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Florida PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
Last Updated on: 25th February 2025, 09:08 pm
Florida PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers – Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case.
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re facing a serious legal concern involving PPP loan fraud in Florida—and you need help fast. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how frightening it is to sense the federal government, or even local Florida authorities. We understand how serious it is to be under investigation by the government. Our law firm has over 50 years of combined experience defending clients from complex and intimidating criminal charges, including those related to the Paycheck Protection Program. We understand how serious your situation is, and we’re fully committed to providing you with the legal defense you deserve.
How Florida PPP Loan Fraud Cases Typically Arise
PPP loans, authorized under the CARES Act, aimed to help businesses survive the upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the fast rollout and significant funds in this program made it a magnet for investigations. In Florida, where countless small businesses flourished pre-pandemic, federal and state agencies have been particularly active in examining PPP loan applications. Criminal allegations can arise from inflated payroll figures, inaccurate headcount, or inadvertent misuse of loan proceeds. When these red flags appear, investigators may suspect fraud—and begin building a case against you under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (False Statements to a Federally Insured Bank).
At Spodek Law Group, our first step is always to understand the unique contours of your situation: Was your loan application prepared too quickly, or did you rely on faulty advice from an accountant or business partner? Every detail matters because prosecutors must prove you knowingly and intentionally committed fraud. We take that seriously, dissecting every piece of evidence to show you acted in good faith.
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction—and the Perils of Double Jeopardy
When it comes to PPP loan fraud, many clients in Florida find themselves grappling with a dual-front threat: a federal investigation by agencies like the Department of Justice and the FBI, plus the possibility of state-level charges brought by the Florida Attorney General’s Office. While the Double Jeopardy Clause (Fifth Amendment) generally bars multiple prosecutions by the same sovereign for the same offense, federal and state governments are separate sovereigns (Heath v. Alabama, 474 U.S. 82 (1985)). In other words, you could face charges in both federal and Florida courts if prosecutors at each level believe they have separate grounds for pursuing your case.
Here at Spodek Law Group, we understand the anxiety of fighting battles on two fronts. Our attorneys are great at negotiating global resolutions designed to minimize your exposure and safeguard your future. Whether it’s the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Florida State Attorney’s Office, or both, we know how to craft a robust defense strategy that addresses every angle.
Spodek Law Group, is a premier, and award-winning, New York / Federal criminal defense law firm. Our objective is to win cases – and resolve them successfully.
At Spodek Law Group, we focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. We have a long history of handling high-profile cases—including representation of Anna Delvey (a.k.a. Anna Sorokin)—and a proven track record of results. Because of that, we choose to work with those whom we genuinely believe we can assist.
- Nationwide Recognition: Our criminal defense attorneys have been featured by major media outlets such as The New York Times, Fox 5, Insider.com, Newsweek, and more.
- Selective Representation: We don’t take every single client who calls; we focus on those we believe we can defend and for whom we can get a good outcome.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We offer a fully digital client portal, making it easy for you to provide documents, check the status of your case, and communicate with our team confidentially.
- 24/7 Accessibility: We are available 24/7, to provide a risk-free consultation.
Roleplaying a Few Defense Scenarios
No two cases are alike, especially when it comes to PPP loan fraud allegations in Florida. From misinterpretations of the CARES Act to complicated partner disputes, we’ve seen it all—and we tailor our defense strategy accordingly. Below, we dive into four nuanced scenarios to illustrate how we approach these cases.
Scenario One: You Simply Made Mistakes
Let’s say you own a small restaurant in Miami, juggling the situation you’re dealing with. You were told you could include independent contractors on your payroll estimate—but the rules were vague, and in your rush to secure funds, you inadvertently overstated numbers. Now, the authorities think you lied.
- Our Approach: We lean heavily on “lack of criminal intent.” Under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, the government must prove you knowingly engaged in fraud. Our job is to collect every single email, text message, or conversation with financial advisors to show you genuinely believed you were following the guidelines.
- Goal: Highlight confusion and good-faith compliance to argue for dismissal, or at least a significant reduction of charges.
Scenario Two: Overzealous Business Partner or Consultant
Maybe you hired a consultant promising to “maximize” your loan amount. This consultant persuaded you to submit payroll data that—unbeknownst to you—was grossly inflated. You might now be facing allegations you may not have been aware of.
- Our Approach: We emphasize that you were misled. Prosecutors must establish you personally had knowledge and intent to defraud. We can argue you relied on an expert’s guidance in good faith. We’ll dig into your communications and show you had zero desire to break the law.
- Goal: Establish you as a victim of your consultant’s malpractice, not a criminal mastermind. This strategy can lead to dropped charges or a plea arrangement minimizing liability.
Scenario Three: Accusations of Misusing Funds
PPP funds generally must be used on specific, approved expenses like payroll, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities. If you spent some of the money on marketing, an e-commerce platform, or other business ventures, prosecutors might argue you’ve committed fraud.
- Our Approach: We demonstrate that your expenditures were always aimed at preserving and supporting the business. We reference evolving SBA guidance that shifted multiple times during the pandemic. We show you never intended to misuse funds; rather, you were trying to adapt your enterprise to maintain payroll and stay afloat.
- Goal: Reframe the narrative so it’s clear you were focused on retaining employees and business operations, rather than deliberately misusing federal relief funds.
Scenario Four: Federal Agents Conducted an Illegal Search
Imagine the FBI or a state task force raided your Tampa office, taking laptops, thumb drives, and documents. If they exceeded the scope of the warrant or omitted key facts when obtaining it, you may have grounds to suppress that evidence (Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961)).
- Our Approach: We file pre-trial motions to contest the legality of the search and seizure. If it’s found unconstitutional, the evidence they seized often becomes inadmissible in court—a potential game-changer in your case.
- Goal: Undermine the prosecution’s primary evidence, potentially leading to a favorable plea deal or total dismissal of charges.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Your Future
If your case progresses to the sentencing stage—either through a guilty plea or conviction—Section 2B1.1 of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines typically applies to fraud offenses. The recommended sentence depends on factors like:
- The total alleged “loss” linked to the fraud.
- Your role in the offense (e.g., leader or minor participant).
- Any past criminal history you might have.
While these Guidelines are technically advisory (United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005)), judges in Florida federal courts tend to give them significant weight. Our job is to present mitigating factors—like your lack of prior convictions, your immediate willingness to rectify errors, or your acceptance of responsibility—and argue for a sentence below what the Guidelines suggest.
Why Quick Action Matters
If you’ve received a target letter, a subpoena, or even a friendly “request for documents” from investigators, don’t wait—call Spodek Law Group immediately. The earlier we get involved, the better our chances of shaping the narrative, presenting exculpatory evidence, and preventing charges from being filed in the first place.
We offer a risk-free initial consultation, during which you can share every concern, no matter how big or small. We want you to be transparent, to ask every hard question, and to feel fully informed about your options and our strategies.
Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you.
At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation. Our law firm is dedicated to We pride ourselves on providing the best possible customer service. That means regular updates about your case, a digital portal that streamlines communication, and meticulously researched legal strategies that keep you in the loop.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re in Florida and believe you might be under scrutiny for PPP loan fraud—or if you’ve already been formally charged—reach out to our criminal defense attorneys right now. We handle cases nationwide, and we’ve earned a reputation for succeeding where others see challenges.
If you’re looking to hire a criminal defense attorney, it’s likely the Spodek Law Group is on your radar – and capable of winning your case. Contact Spodek Law Group for an honest, thorough, and strategic defense, so we can stand by you and help you move forward—Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the stage of the case, we can help you.