Last Updated on: 26th July 2023, 08:29 pm

The Severe Consequences of SNAP Permanent Disqualification

As a store manager or owner, you encounter countless customers each day who rely on EBT benefits to put food on their tables. However, with SNAP, comes a slew of rules and regulations that must be followed precisely, making it essential that you and your employees know precisely what to do when handling EBT transactions. Unfortunately, even honest mistakes or a single rogue employee could land your business in hot water and facing substantial penalties from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the possibility of permanent disqualification from SNAP. If you have received a Charges Letter from the USDA informing you of the prospect of permanent disqualification, it is critical that you take the matter seriously and immediately seek the guidance of a skilled and experienced SNAP permanent disqualification attorney such as Attorney Todd Spodek of Spodek Law Group.

Long-Lasting Repercussions

If the USDA chooses to impose a permanent disqualification penalty on your business, the consequences will be long-lasting and detrimental to both you and your business. Firstly, it means that your store will never again be permitted to accept EBT benefits, leading to a significant reduction in revenue. Secondly, as the owner or manager of the store, you will never be allowed to hold any position of authority in a store that accepts EBT, effectively ending your career. Finally, should you ever decide to sell or close your business, you will be required to pay a Transfer Civil Money Penalty, amounting to thousands of dollars in fines, regardless of when you take this step.

Is Permanent Disqualification Inevitable?

Thankfully, not all businesses accused of SNAP violations receive the harsh penalty of permanent disqualification, but it is increasingly common, and in some cases, it is unwarranted. Due to increased pressure from Congress concerning welfare fraud, the USDA has been aggressive in targeting businesses it believes to be involved in SNAP trafficking, which refers to exchanging cash, weapons, or drugs for EBT benefits. If you receive a warning of permanent disqualification, you may have as little as ten days to appeal the decision. In such a situation, you must act quickly and hire a seasoned and accomplished SNAP permanent disqualification attorney, such as Attorney Todd Spodek of Spodek Law Group.

USDA’s Burden of Proof

When the USDA accuses your business of trafficking, it will claim to have an overwhelming amount of evidence against you, often citing suspicious patterns in transactions or undercover investigations. The USDA will present a case against you that it may make seem insurmountable, but with the help of a qualified and experienced SNAP permanent disqualification attorney, you can fight the charges. These cases are complex, but with an attorney who has a proven track record of successful outcomes, you can be confident in your defense.

Personal Fallout

If you receive a permanent disqualification from SNAP, it will have significant consequences for your personal life. For one, it will restrict the types of businesses from which you can seek employment, as the USDA makes it impossible for any company with government dealings to hire you. It will also damage your credit rating, making it challenging to obtain loans for homes, cars, or other items. The government sets out to make an example of SNAP violators, causing harm to your reputation and creating additional hardships for you and your family.

Understanding the Rules

The best way to avoid a permanent disqualification is to know the EBT and SNAP rules thoroughly. Often, businesses are accused of trafficking due to honest mistakes made repeatedly by employees, managers, or even the owner. However, the USDA will not be understanding or flexible in such a situation and will pursue prosecution aggressively. Thus, even if you believe you are innocent, it is crucial to hire an attorney experienced in defending SNAP trafficking allegations. Attorney Todd Spodek of Spodek Law Group has years of experience handling SNAP permanent disqualification cases and can help you navigate the complex legal process.

Fighting for Your Rights

It is vital to remember that avoiding a permanent disqualification penalty from the USDA is difficult, but not impossible. The government may be intimidating, but they also afford you many legal rights that must be protected. With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced SNAP permanent disqualification attorney, you can fight the charges against you and emerge victorious. Attorney Todd Spodek and his team at Spodek Law Group have a deep understanding of the law and will work tirelessly to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Trustworthy Representation

At Spodek Law Group, we have helped countless clients facing SNAP trafficking allegations, and we understand the severity of these charges. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional legal representation, and we are proud to offer our clients personalized attention and tailored strategies to achieve the best possible outcome. With our deep understanding of the law and our extensive experience handling SNAP permanent disqualification cases, you can trust Spodek Law Group to represent your best interests.

Trust Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek for SNAP Permanent Disqualification Defense

If you have been informed by the USDA of a potential permanent disqualification from SNAP, do not hesitate to seek the legal guidance of Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the law and the experience necessary to defend you against these severe charges. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.