[sterling]

I must plead guilty to felony fraud by 2/14/08 for billing Tricare for $2,578.00. The billing was coded incorrectly. The difference between how it was billed and how it should of been billed is $160.00. I have to stand befor a judge and say I knowingly defrauded the government. If I do not do this the Federal investigators will add Obstruction of Justice and various other charges which will increase the sentencing guidelines. My question is once I am a convicted felon (just of not) I no longer have the ability to earn a living. I pay $700.00 a month in child support. What happens when I can't pay for may childrens support much less keep a roof over my head? Will the state of Virginia be waiting for me with hand cuffs? My attorney told me that when you enter the Federal venue, you enter a third world country. You have no rights. The Feds have stated that even thought there is a Freedom of Information act I or a representative may not have access to any evidence.

[LawResearcherMissy]

Felony convictions of any sort do not automatically bar you from ever working again. They do, however, keep you out of jobs that involve handling money - except possibly waiting tables, if you work for a family owned establishment that doesn't do background checks - and out of most higher paying jobs.

If you are unable to meet your support obligations, should you not be able to find employment sufficient to support yourself, you may be able to petition for a temporary reduction in support.