Criminal Defense Lawyers

Arkansas PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

Arkansas PPP Loan Fraud and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
Over 50 Years of Combined Experience Handling Tough Federal Cases

If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re in serious legal trouble related to alleged PPP or EIDL loan fraud—right here in Arkansas—and you need a top-rated federal criminal defense team to help you. At our law firm, we understand the anxiety and sleepless nights that come with worrying about federal charges, because we’ve seen firsthand how these accusations can upend your life and threaten your future. With over 50 years of combined experience, our goal is simple: secure the best possible outcome for you, whether that’s getting the charges dropped, the case dismissed, or a favorable resolution that lets you move on with your life.

Why Arkansas PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Cases Are Federal in Nature

The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) and EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) programs were created under the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. § 9001 et seq.)—making them subject to federal oversight and federal prosecution if officials suspect fraud. Because these allegations typically involve accusations of submitting false information to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or using federal funds in unauthorized ways, you could be charged under serious federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud) or 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (false statements to obtain a loan). We understand that receiving a target letter from the Department of Justice, or seeing FBI and IRS agents show up at your door, is a terrifying experience. Our mission is to step in immediately, protect your rights, and guide you through each phase of this complex federal process.

Why Our Arkansas Federal Defense Team Is Different

We’re not your typical criminal defense firm that takes on every single case—irrespective of whether we can genuinely help. We’re a selective, highly focused criminal defense team that zeroes in on providing excellent client service to those we believe we can truly assist. We pride ourselves on being a second-generation practice, with attorneys who have spent their entire careers fighting complex state and federal criminal charges nationwide. When you work with us, we leverage our relationships, our experience, and our knowledge of the legal system in Arkansas’s Eastern and Western Districts to craft a nuanced defense that’s tailored to you.

Spodek Law Group, P.C. - NYC Criminal Attorneys

5.0

Based on 745 reviews

George Fernandez

14:16 30 Apr 24

Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.

Raj

21:33 24 Apr 24

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!

Yelva Saint-Preux

19:26 19 Apr 24

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.

Katherine Sun

18:08 18 Apr 24

my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional

Nun ya

17:48 18 Apr 24

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.

Keisha Parris

20:45 15 Mar 24

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.

Taïko Beauty

16:26 15 Mar 24

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!

K Mar

01:37 25 Jan 24

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.

• Available 24/7: We know being charged with federal fraud is stressful, which is why our attorneys are on call—day or night—to answer your questions and offer immediate insights.
• Nationwide Reach: Even though you’re in Arkansas, we handle criminal defense cases across the country. Our online client portal makes it easy for us to communicate, share documents, and keep you informed about every development in your case.
• Hands-On and Transparent: We believe in being open about fees, deadlines, and possible outcomes. No one wants hidden surprises when facing the weight of a federal prosecution.

What Makes PPP and EIDL Fraud So Serious?

Federal prosecutors aren’t just looking for minor errors or oversights; they’re determined to crack down on suspected fraud related to these pandemic relief funds. In many cases, the government might allege:

1. Falsified Payroll Figures
2. Misuse of Loan Proceeds
3. Multiple Loan Applications Using the Same Business Information
4. Shell Companies or False Identities

If convicted, you could be subject to steep financial penalties, restitution orders, probation, or even lengthy prison sentences under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A conviction could also tarnish your criminal record permanently. Part of our job is to demonstrate how the facts of your case don’t rise to the level of criminal intent—or how the government’s evidence lacks credibility.

Understanding Federal vs. State Charges in Arkansas

A key misconception is that once the feds step in, the state is out of the picture. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. The principle of dual sovereignty means you can sometimes face parallel proceedings in both state and federal courts, especially if prosecutors believe you violated Arkansas state laws in addition to federal statutes. Our attorneys will meticulously examine whether any state-level charges duplicate the federal ones, and if so, we’ll explore motions that argue Double Jeopardy concerns or challenge prosecutorial overreach. The stakes are too high to rely on guesswork—you need a legal team who understands the nuances of navigating multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.

Roleplaying Defense Strategies: Nuanced Approaches for Complex Cases

1. Honest Mistake vs. Criminal Intent

• Scenario: You’re a small-business owner in Little Rock who hurriedly applied for a PPP loan while juggling taxes and payroll, only to discover that your numbers inadvertently inflated the loan amount.
• Defense Strategy: We would compile your financials, payroll documentation, and any written communications to show that you acted in good faith, but made an honest error. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, the government must prove specific intent, so our objective is to dismantle the narrative that you knowingly defrauded the SBA.

2. Illegal Search and Seizure

• Scenario: Federal agents raid your home or office in Fayetteville, claiming they have a warrant linking you to PPP loan fraud.
• Defense Strategy: We scrutinize the affidavit supporting that warrant for probable cause issues and constitutional deficiencies under the Fourth Amendment. If the search was overbroad, or agents took items irrelevant to the allegations, we’ll file a motion to suppress critical evidence—and potentially unravel the entire prosecution.

3. Misinterpretation of SBA Guidelines

• Scenario: You own a family business in Jonesboro and genuinely thought you could use PPP funds for new equipment, only to learn it’s considered an unauthorized expense.
• Defense Strategy: We gather archived versions of SBA instructions, emails, or lender communications to illustrate that the CARES Act guidelines were ambiguous—and you merely followed your best understanding. The difference between a civil violation and federal fraud often hinges on intention, which we’ll highlight in negotiations with prosecutors or at trial.

4. Alleged Conspiracy with Business Partners

• Scenario: Multiple individuals, including you, are indicted on conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 371 for supposedly cooking the books to qualify for higher loan amounts.
• Defense Strategy: Conspiracy charges can expand your criminal liability, but also raise the bar for prosecutors—who must prove there was an actual agreement to commit fraud. We cross-examine cooperating witnesses, challenge hearsay, and focus on the possibility that you were misled or had minimal involvement. Our goal is to show the prosecution’s entire conspiracy theory doesn’t hold water.

5. Double Jeopardy Concerns

• Scenario: The state pressed charges for forgery, and now the DOJ is coming after you for basically the same conduct.
• Defense Strategy: We analyze the exact elements of each charge, applying the Blockburger test to see if both sets of charges truly address the “same offense.” Where possible, we leverage constitutional arguments to pressure the federal government into dismissing or consolidating charges that replicate the state’s case.

Potential Sentencing Outcomes Under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines

If found guilty of PPP or EIDL fraud, the sentencing process in federal court often involves calculating an offense level that considers the amount of financial loss, your prior criminal history, and whether the fraud was executed with “sophisticated means.” Sentences can range from probation—if the loss amount is minimal and mitigating factors abound—to years in a federal penitentiary for more egregious allegations. We strive to humanize your situation before the court, emphasizing your background, your business’s goals, and the context of your decisions so that the judge sees you as an individual—not just another statistic.

Protect Your Future: Why You Need a Premier Federal Defense Attorney Now

If you wait to “see what happens,” you risk giving federal investigators time to build a bulletproof case against you. The earlier our team intervenes, the more opportunities we have to negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, and shape the narrative around your actions. A federal conviction doesn’t just disrupt your immediate life—it creates long-term difficulties with employment, professional licensing, and even your constitutional rights. Don’t let your future hinge on inaction or misguided self-representation.

• 24/7 Availability: We’re always here to help and answer your questions.
• Nationwide Network: Even if parts of your business or co-defendants are outside Arkansas, we have the resources and connections to defend you anywhere.
• Personalized Representation: We genuinely care about our clients. This isn’t just a job for us; it’s a calling. We want to defend your freedom and your livelihood with everything we’ve got.