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.
MAINE PPP LOAN FRAUD LAWYERS
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re worried about a federal PPP loan fraud investigation – and you need the best possible defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how urgent this situation is. Our goal is to fight for you, protect you, and guide you through every stage of your case. We have over 50 years of combined experience, and our attorneys have been featured on major news outlets for legal insights. We work nationwide, and we’re available 24/7 to help you.
Federal Jurisdiction in Maine
Because the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is funded by the federal government under the CARES Act, these cases often fall under federal jurisdiction. That means prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office may charge you in U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. Alleged violations typically include wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371), and false statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001). Facing federal charges can feel overwhelming, especially if the FBI, IRS, or SBA Office of Inspector General is investigating. Our firm has a track record of challenging these agencies and forcing them to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why Federal Sentencing Guidelines Matter
If you face federal charges, the penalties can be severe. The court follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors like the amount of money involved, whether you have a prior criminal record, and your role in the alleged offense. If convicted, you could face prison time and huge financial penalties. We aim to either get the charges dismissed or negotiate outcomes that reduce your exposure. Our lawyers are aggressive negotiators and, when needed, fierce trial attorneys. Our priority is defending you at every step.
Double Jeopardy Concerns
Some clients in Maine worry about being charged by both state and federal authorities. The Constitution’s Double Jeopardy Clause prevents multiple prosecutions for the same offense by the same sovereign. But Maine and the federal government are separate sovereigns. If there are overlapping charges, we’ll argue they violate your rights or exceed the scope of what’s fair. We look at every angle that protects you from overzealous prosecution.
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.
Different Defense Scenarios and Strategies
Each PPP loan fraud case is unique. Below, we roleplay defense strategies we might use in your situation. Our attorneys will customize one or more of these approaches based on your specific facts and evidence.
Scenario One: Lack of Intent
Sometimes, the government interprets legitimate expenses as misuse of PPP funds. If you believed that you were allowed to use the loan for certain business purposes, there may be no criminal intent. Under federal law, the prosecution must prove you acted “knowingly and willfully.” We gather evidence—like receipts, invoices, and communications with accountants—to demonstrate your genuine belief that you complied with PPP rules.
Scenario Two: Mistaken Identity
We’ve seen cases where the wrong individual or business entity is flagged by the federal government. Perhaps a Maine business name matches another entity under investigation. If you were mistakenly lumped into that case, we’ll show there’s no link between you and the alleged fraudulent activity. We force the government to acknowledge that you’re not the right target. If it’s a matter of a mismatched taxpayer ID or a flawed records search, we move swiftly to clear your name.
Scenario Three: Entrapment
In some PPP loan fraud investigations, the government pushes individuals to commit acts they wouldn’t have done otherwise. If your situation involves aggressive tactics by an undercover agent or informant, we may argue entrapment. This defense requires us to show that the idea originated with the government and that you weren’t predisposed to commit fraud. Our team conducts a thorough review of messages, conversations, and emails to expose improper government conduct.
Scenario Four: Improper Search or Seizure
In many federal cases, investigators seize documents, computers, and financial records. If they overstepped their authority, or used an invalid warrant, we can challenge the search under the Fourth Amendment. Evidence gained through unconstitutional methods should be excluded from trial. If we succeed, the prosecution’s entire case can crumble.
Scenario Five: Demonstrating Legitimate Use of Funds
You might have multiple businesses or different divisions of your company. Each PPP loan may have been entirely legal and documented. We piece together payroll records, bank statements, vendor contracts—anything that shows you obeyed the rules. If the government cannot prove you misused the funds, the charges can’t stand. We focus on painting the clearest possible picture of your legitimate business operations.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group
We’re a top-rated federal criminal defense firm recognized for handling tough cases nationwide. Todd Spodek, our managing partner, is a second-generation criminal defense attorney who’s been featured in the media for high-profile cases. Our team is dedicated to you—not to pleasing prosecutors or judges. We care more about our relationship with you, than prosecutors and judges. We use a digital cloud based portal to give you real-time updates, and we’re transparent about legal fees. Our objective is getting the best possible result for you.
Speak to Us—24/7 Risk-Free Consultation
We start every case with a risk-free consultation. It’s your time to ask any questions you have and share every detail. Once you talk to us, you’ll see why clients nationwide trust Spodek Law Group. We take the time to listen, lay out possible outcomes, and explain how we’ll fight for you. PPP loan fraud allegations are serious. If you’re in Maine, and if you need a powerful legal team, we’re here now.
