac testing for lab executives and cardiologists

Contents1 How to Be Compliant with Cardiac Testing for Lab Executives and Cardiologists1.1 Why Cardiac Testing Compliance Matters1.2 The Specific Gaps That Get Labs in Trouble1.3 Understanding Federal Oversight1.4 Criminal Liability and Punishments1.5 Practical Strategies for Compliance1.6 How Spodek Law Group Defends You1.7 What to Do Next1.8 FAQ Quick-Reference Table1.9 Legal Disclaimer and Final Thoughts […]

OIG investigations compliance and defense for labs

Contents1 OIG INVESTIGATIONS COMPLIANCE AND DEFENSE FOR LABS1.1 WHAT IS THE OIG?1.2 COMMON COMPLIANCE PROBLEMS LABS FACE1.3 POTENTIAL PENALTIES AND RISKS1.4 STRATEGIES FOR DEFENDING YOUR LAB1.5 OUR PHILOSOPHY AND NO-NONSENSE APPROACH1.6 HOW WE CAN HELP1.7 DISCLAIMERS OIG INVESTIGATIONS COMPLIANCE AND DEFENSE FOR LABS If your laboratory is under investigation by the Office of Inspector General […]

Can the government take my money in a health care fraud case

Contents1 Can the Government Take My Money in a Health Care Fraud Case?1.1 Understanding Asset Forfeiture1.2 Real-Life Examples of Asset Seizure1.3 Local Nuances You Must Know1.4 Penalties for Health Care Fraud Conviction1.5 How We’d Defend You at Spodek Law Group Can the Government Take My Money in a Health Care Fraud Case? If you’re accused […]

What you should do when a qui tam lawsuit has been filed against your business

Contents1 YOU JUST GOT SERVED WITH A QUI TAM LAWSUIT1.1 WHAT IS A QUI TAM LAWSUIT?1.2 WHY QUI TAM CASES ARE DIFFERENT1.3 FIRST MOVES THAT YOU SHOULD MAKE1.4 POTENTIAL PENALTIES YOU FACE1.5 STRATEGIES THAT WE USE TO DEFEND YOU1.6 OUR BRUTALLY HONEST TAKE1.7 HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP CAN HELP YOU1.8 QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS1.9 […]

Investigating health care fraud through CID

Contents1 INVESTIGATING HEALTH CARE FRAUD THROUGH CID1.1 WHAT IS A CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMAND?1.2 COMMON HEALTH CARE FRAUD SCHEMES1.3 PENALTIES AND POTENTIAL CRIMES1.4 HOW WE DEFEND YOU1.5 LEVERAGE AND MAXIMUM IMPACT1.6 THINK BIGGER, THINK BOLDER INVESTIGATING HEALTH CARE FRAUD THROUGH CID If you’re on our website right now, it’s likely because you or someone you care […]

When does the DEA get involved in health care fraud cases

Contents1 DEA INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASES1.1 WHAT IS HEALTH CARE FRAUD AND WHY DOES THE DEA CARE?1.2 WHAT PENALTIES COULD YOU FACE IF THE DEA ACCUSES YOU?1.3 HOW DOES SPODEK LAW GROUP HANDLE DEA INVESTIGATIONS?1.4 COMMON HEALTH CARE FRAUD SCHEMES THAT ATTRACT THE DEA1.5 OUR STRATEGIC ADVICE FOR CLIENTS UNDER DEA SCRUTINY1.6 FREQUENT […]

Understanding the two types of DEA search warrants

Contents1 UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES OF DEA SEARCH WARRANTS1.1 CRIMINAL SEARCH WARRANTS1.2 ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTION WARRANTS1.3 PENALTIES AND CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT1.4 HOW WE DEFEND YOU1.5 FAQ1.6 A DIRECT NOTE FROM OUR TEAM UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES OF DEA SEARCH WARRANTS If you’re on our website, it’s likely because you’re dealing with a serious legal issue in terms […]

What is a proffer agreement

WHAT IS A PROFFER AGREEMENT UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS A proffer agreement is a tool that was created to help prosecutors and individuals under investigation exchange information. If you are caught up in a criminal investigation, then you might hear the prosecutor mention a “proffer session.” What does that mean? It means you can share what […]

What information is included in a subpoena?

What information is included in a subpoena? Key pieces of information you’ll often find in a subpoena include:  Name of the Court and Case NumberThis identifies the court handling the matter and the case in which you’re being called. Parties InvolvedThe subpoena typically states who is requesting the documents or testimony, and which government agency, […]

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same?

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same? What Is a Subpoena? A subpoena is a court order telling you to appear at a proceeding—or produce documents and evidence. If you ignore it, you could be held in contempt of court. That can mean fines, even jail time. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 […]

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference?

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference? Federal Subpoenas  When a subpoena comes from a federal agency or prosecutor, it means you’re dealing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or potentially other federal authorities. Federal subpoenas often cite Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and they might compel documents, testimony, or […]

What is a subpoena ad testificandum?

Subpoena Ad Testifcandum: Understanding The Basics  What is a subpoena ad testificandum? A subpoena ad testificandum is a essentially a formal order compelling a witness to appear in court, or before a grand jury, to provide testimony. This type of subpoena focuses specifically on requiring verbal statements under oath, rather than the production of documents […]

What is an administrative subpoena?

WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA? If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you or someone close to you has received, or is worried about receiving, an administrative subpoena and wants to know what it means. Administrative subpoenas are very powerful tools used by government agencies to demand documents, records, or testimony, when they are investigating […]

What are the different types of subpoenas?