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.
South Carolina PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
Navigating PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Charges in South Carolina
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented amount of government aid being made available to businesses and individuals. Programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program distributed billions of dollars in loans and grants. While these programs provided a lifeline for many during an incredibly difficult time, they also created opportunities for fraud. Allegations of PPP and EIDL fraud have been rampant across the country, including here in South Carolina.
If you or your business are being investigated or charged with PPP or EIDL fraud, it’s critical that you consult with an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, but an attorney well-versed in federal fraud laws may be able to get charges reduced or even dismissed. They can also advise you on potential defenses and make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Common Types of Alleged PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud
Some of the most common fraudulent activities alleged in PPP and EIDL cases include:
Falsifying information on loan applications such as number of employees, payroll expenses, or revenue losses.
Using PPP funds for non-allowable expenses like personal purchases or paying down existing debt.
Applying for multiple PPP loans for the same business from different lenders.
Lying about having an existing business in order to obtain EIDL grants or loans.
Using stolen identities to apply for fraudulent loans or grants.
It’s important to understand that simply making mistakes on these applications or misunderstanding the rules may not necessarily rise to the level of criminal fraud. Prosecutors must be able to prove you knowingly provided false information or deliberately misused loan funds. An attorney can assess the evidence against you and build a defense against criminal charges if warranted.
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.
Penalties for PPP and EIDL Fraud in South Carolina
Potential penalties for federal COVID-19 relief fraud depend on the specific charges and circumstances of your case. Some possibilities include:
Up to 30 years in prison and $1 million fines for major fraud offenses.
Up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fines for wire fraud or bank fraud.
Up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines for other fraud charges.
Restitution for the amount of any ill-gotten loan funds.
In addition to criminal penalties, those convicted also face serious reputational damage, potential loss of professional licenses, and exclusion from future government contracts or loans. For businesses, the consequences of a conviction can be catastrophic. It’s critical to have an experienced legal advocate on your side fighting to avoid these worst-case outcomes.
Recent PPP and EIDL Fraud Cases in South Carolina
Federal prosecutors in South Carolina have ramped up investigations and charges related to COVID relief fraud over the past two years. Some notable recent cases include:
In September 2022, Travis Crosby was convicted of conspiring to obtain a $300,000 PPP loan using falsified documents. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Last December, Ronald Hunt of Greenville was sentenced to over 2 years in prison for submitting fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications.
In August 2021, the DOJ charged two Columbia residents with fabricating employee and payroll numbers to obtain over $1 million in PPP loans.
These cases highlight how seriously prosecutors are taking COVID relief fraud in South Carolina. Anyone being questioned or charged should seek legal counsel immediately to explore their options. An attorney may be able to intervene early and prevent charges from being filed altogether in some situations.
Strategies for Defending Against PPP and EIDL Fraud Allegations
When facing allegations of COVID relief fraud, possible strategies an experienced attorney may pursue include:
Attacking flaws in the government’s evidence – Many fraud cases depend heavily on documentation. If this evidence is incomplete or inaccurate, prosecutors may not be able to prove intent to defraud.
Arguing lack of criminal intent – Honest mistakes or misunderstandings of program rules may undermine arguments that you deliberately tried to commit fraud.
Highlighting mitigating circumstances – Factors like economic duress during COVID or reliance on outside advice could weaken the case against you.
Negotiating plea bargains or settlements – An attorney may be able to negotiate a favorable deal avoiding harsh penalties and collateral consequences.
Cooperating with authorities – Providing substantial assistance in investigating others may persuade prosecutors to drop or reduce charges.
Every case is unique, so there are no guarantees when defending against fraud allegations. But an experienced attorney intimately familiar with federal law, prosecutorial practices, and viable defenses can give you the best chance at the most favorable outcome possible.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney Immediately if Facing Allegations
Here are some of the top reasons why it’s critical to engage an attorney right away if you’re being investigated or charged with COVID relief fraud in South Carolina:
An attorney can intervene early to possibly prevent criminal charges from being filed.
They can advise you on your rights and guide you on how to engage (or not engage) with investigators.
They will thoroughly examine the evidence and start building an effective defense strategy.
They can represent you in negotiations with prosecutors to seek charge dismissals or reductions.
They can argue for bail and ensure you aren’t detained unfairly pre-trial.
They will identify and advise you on possible options besides going to trial.
They can hire investigators and experts to strengthen your defense if a trial becomes necessary.
Navigating a federal fraud investigation is scary, but you don’t have to go it alone. The risks are too high. An experienced attorney can provide skilled guidance each step of the way.
Choosing the Right Fraud Defense Attorney in South Carolina
Not all defense attorneys have the skills and experience to handle complex federal fraud cases effectively. When researching counsel, look for a lawyer with specific expertise in cases like:
PPP, EIDL, and other COVID relief program fraud
Allegations of bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud
Tax fraud, healthcare fraud, government and procurement fraud
White collar criminal defense at the federal level
Trusted attorneys have successfully defended clients against all types of federal fraud charges in South Carolina for decades. They offer free case evaluations so you can discuss your situation in confidence at no cost.
Don’t take chances with your future. If facing COVID relief fraud charges, the single most important thing you can do is hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. An attorney may be key to avoiding devastating penalties so you can move forward with your life.
