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.
Pennsylvania PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the economy, federal prosecutors have been bringing criminal charges against those who have allegedly committed fraud in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Our experienced federal criminal defense attorneys have seen a wide variety of conduct being targeted in these investigations and indictments.
One of the most common types of alleged conduct is PPP Application Fraud. The CARES Act, which created the PPP, required businesses to provide accurate and truthful information on their loan applications. Failure to do so could result in criminal charges. The government is particularly interested in false information related to the number of employees a company has, accurate payroll numbers, the classification of employees as independent contractors, and salary and revenue numbers for the company and its employees. Additionally, using someone else’s information to apply for a loan is also a serious crime that could attract the attention of federal prosecutors.
Another area of focus for prosecutors is Fraudulent Use of PPP Loan Funds. The CARES Act placed restrictions on how PPP funds could be used, with the funds only being eligible for loan forgiveness if they were used for specific expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities. Any use of the funds for personal expenses or luxury items could result in criminal charges.
Fraud in the Loan Forgiveness Certification Process is another area of concern for the government. Borrowers who seek loan forgiveness must comply with the terms of the program and provide accurate and truthful information. Providing false information or submitting fraudulent documents in connection with a forgiveness application could lead to criminal charges.
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.
Finally, Obtaining Multiple PPP Loans From Different Lenders is a crime that is being heavily prosecuted. The PPP allowed for up to two loans for some companies, but companies that applied for more than two loans with multiple lenders could be investigated by the government and criminally charged.
In short, the government is taking PPP loan fraud very seriously, and businesses that borrowed from the program should be aware of the potential criminal consequences if they did not comply with the program’s requirements. If you have any questions or concerns, it is essential to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud is a serious issue that has plagued small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the CARES Act, eligible small businesses have been able to obtain up to $10 million to cover essential expenses such as payroll, mortgages, rent, and utilities for eight weeks. The government has also promised to forgive the debt if the money is used for these “qualified expenses.” However, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of this opportunity by fraudulently obtaining funds through false pretenses.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has made it clear that only businesses affected by COVID-19 and with fewer than 500 full-time employees are eligible for CARES relief. Cheating the SBA out of this stimulus money is a federal felony and carries potential prison time, fines, and repayment of the loan. The sentence depends on the specific offense, such as making false statements or overvaluing securities. The punishment can range from a $5,000 fine and/or two years in federal prison for a felony to $10,000 and/or five years in prison for embezzlement. Additionally, the defendant will need to pay restitution.
However, there are defenses that can be argued in court. For example, the defendant may argue that they had no intent to defraud or that the SBA made a mistake. For instance, if a business owner accidentally provided false information on their loan application, they are not criminally liable as they had no intent to defraud. Similarly, if the SBA made an error, the defendant can use their records such as email communications, voicemails, bank statements, accounting notes, receipts, and bills to prove their innocence.
Unfortunately, in most cases, federal criminal records are unsealable. Furthermore, fraud involving more than $10,000 is an aggravated felony and a crime involving moral turpitude, which can lead to deportation for non-citizens. Therefore, it is crucial for non-citizens facing criminal charges to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a non-deportable offense.
In conclusion, PPP loan fraud is a serious issue that has affected small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for business owners to be aware of the eligibility criteria and to keep accurate records to avoid any potential fraud accusations. Furthermore, those facing PPP loan fraud charges should seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect their rights and interests.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The PPP offered small businesses up to $2 million in loans, with no interest or principal due for the first 12 months, to cover payroll, rent, utilities and other essential expenses. These loans were guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and were intended to provide much-needed relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, as with any federal program, there are those who seek to take advantage of the system and fraudulently obtain funding. PPP loan fraud is a federal crime under the Small Business Act, and it carries serious consequences.
The SBA’s Office of Inspector General has issued several reports detailing widespread fraud and abuse in the PPP loan program. As a result, many cases of suspected fraud have been referred to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.
Fraud involving more than $10,000 is an aggravated felony, and it is also considered a crime involving moral turpitude. This means that non-citizens convicted of CARES Act fraud are vulnerable to deportation.
If you have been accused of PPP loan fraud, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a non-deportable offense. They may also be able to argue that you had no intent to defraud or that the SBA made a mistake.
In summary, PPP loan fraud is a federal crime that carries serious consequences. Business owners should be aware of the eligibility criteria and should not misrepresent facts to the federal government in order to obtain funding. Those who have been accused of PPP loan fraud should seek legal counsel immediately.
