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.
Client Testimonials
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THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.
The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.
If you’re on this page, it’s because you’re facing potential PPP loan fraud charges – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that, and take this very seriously. We have over 50 years of combined experience dealing with some of the toughest legal issues nationwide, including federal PPP fraud investigations. Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case.
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction — Why PPP Cases Usually Land in Federal Court
Most PPP loan fraud investigations fall under federal jurisdiction. Federal prosecutors often rely on statutes like:
18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud)
18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud)
18 U.S.C. § 1001 (False Statements)
Because these loans come from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the government has an interest in prosecuting individuals it believes have misused federal funds. We regularly see agencies like the FBI, IRS, and DOJ stepping in, and they are extremely thorough. Double jeopardy typically prevents you from facing the same exact charges twice in the same jurisdiction. But since state and federal systems count as separate sovereigns, parallel charges can happen, even if it’s rare. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you.
Penalties Under Federal Sentencing Guidelines
If you’re indicted, you face federal sentencing guidelines that can be unforgiving. For example, bank fraud convictions can mean up to 30 years in prison for each count, and wire fraud can mean up to 20 years. Courts can impose heavy fines, restitution, and even asset forfeiture. The United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) set a baseline for sentencing, factoring in the alleged amount of fraud, your criminal history, and whether you accept responsibility. Our attorneys use their experience to negotiate outcomes and challenge the government’s calculations. We look for ways to reduce or dismiss charges – especially when evidence is weak or criminal intent is unclear.
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.
Roleplaying Defense Strategies: Real Scenarios We Use
Our approach at Spodek Law Group is to provide each client with the best possible legal representation at all stages. We roleplay multiple defense scenarios so we can handle the toughest cases. Here are a few examples:
Scenario One: Mistakes in Your Application
If you own a small business in Hawaii and miscalculated your payroll numbers, we can show there was no intent to defraud. We gather payroll stubs, bank statements, and other documents to demonstrate you made an honest mistake.
Scenario Two: Personal Use of Funds
If you used PPP funds for personal expenses, we will highlight any confusion about permissible expenses. We focus on the portion you used correctly and any attempt you made to correct the situation. We will use the partial nature, to show this is a mistake, not criminal intent.
Scenario Three: Multiple Applications
If you filed more than one PPP application across different banks, we explain any good-faith belief that each business entity was entitled to separate funding. We also emphasize any steps you took to rectify overlaps.
Scenario Four: Consultant or Third-Party Involvement
If you hired someone to fill out your application and they submitted false numbers, we document your reliance on that person’s advice. We investigate communications to show you were misled rather than intentionally participating in fraud.
Unpacking the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) are critical in any federal fraud case. Federal judges look at:
Loss Amount: The government’s alleged financial losses directly affect sentencing severity.
Number of Counts: Multiple counts can add up quickly.
Role in the Offense: Being labeled an organizer can increase penalties.
Criminal History: Past convictions might elevate your sentence.
Our job is to poke enough holes in the government’s calculations and show mitigating circumstances. We fight to lower the “loss amount” or prove a minimal role, and we scrutinize any unlawful search, seizure, or coerced confession.
How We Help You
At Spodek Law Group, we focus on delivering representation from some of the top rated lawyers in the USA. Many of the cases we’re famous for handling – are cases that others say were unwinnable. We have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough cases nationwide, and we are recognized as a top rated state, and federal, criminal defense law firm. Our strategy is simple: identify every possible defense, test every angle, and highlight flaws in the prosecutor’s case.
We start with a risk-free consultation. During this conversation, we want all the details, all the documents, and your questions. We don’t make empty promises – we give you an honest assessment of your case. We focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. During this time, we map out a strategy to help you at every stage of your case. We file pre-trial motions to challenge evidence or request dismissal of certain charges. We can negotiate plea bargains that drastically reduce penalties, or if necessary, fight in court for a not guilty verdict.
Remember, the federal government takes PPP fraud very seriously. This is about more than just repaying the money; you could lose your freedom. When you reach out to our criminal defense law firm, the process of working with us begins with a risk-free consultation in person, or over the phone.
We Are Spodek Law Group
We are a premier, and award winning, New York / Federal criminal defense law firm, with offices nationwide. We have offices throughout Long Island and NYC, which means we’re ready to help you, regardless of where your case is in the USA. We are available 24/7, to provide a risk free consultation. Our firm also maintains an online portal, so all communications, invoicing, submission of documents, and access to confidential information can be done virtually.
Contact Us Today – Don’t Wait
If you’re being investigated, or already charged over PPP loan fraud, you should hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer – ASAP. You don’t really have a choice – you need an attorney. When you contact our law firm, we’ll guide you through each step and explain how we can help you out of this legal issue. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. If you’re in legal trouble over your PPP loan in Hawaii, reach out to us now. We are available 24/7, and our job is to protect you.
