Administrative Proceedings

Our clients who have been charged with insurance fraud frequently find themselves dealing with a number of governmental agencies. There may first be an administrative investigation handled by local or federal authorities. An example of the investigating agency at the state level in Florida might be the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. If the case is federally investigated, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight may become involved for health insurance or Medicare or Medicaid fraud. Insurance Fraud Attorney Michelle Estlund assists her clients with navigating the administrative investigation process and helps them decide whether to provide information, to reach a stipulated settlement, or to demand a hearing on the alleged violations.

Criminal Proceedings

It may be that in addition to an administrative investigation, our client faces a criminal investigation as well. When cases are criminally prosecuted, the investigating agency may be the local police department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or at the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Michelle Estlund assists clients with deciding whether and when to communicate with investigating officers and agents, how to prepare for a possible arrest, and guides them through the process of the bond hearing, the arraignment, the discovery phase, and the resolution or trial of the case.

Licensing Issues

Many clients who are facing insurance administrative and criminal investigations for insurance fraud also hold professional licenses. Our representation often includes helping clients protect their licenses and their ability to earn a living in their chosen profession once their cases are resolved.