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.
Portland PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
As the nation grapples with the ongoing economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, PPP loan fraud investigations have surged to the forefront of the federal government’s efforts to recover funds that may have been obtained through fraudulent means. Federal prosecutors and criminal investigators from a variety of agencies are scouring the country in search of possible violations of the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), leaving many business owners and individuals feeling uneasy about their potential exposure to PPP fraud charges.
But what exactly is PPP loan fraud? In a nutshell, it’s when an individual or business submits false information in an application or certification for a loan under the PPP. The PPP was established to assist companies in staying afloat during the pandemic by providing forgivable loans to cover payroll and operating expenses. Businesses can apply for PPP loans through commercial banks, but they must meet certain criteria to be eligible and are subject to strict requirements and limits on how the funds can be spent.
So, what happens during a PPP loan fraud investigation? Essentially, the goal is to determine whether charges should be brought against someone for violating the strict requirements of the PPP loan program. Federal prosecutors have been targeting businesses and individuals who may have violated the PPP loan program in a number of ways, including:
-Submitting false information in loan applications -Misusing PPP funds -Failing to meet eligibility requirements
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.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of PPP fraud charges, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your business. This includes gathering all of your financial records and making digital copies, not destroying any business records, and encouraging your employees to report any suspicions of PPP fraud to management.
At our firm, we have a team of experienced attorneys, paralegals, and independent consultants who have been successful in helping business owners navigate PPP and EIDL loan fraud investigations. Once we’re hired to represent a client, we take immediate steps to protect their interests, such as contacting investigators and government agents to ensure there’s no further contact with the client, preserving relevant business documents, and consulting with forensic accountants to review the company’s financials.
If you or your business is facing a PPP loan fraud investigation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll work tirelessly to defend your rights and protect your interests.
Portland PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
As the world continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has emerged as a vital lifeline for small businesses struggling to stay afloat. However, as with any government program, there are always those who will seek to exploit it for personal gain. The potential charges in federal PPP loan fraud investigations are serious and far-reaching, with severe penalties for those found guilty.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which created the PPP, may not contain penal provisions specifically for PPP loan fraud, but fraud under the program can trigger civil and criminal charges under numerous pre-existing federal statutes. These include, but are not limited to, conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371 and 18 U.S.C. § 1349), attempt (18 U.S.C. § 1349), and False Claims Act violations (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 – 3733).
Conspiracy, for example, allows for the prosecution of multiple individuals and/or businesses that are collectively involved in efforts to fraudulently obtain federal funds under the PPP. Importantly, these efforts do not actually have to result in the issuance of a PPP loan in order to support a criminal charge for conspiracy. The federal attempt statute also imposes criminal penalties for “unsuccessful” efforts to commit PPP loan fraud.
The False Claims Act, meanwhile, imposes civil and criminal penalties for fraud targeting federal government programs. The Department of Justice (DOJ) can pursue civil charges in cases involving unintentional PPP loan application or forgiveness certification fraud, while intentional PPP loan fraud can lead to criminal prosecution.
The potential penalties in federal PPP loan fraud investigations are severe and include fines of up to $1 million and federal imprisonment for up to 30 years for making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA) or an FDIC-insured bank, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Tax evasion carries a fine of up to $100,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, and up to five years of federal imprisonment. Making false statements to federal agents carries statutory fines and up to five years of federal imprisonment.
In short, the message is clear: PPP loan fraud is a serious crime with severe consequences. It’s imperative that we all do our part to ensure the integrity of this vital program, and that those who seek to exploit it for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.
