Blog
Maryland PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
Maryland PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
Over 50 Years of Combined Experience
If you’re on this page, it’s because you’re facing a serious PPP loan fraud issue in Maryland—and you need the right criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we know this is a life-changing situation. We don’t take that lightly. Our goal is to protect your future and help you navigate these federal allegations. We have offices across the USA, we have over 50 years of combined experience, and we are available 24/7 to provide a risk-free consultation.
Why Maryland PPP Loan Fraud Cases Can Become Federal
PPP loan fraud allegations typically fall under federal jurisdiction because the program was funded by the CARES Act (Pub. L. 116–136). Federal prosecutors often use statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud) or 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (False Statements) to bring charges. In many cases, they rely on evidence from banks, the SBA, and other federal agencies to build a strong case against you. Our approach is to show there is another side to the story—that you lacked criminal intent, or that you made a genuine mistake in a confusing environment.
Roleplaying Different Defense Scenarios
Scenario One: Confusion Over Complex Guidelines
Many Maryland business owners rushed to apply for PPP funding, relying on rapidly changing SBA guidelines. You might have inaccurately calculated payroll costs or misunderstood full-time equivalent requirements. In this scenario, our defense revolves on the fact that you did not intentionally submit false information. We aim to show you were trying to follow the rules. We go through your emails, texts, and accounting records to prove you were actively seeking clarity, not committing fraud. Often, demonstrating honest confusion, rather than deliberate deceit, can lead to charges being dismissed or significantly diminished.
Scenario Two: Wire Fraud and Multiple Loan Applications
Some individuals face allegations that they filed numerous PPP applications using shell companies or false certifications. Federal prosecutors will likely invoke 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud). Our job is to challenge whether you truly knew each entity’s information was fraudulent. We might argue someone else took advantage of your business relationships, or that you believed the entities qualified. We also look for entrapment if there was a government informant leading the scheme. Our goal at this stage is to separate you from the main orchestrators or show the government cannot prove criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Scenario Three: Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) and Alleged Collusion
When multiple individuals are indicted in the same PPP loan fraud ring, prosecutors might allege you were part of a conspiracy to cheat the system. This requires the government to prove you knowingly agreed to commit a federal offense with others. We explore evidence that you operated independently, or lacked awareness of anyone else’s actions. We look carefully at text messages, financial transactions, and witness statements to highlight your limited role—if any. By breaking down the prosecutor’s theory of collusion, we open the door to more favorable scenarios.
Scenario Four: Double Jeopardy Concerns if State and Federal Overlap
Occasionally, Maryland authorities and federal prosecutors investigate the same conduct. This can raise questions of double jeopardy under the Fifth Amendment. In practice, the federal government can pursue charges separate from state charges if they allege different elements or statutory violations. We analyze both sets of allegations. If the charges overlap, we will fight to dismiss the redundant case. If they differ, we strategize to manage each proceeding so you don’t face an onslaught of conflicting demands.
Scenario Five: Allegations of Lying to the Bank (18 U.S.C. § 1014)
Federal prosecutors often rely on 18 U.S.C. § 1014 for allegedly false statements in PPP applications, especially if they say you inflated payroll or listed phantom employees. We look at whether you thought your statements were accurate, or if the bank provided conflicting instructions. Sometimes, changing SBA interpretations created confusion about who qualified as an employee, or what counted toward payroll. If we can prove you revised or corrected documents once you realized errors, that can show you acted in good faith.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the Stakes
Federal judges use the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to calculate prison time and fines. These guidelines look at the total dollar loss, number of victims, and other aggravating factors. We work to reduce the government’s claim of loss by challenging inflated figures, which can mean a lower sentencing range. If cooperation with investigators aligns with your objectives, we can explore that route to potentially reduce your exposure. But we never push you into cooperating with the authorities unless it truly serves your best interests. We always want you to have the best possible outcome.
Why You Should Hire Spodek Law Group Immediately
If you’re under investigation, waiting can hurt your defense. The moment you reach out to us, we’ll begin reviewing your case, advising you on how to handle inquiries from federal agents, and gathering exculpatory evidence before it disappears. We have a team of criminal attorneys who have handled complex, high-profile cases nationwide. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation criminal defense lawyer, with extensive experience in federal cases that have captured major media attention. We’ve represented notable clients, like “fake heiress” Anna Sorokin, and have been featured on major news outlets. That means we know how to navigate intense scrutiny and complicated legal issues.
How Our Process Works
When you call Spodek Law Group, we start with a risk-free consultation, either by phone or in person. We’ll ask for copies of relevant documents—such as the PPP application forms, bank statements, or communications with lenders. Once we have a clear picture, we outline potential defense strategies. We communicate with you 24/7 to keep you informed about each step. Because we maintain a completely cloud based digital portal, we can handle your case securely and efficiently, no matter where you are in Maryland—or anywhere else in the nation.
Talk to Spodek Law Group Today
If you’re ready to protect yourself against PPP loan fraud allegations, call us for a risk-free consultation. Our objective is always to have the charges dismissed, or substantially reduced. We pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys who have over 50 years of combined experience.