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.
SNAP Appeal Attorney – Reverse Your Disqualification
SNAP & EBT Appeal Representation
Is your store facing suspension or permanent disqualification from accepting SNAP benefits? Look no further than Spodek Law Group for expert EBT appeal representation. Our team specializes in overturning application denials, EBT suspensions, and disqualifications. But don’t wait too long; once you receive a letter from the United States Department of Agriculture, you have only a few days to file your appeal.
Types of Cases for an SNAP or EBT Appeal
Not every suspension, disqualification, or application denial warrants an appeal, but many circumstances almost always merit an appeal through the USDA Administrative Review Branch. For instance:
Denial of EBT Retailer Application
If the United States Department of Agriculture has denied your application to be a SNAP or EBT retailer, don’t give up hope. The USDA denies applications for several reasons, but sometimes, it may do so improperly, based on a family member’s prior suspension, mis-categorization of your store as an “ineligible firm,” or a lack of “business integrity and reputation.” If your store has been denied for any of these reasons, contact Attorney Todd Spodek and his team today to learn more about your options.
Suspensions of Six Months or More
Has your store been suspended or disqualified for a SNAP violation? If your suspension is for six months or more, it’s imperative that you call us to evaluate your case before the suspension becomes fixed. The loss of revenue that most businesses suffer from an EBT suspension is severe, and a long suspension may put your store out of business, leaving you with little choice but to appeal the decision. Don’t wait; contact us today to learn more.
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.
Permanent Disqualification
The most severe punishment that the USDA hands out is also the most over-utilized option that the Food and Nutrition Service turns to for most SNAP Violation letters. A permanent disqualification means that you, as the SNAP Applicant, may never again own or operate a store, in any state, that involves an EBT machine. This disqualification cannot be undone unless you appeal the matter immediately. If you receive any letter accusing you, your staff, or your firm of trafficking or otherwise seeking a permanent disqualification, contact Attorney Todd Spodek and his team immediately. Time is of the essence!
Imposition of Civil Money Penalties
If you have been permanently disqualified and subsequently sell your store or close your business, the USDA may send you a letter imposing a fine of up to $59,000 for selling your business. This fine is appealable within ten days of receiving a letter from the Department indicating that they are seeking to impose the fine against you. If you fail to appeal the matter, then the Department will levy the fine against you and may pursue you for every dollar. Let us help you appeal this fine and protect your rights!
The Appeal Process for a SNAP Violation Letter
Generally speaking, your appeal rights for a SNAP or EBT Appeal are governed by 7 CFR §279 and 7 USC §2023, which provide two separate appeals: an Administrative Appeal (which comes first) and a Judicial Appeal (which comes subsequent to the Administrative process). The Administrative Appeal must be filed within ten (10) days of receiving the letter from the USDA, or your rights will be waived. Once the notice of appeal is sent to the Department, we wait to receive a case number from the Administrative Review Division. Once we have the case number, we will compile all of the information we need into a full appellate brief, which can be twenty or more pages in length, depending on the circumstances of your case.
The appellate brief is a crucial part of the process, and we take great care to ensure that it presents your case in the best possible light. We submit it to the Administrative Review Division, where an Administrative Review Officer will evaluate the evidence presented by both sides and make a Final Agency Determination. This determination can take weeks or months to complete, depending on the circumstances. However, we know that time is of the essence, and we will work tirelessly to push your appeal more quickly and minimize the damage to your store.
Once the Administrative Review Division has completed the Final Agency Determination, the report is issued to our office and to the Food and Nutrition Service. We will review the report and provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the decision and your options moving forward.
How to Handle a SNAP or EBT Appeal
The appellate process is not a simple one, and the Administrative Review Division does not make it any easier for store owners who are unrepresented by counsel. The actual appeal process can be very difficult because there are few opportunities to rebut the evidence and argument presented by the Food and Nutrition Service. As such, we highly recommend that you retain counsel to handle your appeal, even if you initially responded to your SNAP Violation Letter on your own.
At Spodek Law Group, we have the experience and expertise to handle all aspects of your SNAP or EBT Appeal. We understand the gravity of the situation you are facing and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your business. Contact Attorney Todd Spodek and his team today to learn more about how we can help you with your appeal.
