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.
San Diego PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
As the Coronavirus pandemic swept the nation, small businesses across the country were left struggling to keep their doors open. In a desperate bid for survival, many turned to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal loan program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. However, amidst the chaos and confusion of the early days of the pandemic, some unscrupulous individuals saw an opportunity to exploit the program for their own gain. This is known as PPP loan fraud.
PPP loan fraud is the act of obtaining money through false pretenses by misrepresenting facts to the federal government. It is a federal crime under the Small Business Act, and those found guilty can face severe punishments, including prison time, fines, and restitution. Some of the most common examples of PPP loan fraud include misclassifying employees as contractors to meet the small business eligibility criteria, and misrepresenting payroll costs to secure more funding under the program.
As the PPP program gained popularity, lenders were inundated with applications, and with little regulation in place, accusations of fraud began to surface. The SBA’s Office of Inspector General has issued 11 reports detailing widespread fraud and abuse in the PPP loan program, and has referred dozens of cases to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.
Those facing PPP loan fraud charges may argue that they had no intent to defraud, or that the SBA made a mistake. However, in most cases, federal criminal records are unsealable, and non-citizens convicted of CARES Act fraud are vulnerable to deportation. It’s important to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible, as a criminal defense attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a non-deportable offense.
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.
In conclusion, the Paycheck Protection Program was a lifeline for small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. However, it was also vulnerable to fraud and abuse, and those found guilty of PPP loan fraud face severe punishments. It’s crucial for businesses to be transparent and honest when applying for PPP loans, and to keep records of their communications, bank statements, receipts, and bills to prove their innocence if falsely accused.
As the nation continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have been hit particularly hard. In an effort to provide much-needed relief, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This program authorized over $950 billion in forgivable loans to help small businesses maintain their workforce, have access to working capital, and keep operations running normally.
But as with any large-scale government program, fraud and abuse were bound to occur. And the PPP was no exception. The government has been vigorously investigating and prosecuting allegations of PPP loan fraud, with entire sections of the Department of Justice dedicated to these investigations.
If you or your business is facing PPP loan fraud charges, the stakes are high. Penalties may include severe fines, home detention, community confinement, paying the cost of prosecution, forfeitures, restitution, supervised release, and lengthy imprisonment. For immigrants, the consequences of a fraud conviction can be particularly dire, as fraud involving more than $10,000 is considered an aggravated felony and a crime involving moral turpitude – making non-citizens vulnerable to deportation.
But all is not lost. Even if formal charges have been brought against you, our criminal defense lawyers are prepared to aggressively negotiate and, if necessary, defend you at trial. We know what the government looks for in PPP loan fraud cases and will use this knowledge to your advantage.
Examples of PPP loan fraud include, but are not limited to: loan application fraud, loan stacking, fraudulent loan certification, using funds for ineligible purposes, and concealing or misrepresenting information during an audit. These acts and omissions can result in charges such as making a false statement, bank fraud, and wire fraud – all of which carry significant fines and prison sentences.
Don’t face these charges alone. As soon as you retain our law firm, we will gather all the necessary information, including all the evidence the government has against you, so we can review whether you have a strong defense against any allegations of fraud. We will reach out to the federal prosecutor or agents assigned to your case and provide them with information that can make a beneficial impact on your case. We are dedicated to helping you navigate this difficult and uncertain time and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests.
