Criminal Defense Lawyers

California PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

California PPP Loan Fraud and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

Over 50 Years of Combined Experience
We’re Here 24/7 to Help You

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with a serious legal issue—namely, criminal fraud allegations of PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) or EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) fraud in California. These legal investigations can feel overwhelming. Federal prosecutors and agencies like the SBA OIG, the FBI, and the DOJ have been looking to increase their efforts to pursue anyone they believe misused or misrepresented facts on their CARES Act loan applications. Any mistake can put you on their radar, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. At Spodek Law Group, we get it. We know the fears and frustrations that come with accusations of federal fraud. Our commitment is simple: our criminal defense lawyers provide you with the absolute best legal representation, anywhere in California, so you can focus on getting your life back. We know your future is on the line, and we take that responsibility very seriously.

As Seen On

Our firm and our attorneys have been featured on major media outlets, where we’ve provided insights on high-profile cases. Todd Spodek has been on major news outlets, and was even seen in a Netflix show.

California PPP and EIDL Investigations

California’s economic landscape—from Silicon Valley startups to family-owned restaurants in Los Angeles—means lots of businesses applied for PPP and EIDL loans. Unfortunately, this also results now in heightened scrutiny. Federal authorities, working hand-in-hand with state prosecutors, are reviewing every single loan application; they’re looking at payroll records, and bank statements to see if anything points to fraud.

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.

• Multi-Jurisdictional Collaboration: In many California investigations, federal and state agencies are working together closely. This can quickly turn a single PPP loan inquiry into multiple overlapping cases, increasing your legal exposure locally, and federally.
• Aggressive Enforcement: Prosecutors are alleging that certain applicants misrepresented the number of employees, overstated monthly payroll expenses, or used funds in ways that were not permitted by the SBA guidelines.
• Complex Rules: PPP and EIDL programs had rules that kept changing during COVID.

Federal Charges You Could Facing

When it comes to PPP or EIDL fraud, federal prosecutors will rely on several key federal statutes when trying to prosecute you in court:

1. 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud)
   If the government claims you used phone lines, email, or the internet to perpetuate fraud or submit false information, this might be the charge used to pursue potential PPP fraud.
2. 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud)
   Because PPP loans are administered through financial institutions, prosecutors can claim that any alleged misrepresentation to the bank constitutes bank fraud. This could be one of the top charges against you.
3. 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (False Statements on Loan Applications)
   This statute comes into play if you allegedly misstated facts—like payroll numbers, employee counts, or ownership details—when you applied for the PPP or EIDL loan.
4. 18 U.S.C. § 371 (Conspiracy)
   If you allegedly collaborated with a partner, accountant, or anyone else in a scheme, the government may add conspiracy charges, and charge you and the partners in question.

Our Philosophy and Approach to Defending You

We take your future as seriously as you do. We treat you like family. We would never give you counsel we would never advise our own family member. Our mission at the Spodek Law Group is to give you the strongest defense possible. We don’t just show up and negotiate; we strategize, investigate, and fight—using our decades of combined experience and our deep understanding of how federal and state prosecutors work. We’re a top criminal defense law firm that’s unafraid of a tough fight – our loyalty is to you, not to making deals that compromise your future. Unlike other law firms – we don’t care strictly about our relationship with prosecutors and judges, we care about your future only.

Here’s how we operate:

• Risk-Free Consultation: The first step is a conversation. We want to hear your story—what happened, how you ended up here, and what concerns you have. We want to know everything possible about your situation.
• Comprehensive Investigation: Once you sign up with our law firm, we review all documents, banking records, and communications. We’ll bring in experts—like forensic accountants—if needed, we have an unlimited amount of resources.
• Filing Pre-Trial Motions: Our attorneys excel at filing motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally, or to dismiss charges if the prosecution lacks solid proof. We will work to weaken the prosecutors case where possible.

Scenarios We Handle

Below are a few hypothetical examples—just to help you see how these PPP loan fraud cases might unfold, and how we build a defense tailored to your situation.

1. Inflated Employee Headcount

Let’s say you operated a growing startup in San Francisco. You listed 25 employees for PPP loan purposes, but an audit reveals only 15 actual employees. Were those remaining 10 just 1099 contractors? Did you misunderstand the guidelines? Our criminal defense law firm will argue that you acted in good faith based on SBA regulations, which shifted frequently. We may also present evidence that you never intended to defraud anyone, and that the confusion arose from complex, evolving standards.

2. Misuse of Funds

Perhaps your small restaurant in Los Angeles received an EIDL, and the prosecution claims you used some of the funds for personal expenses. If your CFO or bookkeeper allocated those funds without your knowledge, or if the guidelines were unclear in the early stages, we’ll highlight that lack of criminal intent. We’ll also gather documentation to show how you used the majority of your loan in a manner consistent with the SBA’s rules, dismantling the government’s narrative that you knowingly misappropriated federal funds.

3. Conspiracy Allegations

If you co-own a business and your partner allegedly submitted fraudulent documents without your input, you could still face conspiracy charges. In this case, we’ll attack the government’s burden of proof, showing you had no knowledge of, or intent to join, any fraudulent scheme. Emails, internal memos, and honest mistakes can all serve to illustrate your innocence.

4. Errors by the Bank or Lender

You may have filled out every form accurately. But if the lending institution made mistakes in verifying or calculating data, you can still find yourself under scrutiny. Our attorneys review the lender’s underwriting process, pointing to clerical or procedural errors that had nothing to do with you. This approach can weaken the prosecution’s position significantly.

Potential Penalties Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

It’s natural to be afraid of worst-case scenarios—especially when the “loss amount” in question involves six or seven figures. Federal sentencing guidelines often revolve around the money at stake. Enhancements can apply if the offense involved:

• Sophisticated Means: The government alleges that the scheme was carefully orchestrated.
• Multiple Participants: If multiple parties are indicted, they may layer on conspiracy or leadership role enhancements.
• Position of Trust: If you were in a trusted role (e.g., CFO, accountant) and allegedly abused that trust.

But guidelines are just that—guidelines. They’re not automatic. Our attorneys look at mitigating factors, such as whether you made genuine efforts to repay funds, correct inaccuracies, or cooperate with authorities. We bring in testimony about your good character, community contributions, and personal circumstances to potentially reduce the severity of any sentence.

The Importance of Starting Early

If you’ve received a subpoena, target letter, or any request for information—don’t wait. Contact us immediately. Far too many defendants think they can “clear up” a misunderstanding by talking directly to federal agents, only to have their words used against them later. Most people don’t know how to talk to prosecutors or agents, and will slip up.

A Personal Commitment to Your Future

You’re a California business owner, a family member, a friend, who took out a loan under extraordinary circumstances—most likely trying to keep your business afloat during a crisis. Mistakes can happen, especially when the rules are changing by the day. We see beyond the allegations and focus on you as a person.

That’s why we have a fully digital client portal—so you always know what’s going on with your case. We’re not going to leave you in the dark. We believe in honesty, transparency, and respect. And if you decide to go to trial, you’ll have attorneys by your side who know how to fight, and win, at the federal level.

We’re Here to Help You—24/7

Our law firm has over 50 years of combined experience. We’ve helped countless clients nationwide, including here in California, navigate serious federal charges. We know how to deal with the DOJ, how to tackle SBA OIG investigations, and how to present your side of the story in the strongest possible light.

• Offices Nationwide: We leverage our national presence to offer top-tier representation coast to coast, including throughout California.
• 24/7 Availability: We know you can’t predict when a crisis will strike. We’re here for you, day and night, ready to give you legal guidance.
• Transparent Billing: No hidden fees, no surprises. We focus on you, not your wallet.

Risk-Free Consultation?

If you, or a loved one, is under investigation—or even if you just think you might be—call us today. We are ready to speak with you in a no-obligation, risk-free consultation to assess your situation. When you speak to our team, this is your chance to ask questions, get clarity, and figure out what steps to take next. You are not alone.