212-300-5196

Service & Results.

nyc criminal lawyers over 30 years of experienceWe Know How To Win Cases

Spodek Law Group handles tough cases
nationwide, that demand excellence.

Get Free Consultation

Faced 5+ Years in Prison

People Vs Joseph Amico

Covered by NYDaily News. Las Vegas man accused of threatening a prominent attorney and making vile remarks.

Faced 10+ Years in Prison

People Vs. Anna Sorokin

Covered by New York Times, and other outlets. Fake heiress accused of conning the city’s wealthy, and has an HBO special being made about her.

Faced 3+ Years in Prison

People Vs. Genevieve Sabourin

Accused of stalking Alec Baldwin. The case garnered nationwide attention, with USAToday, NYPost, and other media outlets following it closely.

Faced Potential Charges

Ghislaine Maxwell Juror

Juror who prompted calls for new Ghislaine Maxwell trial turns to lawyer who defended Anna Sorokin.

Why Choose Us

Clients can use our portal to track the status of their case, stay in touch with us, upload documents, and more.

Regardless of the type of situation you're facing, our attorneys are here to help you get quality representation.

We can setup consultations in person, over Zoom, or over the phone to help you. Bottom line, we're here to help you win your case.

Spodek
Law in the Media

View All

Meet Todd Spodek

WE PROVIDE WHITE GLOVE SERVICE TO CLIENTS
WHO WANT MORE FROM THEIR ATTORNEY

The Spodek Law Group understands how delicate high-profile cases can be, and has a strong track record of getting positive outcomes. Our lawyers service a clientele that is nationwide. With offices in both LA and NYC, and cases all across the country - Spodek Law Group is a top tier law firm.

Todd Spodek is a second generation attorney with immense experience. He has many years of experience handling 100’s of tough and hard to win trials. He’s been featured on major news outlets, such as New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5 New York, South China Morning Post, Insider.com, and many others.

In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Why Clients Choose Spodek Law Group

The reason is simple: clients want white glove service, and lawyers who can win. Every single client who works with the Spodek Law Group is aware that the attorney they hire could drastically change the outcome of their case. Hiring the Spodek Law Group means you’re taking your future seriously. Our lawyers handle cases nationwide, ranging from NYC to LA. Our philosophy is fair and simple: our nyc criminal lawyers only take on clients who we know will benefit from our services.

We’re selective about the clients we work with, and only take on cases we know align with our experience – and where we can make a difference. This is different from other law firms who are not invested in your success nor care about your outcome.

If you have a legal issue, call us for a consultation.
We are available 24/7, to help you with any – and all, challenges you face.

Virginia PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

Why You Need an Experienced Virginia PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyer

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented government assistance to small businesses and workers across the country. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program dispensed billions of dollars in loans and grants to help companies stay afloat during mandated shutdowns and revenue loss. However, with so much money flowing so quickly, fraud was rampant. Now, the government is cracking down hard on PPP and EIDL fraud with criminal charges carrying steep penalties. If you’re being investigated or charged in Virginia, you need an experienced white collar defense lawyer who understands these complex cases. Here’s why:

The Government is Aggressively Prosecuting PPP/EIDL Fraud

Federal prosecutors are making PPP and EIDL fraud a top priority. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is coordinating with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to detect, investigate and prosecute cases of COVID relief fraud across the country.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “The Justice Department will continue to zealously pursue accountability for wrongdoing in connection with the distribution of relief funds.”

Dozens of criminal cases have already been filed, and many more are in the pipeline. Charges range from making false statements on loan applications to elaborate money laundering schemes misappropriating millions of dollars in funds.

Prosecutors are throwing the book at defendants, charging multiple felony counts that can lead to decades behind bars. For example, in a recent Virginia case, a McLean business owner was indicted on ten counts, including bank fraud, making false statements and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. He faces up to 30 years in prison just for the bank fraud charge.

The government is sending a clear message that PPP and EIDL fraud will be punished severely. You need an attorney with the skills and experience to vigorously defend your rights.

PPP and EIDL Cases are Legally Complex

Prosecuting pandemic fraud involves weaving together multiple complex federal statutes and regulations. Cases typically rely on charges like:

  • Wire fraud
  • Bank fraud
  • Making false statements
  • Money laundering
  • Aggravated identity theft

Each charge has its own complicated set of required elements prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. For instance, bank fraud requires showing you knowingly executed or attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution.

An experienced federal defense lawyer knows how to break these laws down and look for weaknesses in the government’s arguments. They can challenge flaws in prosecution’s legal theories and pick apart each charge element by element.

In addition, the PPP and EIDL programs have extensive rules about eligibility, allowable uses of funds and forgiveness. Just determining whether there was fraud requires navigating volumes of federal regulations and SBA guidance.

An attorney well-versed in the programs’ fine print can often find exemptions, exceptions or extenuating circumstances the government failed to consider. This can undermine the prosecution’s entire theory of guilt.

With so much at stake, you need a lawyer who understands the complex interaction of pandemic relief laws, banking regulations and criminal statutes.

Federal Sentences Can Be Extremely Severe

A conviction on just one PPP or EIDL fraud charge can potentially land you behind bars for decades. That’s because prosecutors frequently stack multiple serious felony charges carrying severe penalties.

For example, federal bank fraud convictions can result in up to 30 years imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. § 1344. Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and making false statements on loan applications under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 are punishable by up to 20 years and 5 years respectively.

If convicted of aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A for using someone else’s identity to commit fraud, you’ll face a mandatory consecutive 2-year prison term per count.

In addition, the amount of loss involved can drastically impact sentencing. Under federal guidelines, higher loss amounts quickly ratchet up the recommended prison time. Even if you plead guilty, you could still face years behind bars.

An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer knows how to meticulously challenge loss calculations and other sentencing enhancements to minimize prison exposure. They also know how to craft sentencing arguments emphasizing mitigating factors to persuade the judge to go below guidelines.

When your future is on the line, you need a lawyer who knows all the strategies to reduce sentencing and avoid a lengthy incarceration.

Collateral Consequences Can Be Severe

A conviction on federal fraud charges often means severe collateral damage beyond just incarceration. Prosecutors frequently pursue forfeiture of assets they claim are connected to illegal activity. You could lose your home, bank accounts, vehicles and business.

Being convicted of a felony also means losing fundamental civil rights like voting, serving on a jury and possessing firearms. Many professional licenses are revoked, destroying careers. Any future hopes for public office or leadership roles evaporate. Even getting a job becomes infinitely more difficult with a record.

Immigrants face the additional consequence of deportation if convicted of an “aggravated felony.” While this term is defined broadly, fraud offenses with a loss exceeding just $10,000 qualify. So a PPP or EIDL fraud conviction could get a lawful permanent resident deported and banned from the U.S. for life.

A skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate with prosecutors to minimize forfeitures and collateral consequences. This can be the difference between starting over post-conviction and losing everything.

Investigations Begin with SBA Audits

PPP and EIDL fraud investigations nearly always begin with an audit by the SBA Office of Inspector General (OIG). The SBA OIG looks for red flags like:

  • Businesses that received multiple loans
  • Questionable NAICS business codes for type of business
  • High loan amounts inconsistent with payroll/employees
  • Suspicious bank account activity after funds received

If the SBA OIG detects potential fraud, they make a criminal referral to federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, IRS, Secret Service or Postal Inspectors. These agencies dig deeper, gather additional evidence and ultimately refer cases to federal prosecutors.

However, SBA OIG audits are not foolproof. There are often mistakes and inaccuracies. Experienced attorneys know how to effectively challenge audit conclusions through SBA appeals. This can resolve cases before they ever get to prosecutors.

Even if a criminal investigation has begun, prosecutors rely heavily on SBA determinations of rule violations and loss amounts. Aggressively fighting the audit provides ammunition to undermine the government’s case.

When an audit puts your business and freedom at risk, you need a lawyer who knows how to successfully navigate the SBA appeals process from start to finish.

How to Find the Right Virginia PPP/EIDL Fraud Lawyer

Facing PPP or EIDL fraud charges in Virginia can be daunting. But the right lawyer can mean the difference between prison and preserving your freedom. Here are tips on finding the best attorney for your case:

Look for Extensive Federal Criminal Defense Experience

Fraud cases are among the most complex federal crimes prosecuted. You want a lawyer well-versed in the nuances of federal criminal defense, not someone dabbling in it occasionally. Look for attorneys who specialize in federal cases and have routinely handled fraud charges like wire fraud, bank fraud and false statements.

Ideally, you want someone who previously worked as a federal prosecutor. This gives them inside knowledge of the prosecution’s approach. Prior white collar defense experience shows they know how to handle the sophisticated legal and financial issues these cases present.

Find Someone Knowledgeable on PPP and EIDL Rules

The COVID relief programs have intricate rules and regulations. You want a lawyer intimately familiar with the fine print of PPP loan eligibility, forgiveness criteria, allowable uses of funds and required borrower certifications.

Of course, most attorneys can read up on the rules. But look for those who have already handled PPP and EIDL cases extensively. Their experience with the complex programs can help uncover irregularities and deficiencies in the prosecution’s arguments.

Look for Trial Experience

While most federal cases end in plea agreements, you want a lawyer comfortable going to trial. Prosecutors know which defense attorneys actually litigate cases and which ones exclusively negotiate pleas. This affects their settlement posture.

Experience litigating fraud and financial crime cases also prepares your lawyer to thoroughly evaluate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This puts them in the strongest position when negotiating a plea deal if you decide to go that route.

Consider Lawyers Handling Both Civil and Criminal Cases

Many federal fraud cases also involve parallel civil investigations by agencies like the SBA or SEC. For example, the government may seek civil penalties and recoupment of funds in addition to criminal prosecution.

Having one lawyer handle both sides of your case promotes consistency and efficiency. Information flows freely between the matters, helping build the overall defense strategy. Settlements in one realm can even help resolve the other.

Find Someone Who Knows How to Work with People

Fraud charges not only threaten people’s livelihoods but also their legacies. The stigma can destroy reputations built up over decades. You need a lawyer who understands these deeply personal implications.

Look for outstanding communication skills and emotional intelligence. Having a lawyer who can see things from your perspective builds trust and rapport. This leads to better strategic legal decisions and case outcomes.

Check Disciplinary History

Be sure to research any candidate thoroughly and check for disciplinary sanctions. Most state bar associations provide free online attorney disciplinary records. Be wary of things like license suspensions, reprimands and multiple client grievances.

Also, confirm the lawyer carries malpractice insurance. This covers you financially in case of mistakes made handling your case. Lack of coverage could leave you uncompensated for damages from poor legal work.

Ask About Specialized Training and Associations

Look for lawyers who pursue ongoing training in federal criminal defense and white collar crime litigation. Those certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy show dedication to honing courtroom skills. Membership in professional associations like the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers also demonstrates a commitment to staying abreast of developments in federal law and tactics.

Where to Find Top Virginia PPP/EIDL Fraud Lawyers

Virginia has many competent criminal defense attorneys. But for a complex federal fraud case with severe penalties on the line, you need more than just competence. Here are some places to focus your search for elite representation:

Look in Major Metropolitan Areas

The top federal criminal defense practices congregate in major metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. These regions generate more sophisticated federal cases, so lawyers see them more routinely and develop specialized expertise.

In particular, Northern Virginia’s proximity to Washington D.C. means many firms handle cases in both jurisdictions. Look for attorneys admitted to practice in Eastern District of Virginia federal court as well as District of Columbia.

Search Near Federal Courthouses

Four federal courthouses house the main prosecutors’ offices and hold most trials: Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk and Roanoke. Firms located near these seats of federal power routinely interact with prosecutors and judges. Local knowledge and relationships can prove invaluable.

Of course, a superb lawyer is worth a longer commute. But proximity often correlates with depth of federal practice experience.

Check Law School Pedigrees

While law school doesn’t define an attorney, elite degrees often correspond with exceptional talent. Graduates of top programs like University of Virginia, William & Mary, Washington & Lee and Georgetown arrive with intellectual horsepower. This brain trust gives them an edge in unraveling legal complexities.

Also look for federal judicial clerkships on resumes. Clerking for a federal judge provides an inside glimpse of the judicial mindset – invaluable when arguing your case.

Ask Trusted Referral Sources

Other criminal defense lawyers who focus elsewhere often know which attorneys excel in federal fraud litigation. White collar practitioners frequently co-counsel, refer and closely follow colleagues’ work, so they have inside perspective.

Well-connected business lawyers also have insight on who they’d hire if facing criminal charges themselves. Ask them to discreetly recommend federal fraud defense counsel.

Just be sure to independently research any suggestions yourself before deciding.

How to Select the Best Lawyer for Your Federal Fraud Case

If you or your business are being investigated or charged with PPP or EIDL fraud, you’re facing a complex, high-stakes legal battle. The right lawyer can help minimize your criminal, financial and reputational exposure. Use the expertise above to search for an attorney with the skills, experience and tenacity to give you the best chance of success. Then thoughtfully evaluate candidates to choose the one who makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

With so much on the line, investing time to select premier legal representation is one of the smartest decisions you can make. An experienced federal fraud lawyer who believes in your case can be the difference between imprisonment and exoneration. Let an elite Virginia attorney protect your rights, freedom and future.

Free Consultation

Testimonials

I was searching for a law firm with some power to help me deal with a warrant in New York . After 6 days I decided to go with Spodek Law Group. It helped that This law firm is well respected by not only the top law firms in New York , but the DA , Judge as well. I...

~Fonder Brandon

5 Stars
It was my good fortune to retain Spodek Law Group for representation for my legal needs. From the beginning, communication was prompt and thorough. Todd, Kenneth and Alex were the first people I worked with and they all made me, and my company Qumana skincare feel comfortable and confident that the team was going to work hard for me. Everything...

~A G

5 Stars
After meeting with several law firms, I chose the Spodek Law Group not only for their professionalism and experience, but for the personal attention given to me right from the initial consultation. It is important to recognize how crucial having the right legal team is when faced with potentially life altering events that impact families and the lives of loved...

~George Cherubini

Spodek Law Group

White Glove Service

We Provide Superior Service, Excellent Results, At A Level Superior To Other Criminal Defense Law Firms. Regardless Of Where Your Case Is, Nationwide, We Can Help You.
View More

Request Free Consultation

Please fill out the form below to receive a free consultation, we will respond to
your inquiry within 24-hours guaranteed.

NYC

85 Broad St 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004

212-300-5196

get directions

Los Angeles

611 S Catalina St Suite 222, Los Angeles, CA 90005

212-300-5196

get directions

QUEENS

35-37 36th St, 2nd Floor Astoria, NY 11106

212-300-5196

get directions

BROOKLYN

195 Montague St., 14th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

212-300-5196

get directions
Call Now!