Louisville, Boulder And Denver Whistleblower Attorney
Exposing corporate fraud or fighting unpaid wage issues takes immense courage and clear legal strategy. I am attorney Scott F. Reese. At Scott F. Reese P.C., I use my more than 31 years of legal experience as an employment law attorney to protect whistleblowers and guide businesses across Louisville, Denver, Boulder County and Jefferson County.
Whether you are an employee reporting government fraud or an employer facing a state investigation, I can help you understand your legal rights and act with confidence.
Understanding The Colorado False Claims Act And Qui Tam Actions
Under the Colorado False Claims Act (HB22-1119), private individuals can file a lawsuit, known as a qui tam action, on behalf of the state if they discover that a person or business knowingly defrauded the government. This law empowers workers to expose financial misconduct while offering substantial legal protections and monetary rewards. As a Louisville and Denver whistleblower attorney, I guide clients through these sensitive state claims.
When You Can File A Qui Tam Claim In Colorado
Workers and private citizens can initiate qui tam cases in Colorado when they uncover specific types of public fraud. Common grounds for filing include:
- Submitting false or fraudulent invoices, statements or records to the state for payment
- Delivering less public money or property than owed to state or local authorities
- Unlawfully purchasing public property from government officials who lack the authority to sell it
- Making false statements to conceal, decrease or avoid paying debts owed to the state
- Using false records to cause unemployment premium underpayments or obtain over $15,000 in improper unemployment benefits annually
- Conspiring with others to commit any false claim against public funds
The Colorado Attorney General investigates these reports and may intervene directly in the civil lawsuit. When private citizens successfully prosecute qui tam cases, they can receive between 15% and 30% of the recovered funds, plus civil penalties ranging from $11,800 to $23,600 per violation. State law strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against anyone who reports or investigates public fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whistleblower And Qui Tam Lawsuits
Understanding your rights under state law helps you take the right steps when reporting illegal activity. Here are answers to common questions about whistleblower cases to get you started.
Are there differences between whistleblower and qui tam cases?
Yes. Whistleblower cases broadly involve reporting illegal activity or safety violations at your workplace, protecting you from retaliation. A qui tam action is a specific type of whistleblower lawsuit where you sue a fraudster on behalf of the government to recover stolen public money.
What evidence is needed for whistleblower and qui tam cases?
You need concrete documentation showing that an entity knowingly committed fraud against the state. This evidence typically includes internal emails, accounting ledgers, altered invoices, text messages and witness testimony showing intentional wrongdoing rather than simple billing mistakes.
How can an attorney help with the process?
An attorney can evaluate your evidence, prepare your confidential legal filing, and present your case to government prosecutors. Your lawyer can also shield you against unlawful employer retaliation throughout the legal process.
Take Action Today To Protect Your Rights
If you suspect government fraud or face workplace violations, do not wait to seek legal help from a skilled Louisville, Boulder and Denver whistleblower attorney. Contact me at Scott F. Reese P.C. to review your case in confidence. Call my office at 720-805-9433 or email me today to schedule your free consultation.