For the State of Illinois, Sometimes Crime Does Pay

 Posted on December 27, 2012 in Criminal Defense

U.S. Attorney Stephen Wigginton recently announced that the Southern District of Illinois has collected more than $8 million dollars in civil and criminal actions so far this fiscal year. The breakdown of the funds collected consisted of $6,553,351.74 collected in civil and $2,248,737.31 collected in criminal actions, for a total of $8,802,089.05.

According to a report in the Madison-St. Clair Record, a significant portion of funds recovered – $4,836,822 – came about through civil settlements with several hospitals for alleged Stark Law violations. Stark Law prevents physicians from making patient referrals to other providers or organizations in which they have a financial interest. The allegations against the hospitals that settled included collecting rent from physicians on expired office space lease agreements or equipment lease agreements, payments made to physicians or physician groups for independent contractor agreements, services agreements, recruitment agreements, and employment agreements in which the agreements were expired, not in writing, and/or the parties failed to follow the terms of the written contract.

Also collected so far this fiscal year was an additional $1,394,686.00 in criminal and civil forfeitures. Forfeiture is the government seizure of property connected to illegal activity. Criminal forfeiture is when the government is allowed to seize someone’s property as part of a convicted defendant’s sentence. A civil forfeiture can be allowed even before a charge or a conviction if the government can show a preponderance of the evidence standard.

If the government is attempting to seize your property, and are charged with a criminal offense, you need to contact a qualified Illinois defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected.