YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Client Testimonials
5
THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.
The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.
So, you’ve received a letter from the USDA, alleging SNAP violations at your store. It’s a daunting situation, we get it. But, don’t panic. You’re not alone in this fight. At Spodek Law Group, we’re here to guide you through this challenging time, every step of the way.
Understanding SNAP Violations
First things first, let’s break down what SNAP violations actually mean. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. As a retailer accepting SNAP benefits, you‘re required to comply with a set of strict rules and regulations set forth by the USDA.Violations can occur when a store engages in activities such as:
Trafficking SNAP benefits (exchanging them for cash or non-food items)
Allowing the purchase of ineligible items (alcohol, tobacco, etc.)
Submitting false information on the SNAP retailer application
Accepting SNAP benefits from unauthorized individuals
Even unintentional mistakes can result in severe penalties, including fines, temporary disqualification, or permanent disqualification from the SNAP program. This can significantly impact your business‘s revenue and reputation.
The Importance of Prompt Action
When you receive a SNAP violation notice, time is of the essence. You have only 10 days to respond, and failure to do so can result in the USDA making a decision without your input. This is where our experienced SNAP violation attorneys can make a difference.At Spodek Law Group, we understand the urgency of these situations, and we act swiftly to protect your rights and interests. Our attorneys will thoroughly review the allegations against you, gather evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Our Comprehensive Approach
Our approach to SNAP violation cases is comprehensive and thorough. We will:
Carefully analyze the USDA’s evidence and allegations against you
Investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged violations
Gather and present evidence to support your defense
Represent you during administrative hearings and appeals processes
Negotiate with the USDA to seek the best possible outcome for your case
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with you, ensuring you are informed and involved in every step. Our goal is to protect your business and minimize the potential consequences of a SNAP violation.
Experienced Representation Matters
Navigating the complexities of SNAP regulations and defending against violations requires specialized legal expertise. At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience handling SNAP violation cases across the United States. We understand the nuances of the law and the strategies that can be employed to achieve favorable outcomes.Don’t risk your business‘s future by attempting to handle a SNAP violation on your own. Our team is here to provide the skilled representation you need during this challenging time.
Common SNAP Violation Scenarios
Let’s dive into some common SNAP violation scenarios that our clients face:
Scenario 1: Store Credit
Store credit is the most common issue giving rise to numerous transactions in a short period of time. Here‘s how it typically happens:
A customer runs a balance with the store when they run out of money on their EBT card
The customer returns to the store once they receive their benefits replenishment from the USDA
The customer pays off their balance from the previous month
Within seconds, the customer makes a new purchase
While this might seem like a harmless practice, it’s actually illegal. Store credit is not permitted under SNAP regulations.
We’ve heard numerous stories of undercover USDA agents using aggressive tactics to entrap store owners. They might pressure you to bend the rules or engage in transactions that violate SNAP regulations.If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to remain calm and adhere to the regulations. Don’t let the pressure of the moment lead you to make decisions that could jeopardize your business.
Scenario 3: Unintentional Mistakes
Sometimes, SNAP violations occur due to unintentional mistakes or misunderstandings. Perhaps a new employee wasn’t properly trained on SNAP regulations, or an item was miscategorized in your system.While these mistakes might seem minor, they can still result in violations and penalties. That’s why it‘s essential to have robust training and compliance measures in place to minimize the risk of unintentional violations.
The Consequences of SNAP Violations
The consequences of SNAP violations can be severe and far-reaching. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, you could face:
Substantial fines that can run into thousands of dollars
Temporary disqualification from the SNAP program, typically ranging from six months to five years
Permanent disqualification from the SNAP program, effectively barring your store from accepting EBT payments
These penalties can have a devastating impact on your business, especially if a significant portion of your revenue comes from SNAP transactions. That’s why it‘s crucial to take SNAP violations seriously and seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible.
Defending Your Business
When you receive a SNAP violation notice, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But, remember, you have the right to defend your business and fight the allegations.Our team at Spodek Law Group is here to guide you through the process and build a strong defense on your behalf. We’ll work tirelessly to gather evidence, analyze the USDA’s case, and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation.We understand that every case is different, and we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll take the time to listen to your side of the story, understand your concerns, and provide you with the personalized attention you deserve.
The Importance of Compliance
While our team is here to defend you against SNAP violations, it‘s also essential to focus on compliance moving forward. Implementing robust compliance measures can help prevent future violations and protect your business in the long run.Some key compliance measures to consider include:
Regularly training your employees on SNAP regulations and proper transaction procedures
Implementing a system to track and monitor SNAP transactions
Conducting internal audits to identify potential issues or areas for improvement
Staying up-to-date with any changes or updates to SNAP regulations
By prioritizing compliance, you can minimize the risk of future violations and demonstrate your commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.
