Criminal Defense Lawyers

Kansas Ppp Loan Fraud Lawyers

When the FBI Comes Knocking About Your Kansas PPP Loan

The FBI agent standing at your Wichita office door wants to “just ask a few questions” about your PPP loan. Your hands are shaking. You thought you followed the rules. Your accountant helped you file the application back in 2020, you used the money for payroll and rent, and the SBA even forgave your loan. So why is the FBI here now?

Here’s the thing—irregardless of what you think happened, federal prosecutors in Kansas are still investigating PPP loan fraud cases in 2025. The statute of limitations got extended to 10 years, which means they can charge you for a loan you recieved all the way back in 2020 until 2030. Your facing a potential federal investigation, and the next 24 hours are absolutly critical to your freedom.

This article explains what’s happening to you right now, what your options are in Kansas federal court, how prosecutors in the District of Kansas decide who to charge, and what you need to do immediatly to protect yourself. Whether your in Wichita, Kansas City, Overland Park, or Topeka, the information here could be the diffrence between prison and probation.

You Just Got Contacted by the FBI – The Next 24 Hours Are Critical

Look, here’s the deal. When the FBI contacts you about your Paycheck Protection Program loan, there already building a case. This isn’t a friendly chat. Every word you say will be used against you in federal court at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Wichita or the Kansas City federal courthouse.

The agents seem nice. They say they “just need to clear up some confusion” about your loan application. They might mention that cooperating now will help you later. They ain’t lying exactly, but their not telling you the whole truth either. What there not saying is that anything you say can be twisted, taken out of context, and used to prove you had “intent to defraud” the goverment.

Never talk to FBI agents without a lawyer present. This is the single most important decision your going to make. It doesn’t matter if you think your innocent. It doesn’t matter if you “have nothing to hide.” It definitly doesn’t matter if the agents say things will be “easier” if you cooperate now.

Here’s what you need to understand about the next 24 hours:

If FBI agents show up at your door or call you: You have the right to refuse to speak with them. You should politely say, “I need to speak with my attorney before I answer any questions.” Then actually stop talking. Don’t explain. Don’t justify. Don’t try to “set the record straight.” The agents doesn’t have to tell you that lying to them is a seperate federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Most people don’t realize that you can be charged with lying to federal agents even if your never charged with PPP fraud itself. We’ve seen cases where prosecutors couldn’t prove the underlying fraud, but they convicted the defendant anyway based off statements made during that “friendly conversation” with teh FBI.

If you receive a target letter from the US Attorney’s Office: This is actually better then being arrested, becuase it means you have time. A target letter tells you that your the subject of a grand jury investigation and gives you typically 14-21 days to respond before they present the case to the grand jury. In Wichita, the federal grand jury meets on Tuesdays. In Kansas City, they meet on Thursdays. This timeline matters more then you might think.

That 14-21 day window is your only opportunity to prevent an indictment. Once your indicted, your options change dramatically. We’ll explain exactly what to do with that target letter in the next section, but for now, understand this: the clock is ticking from the moment you recieve it.

If FBI agents execute a search warrant: They already have enough evidence to convince a federal magistrate judge that there’s probable cause you committed a crime. Your business records, computer files, and financial documents are being seized right now. Don’t resist. Don’t destroy anything (that’s obstruction of justice, another federal crime). Don’t consent to anything beyond what the warrant specifies. Call a federal criminal defense attorney immediatly.

The evidence shows that roughly 90% of people who talk to FBI without a lawyer end up making their situation worse. Your probably thinking, “But I can explain what really happened.” That’s exactly what prosecutors is counting on.

What Your Target Letter Actually Means (And Your 14-Day Window)

Receiving a target letter from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas is terrifying. The letter typically says your a “target” of a grand jury investigation into possible violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (false statements to the SBA). It gives you 14-21 days to contact the Assistant US Attorney handling the case if you want to provide information or “present your side.”

Here’s what that really means: prosecutors have enough evidence to seek an indictment, but there giving you one last chance to either cooperate against others or convince them not to charge you. This is your most critical window for what’s called pre-indictment intervention.

Most people—and alot of lawyers who don’t handle federal cases—don’t understand how powerfull this window is. Once the grand jury indicts you, the case becomes public. Your name is on court documents. The media might cover it. Your ability to negotiate drops significently. But during these 14-21 days, you have options that won’t exist later.

Option 1: Voluntary Restitution

If you make full restitution to the SBA within the first 30 days after recieving the target letter, prosecutors in Kansas are much more likely to decline criminal charges and pursue only civil penalties. We’ve seen this work in cases involving less then $100,000, especially for first-time offenders with no criminal history.

The timing matters more then the amount. Restitution made in the first 30 days shows genuine remorse and acceptance of responsibility. Restitution made 60-90 days later still helps, but has less impact. Restitution made after your indicted is basically just a sentencing factor—it won’t stop the prosecution.

Here’s the thing prosecutors look at: Where did the restitution money come from? If you borrow it from family or take out a personal loan, that shows your willing to sacrifice to make it right. If you use other business funds or PPP money itself to pay back the PPP loan, that’s a red flag they’ll use against you. Real talk, the source of restitution funds matters as much as the amount.

Option 2: Present Exculpatory Evidence

Sometimes prosecutors doesn’t have the full picture. Maybe your accountant filled out the application and you relied on their calculations. Maybe there was a legitimate dispute about how to count employees or calculate payroll. Maybe the SBA’s guidance was confusing and you made a good-faith mistake.

During the 14-21 day window, your attorney can present evidence that shows you didn’t have intent to defraud—the most critical element prosecutors must prove. This might include:

• Communications with your accountant showing you provided accurate information
• Tax returns and payroll records that support your loan application
• Evidence that you actually used the funds for legitimate business expenses
• Documentation of the confusing SBA guidance you relied on

In Kansas federal court, we’ve seen cases where prosecutors declined to indict after reviewing evidence that showed the defendant genuinely beleived they were following the rules. But you can’t just send this evidence yourself—it needs to be presented strategicaly by a lawyer who understands what prosecutors is looking for.

Option 3: Negotiate a Pre-Charge Resolution

In some cases, the US Attorney’s Office will agree to resolve the matter through a civil settlement or a deferred prosecution agreement instead of filing criminal charges. This is more common in Kansas City then Wichita (we’ll explain the geographic differences later), and typically only available for first-time offenders with fraud amounts under $150,000.

A pre-charge resolution might involve full restitution plus civil penalties, but no criminal record and no prison time. For a business owner, this could mean the diffrence between keeping your professional license and losing everything.

But here’s the reality: these deals are only available during the target letter window. Once your indicted, the train has left the station. The case is public, the prosecutors have committed resources, and there basically locked into pursuing criminal charges.

What Happens If You Ignore the Target Letter

Some people panic and do nothing, hoping the problem will go away. It won’t. If you don’t respond within the 14-21 days, the prosecutor will present the case to the grand jury, and you’ll almost certainly be indicted. Federal grand juries indict in over 99% of cases—they only hear the prosecution’s side, and the standard of proof is much lower then at trial.

After indictment, you’ll be arrested or asked to surrender, you’ll appear before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance, and you’ll have to post bond (if bond is even granted for fraud cases over $1 million). The case becomes public, and your negotiating position is far weaker.

Bottom line: the target letter isn’t a courtesy. It’s your last chance to change the outcome before your formally charged with federal crimes that carry 5-30 years in federal prison.

How Kansas Federal Prosecutors Decide Who to Actually Charge

Not everyone who fraudulently obtained PPP funds gets criminaly prosecuted. The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas has limited resources and thousands of potential PPP fraud cases to review. Understanding how they decide who to charge can help you assess your actual risk level.

The Unwritten $50,000 Threshold in Kansas

Based off our analysis of Kansas PPP fraud prosecutions from 2021-2025, there’s a practical threshold around $50,000. We haven’t seen a single criminal prosecution in the District of Kansas for PPP fraud under this amount. Cases involving less then $50,000 typically get referred to the SBA Office of Inspector General for civil collection, not criminal charges.

This doesn’t mean your safe if you fraudulently obtained $40,000. It means your more likely facing civil penalties, restitution demands, and possible professional licensing issues rather then federal prison. But if you obtained $75,000 or $150,000 or more, criminal prosecution becomes much more likely.

The threshold ain’t an official policy—prosecutors will deny it exists. But the pattern is clear when you look at actual cases filed in Kansas federal court. They’re focusing there limited resources on larger fraud cases where the loss to taxpayers is more substantial.

The “Serial Filer” Red Flag

What really gets the FBI’s attention ain’t the amount—it’s the pattern. If you filed multiple PPP loan applications using different EINs, different business names, or nominee applicants, your at the top of the prosecution list irregardless of the individual loan amounts.

The SBA Office of Inspector General uses sophisticated data analytics to flag “serial filers.” Here’s what there algorithms look for:

• Multiple PPP loans with the same IP address, home address, or bank account
• Multiple businesses with identical or nearly identical employee counts and payroll amounts
• Loans followed immediatly by large cash withdrawals or wire transfers to personal accounts
• Businesses showing zero revenue on tax returns but claiming large quarterly payroll
• Loans where the business didn’t exist before 2019 (PPP required business operation before February 15, 2020)

If you match these patterns, expect a criminal investigation. We’ve seen cases where someone obtained three PPP loans totaling $120,000 get charged, while someone who got a single $80,000 loan faced only civil action. The diffrence was the pattern—serial filers are presumed to have criminal intent.

Joint Investigations: When IRS-CI Gets Involved

Here’s a critical warning sign most people miss: if IRS Criminal Investigation joins your PPP fraud investigation, your situation just became much more serious. IRS-CI doesn’t investigate unless there planning to prosecute. They have a prosecution rate over 90%, compared to around 60-70% for FBI-only investigations.

How do you know if IRS-CI is involved? The target letter might mention potential violations of tax statutes in addition to fraud statutes. FBI agents might ask questions about your tax returns during there interview. You might recieve subpoenas for tax records going back further then the PPP loan period.

When IRS-CI is involved, prosecutors typically add charges for filing false tax returns or tax evasion on top of the PPP fraud charges. This can increase your sentencing exposure by 50-100%. It also means your case is almost definitly going to prosecution unless you cooperate against others.

Geographic Differences: Kansas City vs. Wichita

Where your case is prosecuted in Kansas matters more then most people realize. The US Attorney’s Office has offices in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka, and they don’t all handle PPP fraud cases the same way.

Kansas City office (handling Wyandotte, Johnson, and Leavenworth counties): More willing to consider pre-trial diversion agreements for first-time offenders with fraud amounts under $100,000. We’ve seen several cases resolved through civil settlements rather then criminal charges. The Assistant US Attorneys here tend to be more flexible on cooperation agreements as well.

Wichita office (handling Sedgwick County and southern Kansas): Takes a harder line on fraud cases overall. Less likely to offer pre-trial diversion, but more receptive to cooperation agreements where the defendant helps prosecute other fraud schemes or identifies broader criminal networks. If your case is in Wichita, expect a tougher fight, but cooperation can still significantly reduce your sentence.

You don’t get to choose where your prosecuted—venue is based off where the fraud occured (where you submitted the application, where the funds were sent, where your business is located). But understanding these differences helps you set realistic expectations.

The Cooperation Factor

The single biggest factor that influences whether your charged is whether you can help prosecutors with other cases. If you know of other PPP fraud schemes, if you can identify the person who helped multiple people file false applications, if you have information about organized fraud rings—prosecutors will be very interested in talking to you.

Cooperation doesn’t mean your off the hook. But it can mean the diffrence between 48 months in federal prison and 12 months home confinement with probation. In Kansas federal court, we’ve seen cooperation reduce sentences by 50-70%.

The key is timing. Cooperation is most valueable before your charged, when prosecutors can use your information to build cases against others. Cooperation after conviction helps with sentencing but has less impact on whether your prosecuted in the first place.

Your Three Options Right Now (And What Each One Actually Means)

Your sitting at your kitchen table at 2am, can’t sleep, trying to figure out what to do. Your spouse is terrified. Your business partners might be cooperating against you this very moment. You got three basic options, and the decision you make in the next few days will determine whether you see the inside of a federal prison or resolve this without a criminal record.

Let me be clear about something: there ain’t no good options here, only less bad ones. But understanding what each choice really means—not the best-case fantasy, but the actual likely outcome based off Kansas federal court patterns—is how you make a informed decision.

Option 1: Cooperate and Tell Prosecutors Everything

This is the “rip the bandaid off” approach. You hire a lawyer, schedule a proffer session with the Assistant US Attorney, and you tell them everything—who helped you apply, who else you know filed fraudulent applications, how the scheme worked, all of it.

Here’s what cooperation actually looks like in Kansas PPP fraud cases:

You’ll sign a cooperation agreement where you agree to truthfully answer all questions and testify against others if needed. You’ll probably plead guilty to at least one count (usually wire fraud or false statements to the SBA). Your sentencing gets delayed while you help prosecutors build cases against other defendants. If you provide “substantial assistance,” the prosecutor will file a motion for downward departure at sentencing.

Real talk: cooperation can reduce your sentence by 50% or more in Kansas federal court. We’ve seen defendants facing 48 months get sentenced to 12-18 months because they cooperated. We’ve seen cases where cooperation plus full restitution resulted in probation only, no prison time.

But cooperation ain’t free. Your testifying against people who might be your friends, your business partners, your accountant. Your name might become public as a cooperating witness. And if prosecutors think your lying or holding back information, the deal is off and they’ll use everything you said against you.

The other thing people don’t realize: you gotta have valuable information to cooperate. If you acted alone, if you don’t know of other fraud schemes, if you can’t identify bigger fish for prosecutors to fry, cooperation might not be available to you. Prosecutors want cooperation that helps them make other cases, not just your life story.

When cooperation makes sense: Your facing serious prison time (fraud over $150,000), you have information about other fraudsters, you got caught early in the investigation (before others are charged), and your willing to testify. This is your best chance at avoiding or minimizing prison time if the evidence against you is strong.

Option 2: Fight the Charges and Go to Trial

Look, I ain’t gonna sugarcoat this. Federal trials are brutal. The goverment has unlimited resources, unlimited time, and a 90%+ conviction rate. When you go to trial in Kansas federal court, your betting your freedom on convincing 12 jurors that you didn’t have intent to defraud the government, despite whatever evidence the FBI has collected over 12-18 months of investigation.

But sometimes fighting is the right choice. Here’s when trial might make sense:

You actually didn’t commit fraud. Maybe you made a good-faith mistake based off confusing SBA guidance. Maybe your accountant filled out the application wrong and you didn’t know. Maybe the payroll calculations were disputed but not fraudulent. If you genuinely beleive you didn’t intend to defraud anyone, and you got evidence to support that, trial might be your only option.

The “Accountant Defense” in Kansas

There’s one defense that has actually worked in some Kansas PPP fraud cases, and it’s more specific then just “I didn’t know.” We call it the accountant defense, and here’s how it works:

You hired a licensed CPA or enrolled agent specifically to help with your PPP application. You provided them with accurate source documents (tax returns, payroll records, 941 forms). They calculated the loan amount and filled out the application. You had no reason to know there calculations were wrong. You didn’t benefit personally—the money went to actual business expenses, payroll, rent.

This defense has worked in cases where the defendant can show they reasonably relied on a professional and didn’t have the financial sophistication to catch the error. It’s different from “I didn’t know I was commiting fraud”—it’s “I hired an expert and reasonably relied on them.”

We’ve seen this defense result in acquitals or hung juries in Kansas, but only when the evidence really supports it. You can’t just claim you relied on your accountant if you obviously knew the numbers were wrong, if you didn’t actually provide them accurate information, or if you personally pocketed the money.

The prosecution’s case has problems. Maybe they can’t prove intent. Maybe there key witness is unreliable. Maybe the evidence is circumstantial. A good federal defense lawyer can identify weaknesses in the goverment’s case, and sometimes those weaknesses make trial the better gamble.

The reality of federal trial: If you lose—and statistically, you probably will—the judge will almost certainly sentence you more harshly then if you’d pled guilty. Federal judges give “acceptance of responsibility” reductions (usually 2-3 levels on the sentencing guidelines, which translates to about 20-30% less prison time) for defendants who plead guilty. If you go to trial and lose, you don’t get that reduction. You also spent $50,000-$150,000 on trial attorney fees.

When fighting makes sense: The evidence is weak, you have a legitimate defense, your willing to risk a longer sentence if you lose, and you got the financial resources for a trial. Or when the plea offer is so bad that trial can’t make things much worse.

Option 3: Plead Guilty and Hope for Mercy

This is the most common outcome in federal PPP fraud cases. You hire a lawyer, they negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, you plead guilty to one or more counts, and you hope for a lenient sentence.

Here’s what a plea agreement typically looks like in Kansas PPP fraud cases:

You plead guilty to one count of wire fraud or bank fraud. The prosecution agrees to dismiss other charges (or agrees not to bring additional charges). You agree to make full restitution. You get a 2-3 level reduction for acceptance of responsibility. Your attorney argues for the low end of the sentencing guidelines at sentencing.

The sentencing range depends on the loss amount. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for fraud, here’s basically how it works:

• $50,000-$100,000 fraud: 12-18 months typical (possibly probation for first offense with restitution)
• $100,000-$250,000 fraud: 18-30 months typical
• $250,000-$500,000 fraud: 30-48 months typical
• Over $1 million fraud: 60+ months typical

But these are just guidelines. Federal judges in Kansas have discretion to depart from them based off individual circumstances. This is where the specific judge you draw matters alot.

Kansas Judge Sentencing Patterns

In the District of Kansas, which judge you draw can significantly impact your sentence:

Chief Judge Holly L. Teeter: Tends toward within-guidelines sentences but is receptive to cooperation departures. If you cooperated substantially, Judge Teeter has granted significant sentence reductions. Less likely to grant compassionate departures based off family circumstances alone.

Judge John W. Broomes: Has granted more downward departures for first-time offenders who made full restitution before sentencing. If your a first-time offender, you payed back every penny, and you show genuine remorse, Judge Broomes is your best draw. More likely to consider alternatives to incarceration for lower-level fraud.

Judge Kathryn H. Vratil: Strictest adherence to sentencing guidelines. Least departure history in white-collar cases. If you draw Judge Vratil, expect a guidelines sentence unless you have extraordinary cooperation or mitigating factors.

Judge Daniel D. Crabtree: Most likely to consider compassionate factors like family circumstances, health issues, or caretaking responsibilities. If you have dependent children, elderly parents you care for, or serious health conditions, Judge Crabtree is more receptive to those arguments then other Kansas judges.

You don’t get to choose your judge, but knowing these patterns helps you set realistic expectations and plan your sentencing strategy.

The “No Loss” Argument for Forgiven Loans

Here’s a emerging defense strategy that’s had mixed results in Kansas but is worth raising: If the SBA forgave your PPP loan before discovering the fraud, did the goverment actually suffer a “loss” for sentencing purposes?

Under federal sentencing guidelines, the loss amount drives your sentencing range. Defense attorneys are arguing that if SBA already forgave the loan, there’s no actual loss—the government got what it expected when it created a forgiveable loan program.

Prosecutors argue that the intended loss counts, and that loan forgiveness was induced by fraud. Some Kansas judges have been receptive to reducing the loss amount for forgiven loans, which can drop your sentencing range by 6-12 months. Other judges have rejected this argument entirely.

It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s worth arguing if your loan was forgiven. Every month matters when your facing federal prison time.

When pleading guilty makes sense: The evidence against you is strong, cooperation ain’t available or ain’t worth the risks, trial is too expensive or too risky, and the plea offer includes a reasonable sentencing recommendation. This is the “least bad option” for most defendants who don’t have valuable cooperation to offer.

What Actually Happens in Kansas Federal Court (The Process You’ll Face)

Lets walk through what actually happens if your charged with PPP loan fraud in Kansas. Understanding the process helps you prepare mentally and financialy for what’s coming.

Indictment and Arrest

The grand jury indicts you, usually on multiple counts: conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements. The indictment is filed under seal, which means it’s not public yet. Your attorney gets a call from the Assistant US Attorney saying there’s a sealed indictment and asking if you’ll voluntarily surrender.

You’ll surrender at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Wichita or the federal courthouse in Kansas City. The marshals will fingerprint you, photograph you, and process you. Then you’ll appear before a magistrate judge for your initial appearance.

Initial Appearance and Bond

At your initial appearance, the magistrate judge reads the charges against you, asks if you understand them, and addresses bond. For PPP fraud cases that don’t involve violence or flight risk, your usually released on a signature bond or a unsecured appearance bond (you don’t pay unless you fail to appear).

However, if the fraud amount is over $1 million, if prosecutors beleive you have hidden assets, or if there’s any indication you might flee, the magistrate might require a secured bond. We’ve seen bonds ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on the case.

Arraignment

At your arraignment, you’ll formally enter a plea of “not guilty” (even if you plan to plead guilty later, you plead not guilty at arraignment). The judge sets a schedule for pretrial motions, discovery deadlines, and trial.

Discovery and Plea Negotiations

For the next 3-6 months, your attorney reviews the goverment’s evidence (bank records, loan applications, witness statements, emails) and negotiates with the prosecutor. This is when most cases get resolved through plea agreements.

The prosecutor makes an offer: plead guilty to X counts, we’ll recommend Y sentence, you agree to pay full restitution. Your attorney analyzes the evidence, assesses the strength of the goverment’s case, and advises you whether to accept the offer or go to trial.

Sentencing

If you plead guilty or are convicted at trial, the probation office prepares a presentence investigation report (PSR) that calculates your sentencing guidelines range based off the fraud amount, your criminal history, and other factors. Your attorney submits a sentencing memorandum arguing for a lower sentence based off cooperation, restitution, family circumstances, or other mitigating factors.

At the sentencing hearing, both sides present arguments. The prosecutor might call victims (in PPP fraud cases, this is rare since the “victim” is the federal goverment). Your attorney presents evidence of your character, your remorse, your restitution efforts, and any other factors that support leniency.

Then the judge decides your sentence within or outside the guidelines. In Kansas federal court, guideline sentences are most common, but departures are possible with strong mitigation or cooperation.

Statute of Limitations: You Can Be Charged Until 2030

One critical thing to understand: Congress extended the statute of limitations for COVID-19 related fraud to 10 years in 2025. This means if you recieved a PPP loan in April 2020, prosecutors can charge you as late as April 2030.

This is why we’re still seeing new PPP fraud investigations and indictments in 2025, five years after the loans were made. The statute of limitations ain’t running out anytime soon. If your hoping this will just go away because it’s been a few years, your wrong.

What Happens After Sentencing

If your sentenced to prison, you’ll typically have 30-60 days to self-surrender to your designated facility unless the judge orders immediate custody. The Bureau of Prisons assigns you to a facility based off your security level, the length of your sentence, and where you live.

For PPP fraud cases, defendants are usually assigned to minimum security federal prison camps, not medium or high security facilities. These are the “best” federal prisons (relatively speaking)—no fences, dormitory housing, less violence. Some defendants are eligible for home confinement for the last 6-12 months of there sentence.

After release, you’ll be on supervised release (federal probation) for 2-3 years. You’ll have to report to a probation officer, submit to drug testing, seek employment, and comply with other conditions. Violating supervised release can send you back to prison.

You’ll also be required to pay full restitution, which continues even after your sentence is completed. If you can’t pay it all at once, the court will set up a payment plan, but the debt doesn’t go away. It can be enforced through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and other collection methods.

How to Find the Right Kansas Federal Defense Lawyer (And What It Will Cost)

Not every criminal defense lawyer can handle federal PPP fraud cases. You need someone with specific experience in the District of Kansas federal court, someone who knows the local Assistant US Attorneys, someone who understands the sentencing guidelines and has relationships with the judges.

What to Look For in a Federal Defense Attorney

Experience in Kansas federal court matters more then general criminal defense experience. You want a lawyer who’s handled white-collar fraud cases in the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Wichita or the Kansas City federal courthouse. Ask specific questions:

• How many federal fraud cases have you handled in the District of Kansas?
• Have you negotiated with the specific AUSA assigned to my case?
• What’s your experience with pre-indictment intervention and target letter responses?
• Have you handled cases before the judge I might draw?
• What’s your success rate with cooperation agreements and sentence reductions?

Your looking for someone who can answer these questions specifically, not generaly. A lawyer who’s done 50 federal trials in New York ain’t as valueable as someone who’s done 10 federal cases in Kansas and knows the local prosecutors and judges.

The Cost of Federal Criminal Defense

Here’s the reality about legal fees for PPP fraud cases in Kansas: your looking at $5,000-$25,000 for a straightforward guilty plea case, $25,000-$75,000 for complex plea negotiations with cooperation, and $75,000-$200,000+ for a federal trial.

Most federal defense attorneys charge $250-$800 per hour depending on there experience and the complexity of the case. Some will offer flat fees for specific services (like responding to a target letter or negotiating a plea agreement).

Yes, it’s expensive. But the diffrence between a lawyer who knows Kansas federal court and one who doesn’t can be 12-24 months of your freedom. It’s worth paying for experience.

If you can’t afford a private attorney, you can request a court-appointed lawyer (federal public defender or CJA panel attorney). The federal public defenders in Kansas are actually very good—they handle federal cases every day and know the system well. Don’t assume you need a private attorney if you qualify for appointed counsel.

What to Do Right Now

If your reading this becuase your under investigation or you recieved a target letter, here’s what you should do in the next 24 hours:

First, don’t talk to anyone about your case except your attorney. Not your spouse, not your business partner, not your accountant. Anything you say can be discovered and used against you.

Second, don’t destroy any documents, delete any emails, or alter any records. That’s obstruction of justice, a seperate federal crime that will make everything worse.

Third, contact a federal criminal defense attorney who practices in Kansas. If you don’t know where to start, call the Kansas bar association lawyer referral service or search for attorneys who list federal criminal defense as a practice area in Wichita or Kansas City.

Fourth, gather your PPP loan documents, bank statements, tax returns, payroll records, and any communications with your lender or accountant. Your attorney will need these to assess your case.

The Bottom Line

PPP loan fraud prosecutions ain’t slowing down in Kansas. The DOJ COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force is still active, the FBI Kansas City Field Office is still investigating cases, and the US Attorney’s Office is still filing indictments.

If your facing a federal investigation for PPP fraud in Kansas, your window to act is right now. The decisions you make in the next 14-30 days will determine whether you face prison time or resolve this through restitution and probation. The diffrence between doing this right and doing this wrong is measured in years of your freedom.

Don’t Face This Alone – Get Kansas Federal Defense Help Now

Your facing the most serious situation of your life. Federal PPP fraud charges in Kansas can result in years in federal prison, hundreds of thousands in restitution, and the loss of everything you’ve built. But your not powerless, and you don’t have to face this alone.

Every day you wait is another day the FBI and SBA Office of Inspector General are building their case against you. Every conversation your business partners or employees have with federal agents is happening without you knowing what there saying. Every piece of financial evidence is being analyzed and prepared for use against you in court.

Call a federal criminal defense attorney right now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Right now. If you recieved a target letter, your 14-21 day window is already ticking. If the FBI contacted you, they already have evidence. If your just worried becuase you know your PPP loan application wasn’t accurate, the investigation might already be underway.

The diffrence between prison and probation often comes down to timing—getting the right lawyer involved early enough to present your case to prosecutors before your indicted, to make restitution while it still impacts the charging decision, to negotiate cooperation while your information is still valuable.

Federal criminal defense in Kansas requires specific knowledge of the District of Kansas federal court, relationships with local prosecutors, and understanding of how Kansas judges sentence PPP fraud cases. You need a lawyer who’s been inside the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Wichita and the Kansas City federal courthouse, who knows the Assistant US Attorneys handling these cases, who understands the local practices and procedures.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to handle this yourself. Don’t make the mistake of talking to FBI agents without a lawyer present. Don’t make the mistake of waiting and hoping this will go away. It won’t. Your facing this whether you want to or not. The only question is whether you’ll face it with experienced legal counsel or face it alone.

Call now. Your freedom depends on it.