How You Can Help Your Attorney Prepare Your Healthcare Fraud Defense
Facing allegations of white-collar crimes such as healthcare fraud or financial fraud can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The stakes are high; your reputation, career, and even your freedom may be on the line. In these situations, working closely with an experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney is essential. But your lawyer cannot—and should not—do all the work alone. There are many ways you can play an active role in helping prepare your defense. The more effectively you assist your attorney, the better positioned they will be to protect your rights and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Read on for a discussion about the role you can play in preparing your defense. If you are actively under investigation for healthcare fraud or financial fraud in California, or if charges have been filed against you, contact The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman for expert advice from an experienced Los Angeles white-collar criminal defense lawyer.
Be Honest and Forthcoming
The most important thing you can do is be completely honest with your attorney from the very beginning. Your conversations with your lawyer are protected by attorney-client privilege, which means you can—and should—share everything, even information that you think might hurt your case. Omissions or misstatements can undermine your defense strategy and lead to unexpected complications later on. Remember, your attorney is there to defend you, not to judge you. The more they know, the more effectively they can plan your defense.
Organize and Provide Relevant Documents
White-collar cases are document-heavy by nature. Whether you’re accused of billing fraud, embezzlement, securities violations, or other financial misconduct, paperwork will likely be central to the government’s case—and your defense. Start gathering all relevant documents as soon as possible. This might include:
- Emails and correspondence
- Financial records and bank statements
- Contracts and business agreements
- Invoices, receipts, or billing records
- Internal reports or compliance documentation
Your attorney may also request access to digital files, accounting software, or archived data. Try to organize these materials logically—by date, subject, or type—so your legal team can review them more efficiently. Avoid editing or withholding anything. If you’re unsure whether a document is relevant, err on the side of sharing it.
Write Down What You Remember
Memories can fade quickly, especially under stress. Take time early on to write down a clear and detailed account of the events surrounding the allegations. Include dates, names, places, and conversations, and note anything that might seem important—even if it seems minor. This kind of personal narrative can be a valuable resource for your attorney, particularly if your version of events differs from the government’s. Also, document any interactions you’ve had with investigators, auditors, or law enforcement officers, no matter how brief.
Identify Potential Witnesses
Think about who else may have relevant knowledge of the circumstances of your case. This could include coworkers, supervisors, clients, vendors, or anyone else who might be able to corroborate your version of events or shed light on practices within your business or organization. Provide your attorney with their names, contact information, and a brief summary of what you believe each person might know. Your attorney can then assess whether those individuals might be useful as witnesses or sources of helpful background information.
Follow Legal Advice and Instructions
Once your attorney takes on your case, trust their judgment and follow their instructions carefully. This might include staying off social media, limiting contact with certain individuals, or avoiding specific topics in public. What you say or do—online or offline—can be used against you. Your lawyer will guide you on how to protect yourself, but it’s up to you to follow through.
In some cases, your attorney may ask you to undergo interviews, gather additional records, or attend strategy meetings. Respond promptly and take these requests seriously. Being proactive and cooperative can make a significant difference in how your case progresses.
Communicate Clearly and Responsibly
Open and clear communication is key to an effective attorney-client relationship. Make sure your lawyer knows how to reach you and update your contact information if it changes. Respond to phone calls, emails, or meeting requests promptly. If you’re unclear about something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your attorney is there to help you understand the process and your legal options. The more engaged you are in your defense, the better equipped your attorney will be to represent you.
Stay Calm and Patient
Legal proceedings can be slow, and white-collar investigations are often complex. It’s natural to feel anxious or impatient, but remember that building a strong defense takes time. Your attorney may be dealing with thousands of pages of evidence, coordinating with experts, and negotiating with prosecutors behind the scenes. Trust that the legal strategy is unfolding deliberately and that every step is designed to serve your best interests.
A Team Effort for the Best Possible Outcome
At The Law Offices of Stanley L. Friedman, we believe that effective legal representation is a team effort. As your defense attorney, Mr. Friedman brings decades of experience in white-collar criminal law, with a focus on defending professionals accused of healthcare fraud, financial crimes, and other complex federal charges. But your role as the client is equally critical. By providing honest information, organizing documents, identifying witnesses, and maintaining open communication, you empower your attorney to build the most robust defense possible.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar crime in Los Angeles, contact our office in Beverly Hills today. We are ready to fight for your rights, protect your reputation, and work with you to pursue the best possible outcome.
