Criminal Defense Lawyers

Illinois PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

Illinois PPP Loan Fraud and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
Spodek Law Group – Over 50 Years of Combined Experience

If you’ve stumbled onto our website, it’s likely because you’re in a tough situation involving PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) or EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) fraud allegations in Illinois—and you need a top-rated criminal defense attorney right now. At Spodek Law Group, we understand what’s at stake for you and your loved ones, and we take this responsibility extremely seriously. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome, regardless of where you are in your legal battle. We’ve built our reputation by tackling the seemingly “unwinnable” cases, and we believe your case is no exception.

Award-Winning Law Firm for Illinois Federal Fraud Cases

Since the pandemic began, the federal government has devoted substantial resources to investigating and prosecuting alleged misuses of the PPP and EIDL programs. This isn’t just a minor legal hiccup: federal agents—including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), and even the IRS—have been empowered to comb through applications, follow the money trail, and identify discrepancies. If you’re reading this, you might have already received a target letter, faced a surprise audit, or even been interviewed by federal authorities. Rest assured—our entire Spodek Law Group team understands how serious these accusations can be, and we’re here to guide you.

We’re a national criminal defense law firm, but we have extensive experience handling federal cases in Illinois (including the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts). We also leverage a fully digital platform that allows you to manage everything—from documents to confidential communications—so you can focus on living your life while we focus on winning your case.

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.

Federal Jurisdiction, Investigations, and the “Double Jeopardy” Concern

1. Why Your Case Is Federal

PPP and EIDL loan fraud typically falls under federal jurisdiction because these loan programs are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under federal statutes. This often triggers indictments under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (False Statements), or related conspiracy offenses. Because these charges come with severe penalties—including potential prison time, massive financial penalties, and restitution obligations—it’s critical you hire a legal team that understands how to fight on the federal level.

2. Double Jeopardy in Illinois Cases

Some clients worry about being prosecuted twice—once by state authorities and once by federal prosecutors. While the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment typically prevents you from facing charges for the exact same crime twice, there are nuances when state and federal laws differ. Illinois might have its own fraud statutes, and if those laws are violated in conjunction with federal statutes, you could encounter two sets of investigations. Our attorneys have seen how easily overlapping charges can pop up, and we know how to protect your constitutional rights, ensuring that you aren’t unfairly prosecuted on multiple fronts.

Common Scenarios Involving PPP/EIDL Loan Fraud Charges

Every single client situation we handle is unique. What really matters is how we craft a defense that’s tailored to you, your business, and the specific evidence the government claims to have. Below are some nuanced scenarios we see frequently:

Scenario 1: Misallocation of Funds

Maybe you own a small technology startup in Chicago that received PPP funding meant for payroll but instead used some of it for equipment upgrades or paying off old debts. Now federal authorities say you violated the CARES Act’s strict usage rules.

• Our Approach: We’ll work diligently to show there was no intent to defraud, highlight the chaotic nature of changing SBA guidelines, and demonstrate you used the funds for legitimate business survival. In short, we point out that any mistakes were based on confusion—not criminal malice.

Scenario 2: Third-Party Preparer Issues

Imagine you’re a trucking company in Springfield, and you hired a consultant who inflated payroll numbers on your PPP application without your knowledge. The consultant disappears; you’re the one left facing 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (false statements) or bank fraud allegations.

• Our Approach: We focus on your lack of criminal intent, emphasize how you relied on a “trusted expert” to handle complicated loan paperwork, and demonstrate that once you realized the errors, you took immediate corrective actions. This strategy often undermines the government’s allegations of willful misconduct.

Scenario 3: Overlapping State and Federal Enforcement

You run a medium-sized restaurant chain near Peoria. Not only is the DOJ interested in your PPP/EIDL expenditures, but the Illinois Attorney General’s office is also breathing down your neck for possible violations of state false claims statutes.

• Our Approach: We coordinate a unified defense across both jurisdictions, ensuring your statements are consistent and your constitutional rights (like Fourth Amendment search/seizure protections) remain intact. By carefully navigating each avenue of investigation, we reduce the risk of contradictory statements and manage your exposure strategically.

Scenario 4: COVID-19 Relief Fraud Conspiracy

Perhaps a family member or a business partner formed an alleged network of phony companies to receive multiple PPP or EIDL loans, and now you’re implicated as part of a broader conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371.

• Our Approach: We stress that you had no knowledge or direct involvement in any conspiracy. We dig into every piece of the government’s case—bank records, phone records, emails—to show your innocence. We also challenge the prosecution’s proof linking you to other defendants if the evidence is weak or purely circumstantial.

Defense Strategies: Building on Nuance and Legal Expertise

At Spodek Law Group, we craft our defense around the pillars of criminal intent, flawed evidence, constitutional violations, and mitigating circumstances. When it comes to PPP/EIDL fraud in Illinois, the burden is on the government to prove you knowingly and willfully engaged in deception. Our strategy centers on undercutting that claim:

1. Negating Criminal Intent – We show you acted in good faith, complied with complicated and evolving SBA rules, and had no specific intent to defraud.
2. Challenging the Government’s Evidence – We file comprehensive pre-trial motions to suppress evidence obtained through improper searches or coerced statements. We also challenge the authenticity of documentation—especially if you were relying on a third-party for record-keeping.
3. Leveraging Constitutional Protections – The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Fifth Amendment protects you from self-incrimination. If you were questioned without an attorney or forced into incriminating statements, we’ll move to exclude that evidence.
4. Highlighting Mitigating Factors – If you repaid the funds, cooperated with investigators, or had zero prior criminal history, these factors can influence how prosecutors approach sentencing recommendations under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

What to Expect if Charged in Illinois Federal Court

If the U.S. Attorney’s Office decides to pursue charges against you, they’ll typically serve you with a criminal complaint or an indictment. From there, you’ll have an arraignment, at which you or your attorney will formally respond to the charges (guilty or not guilty). If the government insists on pushing forward, you might face:

• Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions: We’ll have an opportunity to obtain the government’s evidence and file motions challenging the legality and admissibility of that evidence.
• Plea Negotiations: Sometimes, the government may offer reduced charges or sentencing recommendations if you’re willing to plead guilty. We’ll guide you on whether this is in your best interests. Our job is to secure the best possible outcome while fully respecting your autonomy—ultimately, the choice to proceed or negotiate is yours.
• Federal Trial: If necessary, we go to trial, where we’ll present a compelling defense, cross-examine government witnesses, and leverage expert testimony to show you had no intent to commit fraud. Our attorneys have tried countless federal cases and aren’t afraid to confront aggressive prosecutors head-on.

We’re a Nationwide Team That’s Local to Your Needs

Spodek Law Group has an extensive track record handling complex criminal defense matters across the U.S.—including the toughest federal courts in Illinois. Our attorneys thrive on challenging cases: we’ve represented Anna Sorokin (Anna Delvey) in a nationally publicized trial, handled juror misconduct allegations in the Ghislaine Maxwell case, and defended clients in high-stakes financial crime allegations featured in major news outlets. That’s why clients who demand the best consistently turn to us.

Our Core Beliefs

• Client-Centered Service: We believe every client deserves honesty, respect, and a proactive defense strategy.
• Nationwide Reach, Tailored Approach: Whether you’re in downtown Chicago or deep in Southern Illinois, we’re here to represent you.
• Focused on Results: We don’t take on every client—just the ones we know we can help. If we agree to represent you, it’s because we believe you have a fighting chance.
• Risk-Free Consultation: Your first step is a 100% risk-free conversation with our legal team, where you can ask anything on your mind. We’re available 24/7.

Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If you suspect you’re under investigation for PPP or EIDL fraud in Illinois, or if federal agents have already knocked on your door, it’s critical to act now. The longer you wait, the more time the prosecution has to build its case, and the harder it can be to secure a favorable outcome. At Spodek Law Group, we work tirelessly to protect your future, your freedom, and your family.

Call us today or reach out through our secure online portal to schedule a risk-free consultation. You’ll speak directly with a member of our seasoned criminal defense team, who’ll help you understand your options and chart a path forward. We pride ourselves on delivering the best possible representation for every client we serve, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Don’t face these accusations alone—our attorneys are standing by to help you fight and win.

We are Spodek Law Group—a premier criminal defense and federal litigation law firm, with an unwavering commitment to every client we represent.