Government contract fraud is a serious crime that can result in significant fines and prison time. If you have been charged with this type of crime, it is important to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to assess the specific facts of your case and advise you on the best defense strategy for your situation. In this post, we’ll help you to understand what this crime is, how to defend it, and what your next steps should be if accused. Let’s begin!
What is government contract fraud and what are the penalties for committing this crime?
Government contract fraud is a serious white-collar crime that can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. This crime occurs when a person or company knowingly submits false information in order to obtain a government contract.
The false information may relate to the price of the goods or services being offered, the quality of the products, or the terms of the contract. In some cases, government contract fraud may also involve kickbacks or bribery. Federal law prohibits anyone from knowingly making false statements or submitting false documents in order to obtain a government contract.
The penalties for this crime can include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. If the value of the government contract is more than $1 million, the maximum prison sentence increases to 10 years.
If you have been charged with government contract fraud, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
How do people commit government contract fraud?
People commit government contract fraud in a number of ways. Perhaps the most common is billing for work that was never performed. This can be done by submitting false invoices or using inflated hourly rates.
Other types of fraud include using substandard materials, kickbacks, and bribery. In some cases, people have been convicted of fraud even when there was no actual loss to the government. For example, if a contract requires the use of certain materials and the contractor instead uses cheaper substitutes, they may be guilty of fraud.
People who commit government contract fraud can face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. As a result, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are under investigation for this type of crime.
What are some common examples of government contract fraud?
Contract fraud is a type of white-collar crime that often results in criminal charges. The most common examples of government contract fraud include bid rigging, kickbacks, and false billing. In a typical case of bid rigging, companies collude to fix prices and divide up the market for goods or services that are being procured by the government.
This type of fraud deprives the government of the benefit of competition and typically results in inflated prices. Kickbacks are another common form of government contract fraud. They occur when a company agrees to pay a portion of its profits to a government official in exchange for being awarded a contract.
False billing is another common form of fraud that occurs when a company submits false invoices to the government in order to receive payment for goods or services that were never actually provided.
Government contract fraud is a serious crime that can result in significant fines and prison time. If you have been charged with this type of crime, it is important to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
What are the defenses to a charge of government contract fraud?
There are several defenses that can be raised in a government contract fraud case. One is that the defendant lacked the intent to defraud the government. In order to be convicted of fraud, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant acted with the intention of dishonestly obtaining a benefit or causing a loss.
If the defendant can show that they did not act with this intent, then they may be able to avoid a conviction. Another defense is that the defendant did not actually commit fraud. This can be difficult to prove, but if the defendant has evidence that they did not engage in any fraudulent activities, then they may be able to convince the court that they are not guilty.
Finally, the defendant may also argue that the government did not suffer any actual losses as a result of the fraud. If the government cannot demonstrate that it incurred any damages, then the defendant may be able to avoid a conviction.
These are just some of the possible defenses to a charge of government contract fraud. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to assess the specific facts of your case and advise you on the best defense strategy for your situation.
Throughout his career, John Teakell has defended many cases of alleged government contract fraud. He’s been able to win dismissals or mitigate the impact of final judgments and settlements. He is ready to do the same for you. Mr. Teakell is well-equipped to tackle each piece of evidence from start to finish and help you fight for your freedom. Contact him today for a free consultation.
