Whistleblowing is not illegal in Maryland. In fact, our state offers protections to whistleblowers and encourages them to report any wrongdoing they discover, including fraud, corruption, waste, and abuse.
Several agencies in the federal government also provide protection to whistleblowers. You can learn more about these protections and the legalities of reporting misconduct from a Towson whistleblower lawyer.
Can You Legally Engage in Whistleblowing in Maryland?
Yes, you can legally report wrongdoing by a business, agency, or organization in Maryland through whistleblowing. The state even protects individuals who engage in whistleblowing from retaliation.
A lawyer can provide detailed information about these protections and an overview of Maryland whistleblower laws. You can also secure information about federal whistleblower rights and protections that support those who take a stand against fraud and corruption.
Your attorney can help you learn more about filing this kind of report with the government and answer questions like, “Is whistleblowing illegal in Maryland?”
Defining Whistleblowing
What does being a whistleblower mean? Acting as a whistleblower means reporting on abuse, waste, corruption, fraud, or other wrongful actions. Generally, whistleblowers report on the improper actions of big companies or even governmental agencies.
In many situations, whistleblowers report as employees of a company or agency. However, you can report as an outsider if you discover evidence of misconduct.
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How Do You Legally Blow the Whistle in Maryland?
You can legally engage in whistleblowing by officially reporting misconduct to the appropriate governmental agency. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to make a report through the:
- SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) Whistleblower Program
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Whistleblower Program
- FCA (False Claims Act)
Your attorney can provide information about the agency you need to contact when reporting misconduct, so you can feel confident that the details you share will reach the proper organization to effect change.
Before you report fraud or other forms of misconduct, you need to take several steps to prepare. You should:
- Gather evidence and document all of your concerns
- Collect information about who engaged in misconduct and their specific actions
- Study your protections and rights, including anti-retaliation laws
- Avoid discussing your concerns with colleagues or friends
- Keep your preparations off of social media
Your attorney can help you prepare for the whistleblowing process. You can feel more confident about your next steps by finding a lawyer who has experience with these kinds of cases. Your lawyer can also explain other potential issues associated with whistleblowing, like concerns about your confidentiality.
Types of Whistleblowing
Individuals engage in many different types of legal whistleblowing in Maryland. For example, depending on your circumstances, you may choose to report:
- Pharmaceutical fraud
- Healthcare fraud, including fraud involving Medicaid or Medicare
- Government contract or program fraud
- Investment or financial fraud
- Tax fraud
Other forms of fraud may also necessitate someone to blow the whistle on the party engaging in corruption.
Why People Choose to Engage in Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is legal in Maryland but can still result in illegal retaliation that could have severe consequences. So, why do people still choose to blow the whistle on misconduct, fraud, and corruption? Many people take this step because they believe in holding the at-fault parties accountable for their wrongful actions.
Additionally, some whistleblowers receive financial awards for the information they provide to the government. Your lawyer can provide more information about the potential awards available in your situation so you understand all parts of the whistleblowing process.
Protecting Your Rights, Pursuing Justice.
Start Your Claim TodayA Lawyer Can Help You Deal with Retaliation
In many cases, businesses that engage in corrupt behavior will try to retaliate against whistleblowers. For example, if you report your employer to the government for tax evasion, your employer may fire you.
A lawyer can step in to assist you in the aftermath of retaliation. You may have a chance to bring a claim against the party responsible for the retaliatory actions, potentially securing compensation to cover the effects of this action.
You can learn more about your options in this situation with a law firm that you can trust right here in Maryland.
Talk to Us About the Legality of Whistleblowing
Is whistleblowing illegal in Maryland? No. You can legally report an individual or organization for engaging in corruption, fraud, or other illicit activities. In fact, both our state and federal governments offer protections to whistleblowers.
Our team at Keilty Bonadio can help you learn more about the whistleblowing process. We have over fifty years of combined experience and can support you during this challenging time.
We can help you determine if you have a valid reason to blow the whistle, prepare you for the process, and step in to assist if you face retaliation. We’re dedicated to serving our community and want to help with any hurdles you face when reporting misconduct and fraud.
