Federal Case Locations · Houston
Houston Health Care Fraud Defense Lawyer
Houston is one of the most active health care fraud enforcement centers in the country. Former federal prosecutor John R. Teakell defends physicians, clinic owners, pharmacists and other providers in the Southern District of Texas.
Health Care Fraud Defense
Health Care Fraud Cases in Houston
The Department of Justice has long operated a Health Care Fraud Strike Force in Houston, pairing federal prosecutors with agents from the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. With one of the largest medical communities in the world, the Houston area produces a steady stream of Medicare, Medicaid and private-insurance fraud investigations.
Cases filed here are heard in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, where judges and prosecutors see complex billing and kickback cases regularly. That experience cuts both ways — the government knows how to build these cases, and your defense needs to be ready for it.
Charges Commonly Brought in Houston Health Care Cases
Health Care Fraud
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1347, knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a health care benefit program carries up to 10 years in prison, and more if a patient is seriously injured.
Kickbacks
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute makes it a felony to offer or pay anything of value to induce referrals for services paid by federal health care programs.
Conspiracy and Wire Fraud
Prosecutors frequently add conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 1349) and wire fraud counts, allowing them to charge multiple people in the same practice or network.
Money Laundering and Forfeiture
Moving or spending alleged proceeds can bring money laundering charges and the forfeiture of bank accounts, property and business assets.
What to Expect
How John Teakell Handles Your Case
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Free, Confidential Consultation
Speak directly with John about what is happening — whether agents have contacted you, you have received a subpoena or target letter, or you have already been charged.
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Case Review & Strategy
John reviews the charges, the evidence and the government’s theory, then lays out your options and a defense strategy built around the facts of your case.
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Personal, Aggressive Defense
From negotiations with prosecutors through trial and sentencing, John handles your case personally — you are never passed to a junior associate.
How John Teakell Defends Health Care Providers
Health care fraud cases are won or lost on the details: billing codes, medical necessity, documentation, and what each person actually knew. John works with billing and medical experts to test the government’s data analysis and to show where honest mistakes, ambiguous rules or other people’s conduct explain the numbers.
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Early intervention during an audit, civil investigative demand or grand jury subpoena
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Independent review of claims data and the government’s loss figures
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Protecting your professional license and practice alongside the criminal case
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Negotiation, trial and sentencing advocacy in the Southern District of Texas
Why Those Charged with Serious Crimes
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney John Teakell
Anyone charged with a Texas state felony or federal crime risks losing their freedom and livelihood. John R. Teakell has decades of experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney.
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What Clients Say About Working With John
“
The Best Lawyer I’ve used. He gets results and dose what he says he will do. My lawyer for life should I ever need one again. Just Great results!
— Troy Bowen
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John is very patient and understanding man! He took the time to answer all my questions. John really goes out of his way to ensure that you’re on the same page. I’d highly recommend him!! Look no further! Call him!
— Marco
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I cant say nothing but good things about this man. John Teakell is a fighter and he knows criminal law very well. He is helping me on a very delicate matter. He has called me several times late at night answering some concerns that I had, that only showed me that no matter how late it was, he cared enough to call me after a long hard day at work. He takes the time to listen and that goes a long way. Cant be anymore happier with his services!
— Joseph Berlanga
Questions Clients Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged if my billing staff made the mistakes?
Health care fraud requires proof that you acted knowingly and willfully. Errors made by others, unclear billing rules and good-faith mistakes are common defenses — but the government will look closely at what you knew and when.
What should I do if HHS-OIG or the FBI contacts me?
Do not agree to an interview or produce records until you have spoken with a defense attorney. Early representation can shape whether and how charges are brought.
Will a health care fraud case affect my medical license?
It can. A federal case can lead to exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid and to licensing board action, so your defense should address both from the start.
Learn More
More About Federal Defense in Houston
Facing Federal Charges?
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Get a response within 24 hours. For immediate assistance, text or call (469) 628-4127.
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