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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.

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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.

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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.

Texas PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

By Spodek Law Group | January 26, 2023
(Last Updated On: July 28, 2023)

Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:21 pm

Navigating PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Charges: Why You Need an Experienced Federal Defense Attorney

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented financial hardship for businesses across Texas. To help struggling companies stay afloat, the federal government made billions in small business relief funds available through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. However, in their haste to distribute aid, regulators relaxed oversight standards. This lack of scrutiny, paired with complicated and frequently changing program rules, created opportunities for business owners to intentionally or accidentally misuse loans.

Now, federal investigators are auditing PPP and EIDL loans for potential fraud. If you’re contacted regarding an investigation, it’s critical to engage an attorney immediately to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to know about responding to federal loan fraud allegations and finding the right lawyer for your situation.

A Complex Web of Federal Rules and Regulations

The PPP and EIDL programs involved various federal agencies with different – and sometimes conflicting – guidelines. The Small Business Administration (SBA) oversaw the EIDL loans, while the PPP fell under the U.S. Treasury Department. However, both programs allowed applicants to use loan funds for payroll, rent, utilities, and other approved business expenses.

With agencies frantically trying to distribute aid, understanding of the rules was murky at best. The Treasury Department changed PPP rules multiple times following the program’s launch.

This uncertainty left many borrowers confused about how loans could be spent and later forgiven. Unfortunately, honest mistakes can still constitute fraud in the eyes of investigators. Without experienced legal counsel, business owners risk severe consequences like criminal prosecution or permanent program exclusion – even if unintentional errors occurred.

Responding to a Federal Investigation

If you’re contacted regarding possible PPP or EIDL fraud, you could be facing an inquiry from agencies like:

  • The Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG)
  • Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division (IRS CI)
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

These agencies have broad authority to gather evidence in white collar cases. Their strategies may include:

  • Document requests – Demands to produce financial statements, bank records, tax returns, loan applications, and other paperwork.
  • Testimony – Interviews under oath before a grand jury, during which lying is a felony.
  • Surveillance – Monitoring of calls, emails, texts, social media, and movements.
  • Search warrants – Seizure of records, computers, phones, and other items from home or business.

If contacted by federal agents, remain calm and do not agree to produce documents, sit for questioning, or sign anything before consulting with counsel. Be aware you have the right to an attorney even if you’re told otherwise. Politely defer questions by stating you wish to have your lawyer present.

Building an Effective Defense Strategy

Because the rules governing use of federal relief funds were complex, you may have an excellent defense even if errors were made. However, developing legal arguments and strategies requires intimate expertise in the regulatory framework. This is why engaging an attorney experienced in federal white collar cases is so critical.

When choosing counsel, you want a lawyer with specific expertise in navigating high-stakes federal investigations as well as defending complex financial crimes cases. Look for an attorney with a proven track record handling matters involving the SBA, FBI, DOJ, and other agencies.

It takes substantial experience litigating in federal court to effectively counter the government’s tactics and legal firepower. Your lawyer should be prepared to aggressively defend your interests before agencies as well as in court if charges are filed.

Key Attorney Selection Criteria

To boost your chances of the best possible outcome, seek counsel with:

  • In-depth knowledge of SBA, PPP and EIDL program rules and history
  • Relationships with regulators and prosecutors
  • Familiarity with common investigative strategies
  • Success defending white collar cases and financial allegations
  • Expertise with motions to suppress evidence improperly gathered
  • Skills negotiating with agencies pre-charge when possible
  • Ability to build prosecutorial misconduct claims
  • Talent examining weaknesses in the government’s case
  • Preparation to take cases to trial with aggressive defense strategies

It’s also wise to choose someone with trial experience specifically in the federal court district where your case originates. Federal courts have their own unique procedures and rules. Local knowledge makes a difference.

A Team Approach to Your Best Defense

Given the high stakes in federal financial crime investigations, a multi-disciplinary defense team is recommended. At minimum, your team should include an accomplished lead counsel knowledgeable in the issues surrounding COVID-19 relief programs.

You may also want to engage forensic accountants to audit your loan applications and use of funds. Their analysis will identify potential compliance problems – or prove your activities followed the rules. Utilizing accounting experts helps demonstrate good faith efforts to properly handle loan monies.

Retaining experienced former prosecutors is another smart move. Their insights into the government’s game plan can prove invaluable. They may also open doors to negotiating pre-charge resolutions.

Facing Allegations with Confidence

Responding to federal fraud accusations is intimidating regardless of the circumstances. But you can take comfort knowing these cases are defensible when counsel with the right skills is engaged promptly. Don’t go it alone and don’t wait to seek help. With an experienced attorney guiding your strategy, you can face allegations confidently.

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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

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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.
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