New Jersey COVID Fraud Lawyers Advocate on Behalf of Those Charged with Federal Crimes Relating to Alleged Defrauding of COVID Relief Programs
The federal government is vigorously investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of engaging in fraudulent schemes in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, including fraudulent claims for government benefits or fraudulently contracting to provide COVID-19 testing or personal protective equipment. If you’ve been indicted for a fraud crime in connection with the pandemic, turn to the COVID-19 fraud defense attorneys at Agre & St. John to help you defend your freedom and future. With seven decades of criminal law experience, our attorneys have seen cases from both sides of the courtroom. Our experience gives us unique insight into how prosecutors prepare cases, allowing us to develop tailored strategies and solutions to secure great results for our clients under the circumstances of their cases.
If you’ve been accused of engaging in COVID-19 fraud, you need experienced legal help to protect your rights and reputation. Contact Agre & St. John for a free initial case review to speak with our New Jersey COVID fraud lawyers about your options for pursuing a favorable resolution to your charges.
When facing federal charges, trust Agre & St. John's experienced attorneys to mount a vigorous defense and protect your rights in complex federal criminal cases. Call 856-454-8674 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation.
What Is “COVID Fraud”?
The term “COVID fraud” refers to a wide range of fraudulent conduct relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government created numerous programs and benefits to respond to the pandemic, with some people seeking to fraudulently obtain government benefits and services. Specific examples of COVID-19 fraud include:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud – The Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, provided loans to businesses, with the intent that the loaned funds would be used to keep furloughed employees on the payroll until businesses could resume operations. However, businesses are being investigated for various kinds of fraudulent activity, including willful inaccuracies on PPP loan applications or laying off employees after receiving PPP funds.
- Unemployment benefits fraud – The federal government also funded various unemployment benefits programs for workers who were furloughed or laid off due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Individuals who misrepresented their eligibility for benefits may be charged with fraud.
- COVID-19 testing reimbursement fraud – Laboratories and healthcare providers have been investigated for submitting fraudulent Medicare/Medicaid claims for COVID-19 testing, including billing for tests that were never performed or billing under higher-paying reimbursement codes (“upcoding”).
- COVID-19 testing kit fraud – Suppliers or retailers may be investigated for selling COVID-19 testing kits not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or for misrepresenting the accuracy of testing kits.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) fraud – Companies who were contracted to source personal protective equipment may be investigated after allegations that those suppliers never intended to procure PPE or knew they lacked sources of acquiring PPE to fulfill contracts.
- Hoarding/price gouging – Federal investigators may target individuals or organizations who engaged in hoarding of PPE and other scarce items during the early pandemic with the intent to resell items at a highly-inflated markup.
- Tax fraud – Taxpayers who knowingly claimed tax credits and benefits created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that they were ineligible to claim can face charges of tax fraud or evasion.
Don't face federal charges alone – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's skilled defense team to understand your options and build a robust defense strategy.
How Can the COVID-19 Fraud Defense Attorneys of Agre & St. John Help You Face Federal Criminal Charges?
Because of the high potential for fraud and abuse of government resources during the early pandemic, federal prosecutors vigorously pursue criminal charges against those suspected of engaging in fraudulent schemes related to COVID-19. If you’ve been accused of defrauding the federal government or other parties with respect to COVID benefits, goods, or services, you need strong legal advocacy to protect your rights and interests. Let the New Jersey COVID fraud lawyers at Agre & St. John fight for your freedom and future by:
- Investigating the charges against you to recover all available evidence, rather than simply relying on the prosecution to turn over its evidence
- Taking the time to explain your charges and possible outcomes in your case and answer any question you have to empower you to make informed decisions at each stage of the case
- Identifying potential defenses and case strategies that may help you achieve a favorable resolution to your case
- Fighting the government’s case at every turn, including filing motions to exclude inadmissible or unlawfully obtained evidence or to reduce or dismiss your charges for lack of sufficient evidence to support probable cause
- Pursuing the best possible outcome for you, whether that means negotiating a plea deal if appropriate, or advocating in your defense at trial when you choose to contest your charges
Contact Us for a Free Confidential Consultation to Learn More About Your Legal Options from Our New Jersey COVID Fraud Lawyers
When you’ve been charged with federal criminal offenses for COVID-19 fraud, turn to Agre & St. John for experienced legal representation. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss how our COVID-19 fraud defense attorneys can assist you with an effective case strategy to pursue the best possible outcome to your charges.
