Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Rising Tide Of Cryptocurrency Fraud
Once an obscure financial tool, cryptocurrency has become a mainstream investment and transactional medium. With this rise, however, has come an increase in fraudulent activities. According to a report by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), cryptocurrency fraud losses surged to over $5.6 billion in 2023—a 45% increase from 2022. The number of… Read More »
Ethical Dilemmas In Defending Medical Professionals
Defending medical professionals in high-profile cases presents unique ethical dilemmas. Health care attorneys must balance patient care, professional integrity, and legal obligations, often facing tough decisions. Medical professionals hold positions of trust, and any legal defense must account for the potential impact on patient welfare, the physician’s reputation, and broader medical ethics. This blog… Read More »
Physician Self-Referral Law: Navigating Section 1877 Of The Social Security Act
Physicians who refer patients for designated health services (DHS) under Medicare to entities they have a financial relationship with may be in violation of Section 1877 of the Social Security Act, also known as the physician self-referral law or the Stark Law. This law prohibits such referrals unless specific exceptions apply. Violations can result… Read More »
Phantom Billing Is A Serious Criminal Charge For Physicians
Phantom billing is a form of healthcare fraud that involves billing for services, visits, or medical supplies that a patient never received. Physicians and medical professionals implicated in phantom billing can face severe legal consequences, including criminal charges, civil penalties, and professional repercussions. This type of fraud not only defrauds insurance providers, including Medicare… Read More »
The Role Of Intent In Criminal Law
In criminal law, intent is a crucial element that can determine the outcome of a case. When someone is charged with a crime, proving intent—or lack thereof—can be the difference between conviction and acquittal. An experienced Florida criminal defense attorney has the training, experience, and expertise to understand what intent means in a criminal… Read More »
Defendants Indicted In Health Care Fraud Scheme Targeting Medicare And Medicaid
The recent indictment of seven individuals across multiple states for a $40 million scheme to defraud Medicare and Colorado Medicaid through fraudulent genetic testing claims demonstrates the serious legal consequences of health care fraud. The case highlights how fraudulent activities can target government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, with the perpetrators using kickbacks, bribes,… Read More »
Medical Licensing At Risk: How Doctors Can Defend Their Careers Against Fraud Accusations
Fraud allegations pose a significant threat to a physician’s career, as they can result in the suspension or revocation of a medical license. These accusations not only carry criminal penalties but also professional consequences that may end a doctor’s ability to practice. When facing fraud allegations, defending a medical license is critical to a… Read More »
What Every Healthcare Provider Should Know About The False Claims Act
The False Claims Act (FCA) is a law designed to protect government healthcare programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, from being overcharged or misled. If healthcare providers submit claims they know—or should know—are false, they could face serious penalties, including hefty fines. Each false claim submitted can result in fines of up to three times… Read More »
Former South Florida Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced To Four Months In Prison For Pandemic-Related Loan Fraud
On August 28th, 2024, the Miami Herald a former law enforcement deputy from Broward County will serve four months in prison after being convicted for pandemic-related loan fraud. Alexandra Acosta—a ten-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff’s Office—was convicted of defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of more than $20,000. Here, our Orlando… Read More »
Arrest Warrant Issued For Man Accused Of Practicing Medicine Without License In Central Florida
On September 3rd, 2024, WESH 2 News reported that a man from Central Florida is facing an arrest warrant for practicing medicine without a license. Juan Carlos Ignacio Muñoz Melgar is accused of committing the offense in Orlando and St. Cloud. Here, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer discusses the allegations and the… Read More »
