Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:18 pm

Building Your Defense: Finding the Right Lawyer for SNAP Fraud Allegations

If your grocery store or supermarket is being investigated or charged for alleged SNAP benefit trafficking or fraud, having the right legal representation could make all the difference in your business avoiding fines, penalties and prosecution. SNAP fraud is taken very seriously by state and federal authorities, so having an attorney experienced with these complex cases is critical.

Why SNAP Fraud Defense Matters

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) fraud occurs when recipients or retailers unlawfully obtain or use SNAP benefits. Allegations against retailers typically involve:

• Trafficking benefits for cash
• Accepting benefits for ineligible items
• Overcharging benefits accounts
• Accepting benefits from blacklisted recipients

You need a lawyer experienced with the intricacies of SNAP regulations, investigative methods, and defense strategies. Penalties for retailers can include:

• Hundreds of thousands in fines and penalties
• Permanent SNAP disqualification
• Asset forfeiture
• Federal criminal prosecution

Having the right legal advocate can help avoid the most severe consequences and protect your business.

Finding a Lawyer With SNAP Fraud Experience

When researching counsel, prioritize these markers of expertise with SNAP cases:

• SNAP audit experience – Has represented retailers facing audits and allegations before.
• State SNAP knowledge – Extensive experience with your state’s specific SNAP laws and procedures.
• Federal experience – SNAP is a federal program, so federal criminal defense expertise is invaluable.
• Investigation insights – Understanding how investigators build cases can help undermine them.

An attorney seasoned in successfully defending SNAP cases can strategically protect your business interests.

Where to Find Top SNAP Fraud Defense Lawyers

Avenues to find skilled counsel include:

• State bar association – Check if they have a section for lawyers experienced with SNAP cases.
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Search their member directory by state and practice area.
• Courtroom observations – Watch lawyers defending related cases to evaluate their skills.
• Online legal directories – Search for lawyers prominently experienced with food stamp fraud.
• Fellow retailers – Ask trusted retailers if they have recommendations for competent counsel.

Vet candidates thoroughly before formally retaining one. Check case records, seek client reviews, and verify their credentials.

Top Priorities in Selecting SNAP Fraud Counsel

As you evaluate potential hires, prioritize these vital attributes:

• Subject matter expertise – Extensively experienced with the intricacies of SNAP compliance and defense.
• Record of success – Demonstrated results getting cases dismissed and penalties mitigated or avoided.
• Resources – Sufficient resources to mount a vigorous defense with independent experts if needed.
• Communication skills – Clearly explains legal strategy and case developments in understandable language.
• Responsiveness – Makes themselves available to promptly address your needs and questions.

Choosing a lawyer stellar across these dimensions provides the greatest advantage in confronting SNAP fraud allegations.

Questions to Ask Prospective SNAP Fraud Lawyers

Key questions to ask during an initial consultation include:

• – How many SNAP defense cases have you handled, and were the outcomes favorable?
• – Are you familiar with the specific investigators and prosecutors who may be involved in building a case against my business?
• – What are the immediate steps you would take to protect my business interests if I retained you today?
• – If criminal charges were pursued, what defenses have you used to successfully avoid convictions in past cases?
• – Would you represent my business yourself from start to finish?

Their experience defending similar cases and commitment to personalized representation will be evident in their responses.

Information to Provide Prospective Lawyers

To enable attorneys to properly evaluate your situation from the outset, share details like:

• – Type of allegations you are facing (trafficking, overcharging, ineligible items etc)
• – Summary of evidence presented against your business thus far
• – Identities of any informants or cooperating witnesses
• – Your typical SNAP transaction volumes and practices
• – Background on any disgruntled current/former employees who may have incentive to make false allegations

Providing this overview arms counsel with key facts to immediately formulate an effective defense strategy.

Take Time to Find the Right SNAP Fraud Lawyer

SNAP fraud allegations can have devastating financial and reputational consequences if not properly addressed. Leverage the guidance above to identify competent legal counsel experienced defending businesses like yours. With an experienced lawyer guiding you, the prospect of preserving your business and protecting your interests is greatly enhanced.