Criminal Defense Lawyers

Ohio PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

Ohio PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and you need the best possible criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that, and we take it very seriously. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling tough federal cases nationwide, including allegations of PPP loan fraud. We pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys who genuinely care about getting your case resolved successfully. If you’re reading this, it likely means you’re facing questions about your PPP application, worried about a federal investigation, and need immediate help. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome.

Federal Jurisdiction in Ohio PPP Loan Fraud Cases

Because the Paycheck Protection Program is federally funded through the Small Business Administration (SBA), most PPP loan fraud cases in Ohio end up in federal court. You may be facing investigations led by agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or even inspectors general. The law they often cite is 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud) or 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (False Statements to Federally Insured Institutions). These can carry very serious penalties under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

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.

If you’re worried about possibly facing both state and federal charges, we can handle that as well. The dual sovereignty doctrine can sometimes allow both governments to prosecute similar conduct, but PPP loan fraud typically stays within federal jurisdiction. Regardless, our attorneys are prepared to address overlapping issues and ensure you’re not subjected to double jeopardy for the same offense.

Why Ohio Authorities Might Investigate

Even though PPP funds come from a federal source, Ohio law enforcement agencies can get involved if there are allegations that relate to other state crimes, like identity theft or theft by deception, which are prohibited under Ohio Revised Code sections. But in many cases, everything funnels right back to the federal level. This is where our years of experience with high-profile federal investigations become invaluable. We understand exactly how these prosecutions work, and we know how to navigate them.

Potential Defense Strategies – Roleplaying Different Scenarios

Every client’s situation is unique. Below, we’ll walk through a few scenarios to show how we might defend you if you’re facing PPP loan fraud allegations in Ohio. Our team looks at the facts, the evidence, and the law in order to craft a strategy that can get you the best possible outcome.

1. Scenario A: Honest Mistakes in the Application
   Let’s say you run a small restaurant in Cleveland. You applied for PPP funds to keep your employees paid but unintentionally included outdated payroll figures. The numbers weren’t inflated on purpose; you just didn’t have accurate documentation at the time. When the feds come knocking, they accuse you of fraud. Our strategy is to show that there was no criminal intent – that this was an innocent error. Under federal fraud statutes, prosecutors must prove you knowingly and willfully misrepresented the facts. We highlight your lack of criminal history, your chaotic financial situation, and the records you genuinely believed to be correct. If we succeed in demonstrating that you lacked mens rea, this can lead to a dismissal or significantly diminished charges.
2. Scenario B: Following Bad Advice from a Third Party
   Imagine a situation where you hired a “consultant” who claimed to be an expert on PPP loans. They encouraged you to say certain things on your application because it would “help you qualify.” You relied on their instructions, not knowing some of these statements were false. Now you’ve got the DOJ claiming you committed fraud. Our attorneys would comb through emails, texts, or call recordings showing that you were acting on someone else’s faulty advice. While entrapment typically involves government conduct, there’s still room to argue that you didn’t knowingly commit fraud. By putting your good-faith reliance in the spotlight, we can mount a defense that shows you never intended to break the law.
3. Scenario C: Allegations of Improper Use of Funds
   The government might allege you spent PPP money on unauthorized items, like personal expenses or luxury purchases. Let’s say you’re a small marketing firm owner in Columbus, and your business is fully remote. You used a portion of the funds to buy better home office equipment and interpret it as necessary for your business. The government, on the other hand, thinks it’s not a permissible use. In this situation, we’d gather evidence showing how the equipment was essential for your daily operations. PPP rules did allow for certain non-payroll costs, such as rent or utilities, so the question becomes how well we tie the expenditure to your business’s legitimate needs. If we can show you believed you were following PPP regulations, we might get these charges dismissed or reduced.
4. Scenario D: Negotiating a Plea or Cooperating
   Suppose the government has hard evidence, such as bank records, clear statements, or documented misuse of funds that’s hard to refute. If the prosecution isn’t budging, a carefully structured plea deal could be your best strategy. Under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the calculated offense level for PPP fraud can lead to prison time. But by negotiating cooperatively, we might secure a reduced sentence, restitution instead of incarceration, or a minimized financial penalty. Our role is to advocate for the lightest possible outcome, using every legal strategy at our disposal. We focus on your lack of prior criminal history, personal circumstances, and willingness to rectify mistakes.

Understanding Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal sentencing guidelines are complex, especially with white-collar charges. They often turn on the amount of financial loss. If the government claims you took a $200,000 PPP loan under false pretenses, that’s going to be a higher “loss amount” than a $20,000 loan. Another factor is your role in the fraud – a mastermind orchestrating multiple fraudulent loans might get a higher sentence than a first-time offender who just made a single mistake. At Spodek Law Group, we present mitigating evidence to the court. That can involve showing how you cooperated, highlighting your financial stressors, and explaining why a harsh sentence isn’t necessary to achieve justice.

Double Jeopardy and Protecting Your Rights

If you’re anxious about being prosecuted in both Ohio state court and federal court, you’re not alone. Typically, double jeopardy prevents you from facing multiple punishments for the same act. But there’s a “dual sovereignty” exception, meaning both the state and the federal government can bring charges if the offenses differ. In most PPP loan fraud matters, though, it’s the federal government that leads the charge. Our attorneys make sure no one piles on duplicative charges against you. If there’s overlap, we’ll raise it immediately and file the necessary motions to protect you.

Why Work with Spodek Law Group

We’re a premier New York-based law firm that helps clients nationwide. When it comes to PPP loan fraud cases, the playing field is federal – meaning our geographic location doesn’t stop us from offering you the defense you need in Ohio. Our attorneys have decades of collective experience dealing with prosecutors in both state and federal courtrooms. We use an advanced digital portal so you have real-time updates on your case, all your documents, and a direct line of communication with our team. We’re well-known for our track record of “unwinnable” cases that we’ve managed to resolve successfully.

Your Next Steps

If you’re being investigated for PPP loan fraud – or you suspect charges might be on the horizon – it’s vital to act quickly. The government doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Call us for a risk-free consultation. We’re here 24/7 to listen to your story, ask pointed questions, and let you know how we can help. You deserve an attorney who fights for you and prioritizes your future. At Spodek Law Group, we’re ready to stand by your side. No matter what stage your case is in, or what your charges are, we’re prepared to get to work immediately.

We’re Here to Help Now

Regardless of how complicated your PPP loan fraud allegations are, know that criminal defense team can handle it. The Spodek Law Group’s legal team has over 50 years of experience, and we’re unafraid of complex federal cases. We understand the seriousness of the prosecution’s claims and how the law applies. Most importantly, we care about your freedom and livelihood.

If you’re searching for an Ohio PPP loan fraud lawyer, look no further – we can help you. Contact Spodek Law Group today, and let’s get started on building your defense. We’re here to protect you and push for the best possible outcome in every scenario.