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.
Charlotte PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud is a federal crime that occurs when individuals and businesses falsely obtain money through the CARES Act. As of April 2020, small businesses affected by COVID-19 and with fewer than 500 full-time employees were eligible for up to $10 million in relief to cover expenses such as payroll, mortgages, rent, and utilities for eight weeks. The government would forgive the debt if the money was used for these “qualified expenses.” However, cheating the Small Business Administration (SBA) out of this stimulus money is a serious federal felony that carries potential prison time, fines, and repayment of the loan.
One of the most common forms of PPP loan fraud is application fraud. In order to be eligible for PPP funding, a business had to certify that it had fewer than 500 employees, a “small business” as defined by the SBA. Companies might misclassify full-time employees as contractors to fall below the 500-employee threshold, or misrepresent the size of their payrolls to improperly secure more funding under the program.
However, defendants facing PPP loan fraud charges can argue that they had no intent to defraud or that the SBA made a mistake. Accidentally providing false information on a loan application, for example, is not a crime if the defendant had no intent to defraud. Additionally, errors by the SBA are not uncommon and keeping all records, such as email communications, voicemails, bank statements, accounting notes, receipts and bills can serve as valuable proof of innocence if a false accusation is made.
It is important to note that non-citizens convicted of CARES Act fraud are vulnerable to deportation as fraud involving more than $10,000 is an aggravated felony and a crime involving moral turpitude. Therefore, aliens facing criminal charges should seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
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.
In summary, PPP loan fraud is a serious federal crime that can lead to severe consequences. Businesses and individuals should ensure they are aware of the eligibility criteria and accurately represent their expenses to avoid any fraudulent activities.
As a business owner, you understand the importance of making wise decisions, but when it comes to defending yourself against allegations of PPP fraud, the stakes are higher than ever. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is casting a wide net in its efforts to root out abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and investigate businesses that allegedly obtained fraudulent funds through the federal loan program. If you find yourself targeted by a PPP fraud audit or investigation, you could face civil penalties and potential criminal prosecution by the federal government. Even if you believe you have complied with the terms of the federal loan program, the wide scope of the DOJ’s PPP fraud probe could end up entangling you in a federal criminal investigation, which could wreak havoc on your reputation.
The consequences of PPP fraud charges can change the course of your entire life. Federal statutes the DOJ is invoking to file charges in PPP loan cases are broadly defined and come with harsh criminal penalties, possibly including decades in prison and upwards of $1,000,000 in fines. The federal government has shown that it will take advantage of every opportunity to make an example of those suspected of committing PPP loan fraud. To avoid criminal prosecution, you will need a steadfast criminal defense lawyer on your side.
That’s why it is critical to seek qualified legal counsel as soon as you become aware of a PPP fraud investigation or audit involving you or your business. Timing is critical, but keep in mind that your choice of legal counsel can make or break your case. Be sure to do your research before making any decisions about who will represent you. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members who experienced similar problems, read client testimonials and look up the firm’s past results in cases that are comparable to yours. Many lawyers specialize in a particular area of the law and you want to make sure your attorney has relevant legal experience and a record of success achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is a good idea to meet with a few of the attorneys on your list before choosing who will represent you in your federal PPP fraud case. Many firms, ours included, offer prospective clients a free initial consultation, which gives you the opportunity to decide which attorney you are most comfortable with. You may not get much in-depth legal advice during an initial consultation, but you can get some valuable information about the attorney’s background, experience, and strategies they would use for your case.
Don’t take the risk of facing PPP fraud charges alone. Contact our experienced federal PPP fraud defense attorneys today to get the help you need. We understand the gravity of your situation and we are here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome for you and your business. Don’t hesitate, act now to ensure that you have the best representation possible.
