Criminal Defense Lawyers

Texas PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

If you’re on our website, it’s likely because you’re in Texas, you’ve received that target letter—or maybe even a knock on your door—indicating you’re under investigation for PPP or EIDL loan fraud, and you need the best possible defense right now. At Spodek Law Group, we get it. We’ve spent over 50 years of combined experience fighting for clients facing serious federal charges, and we’re here to help with possible PPP and EIDL fraud concerns. Our criminal defense team has handled some of the toughest cases nationwide, including representing high-profile clients like Anna Sorokin (a.k.a. Anna Delvey), whose story made international headlines and became a Netflix series.

Why Texas PPP and EIDL Fraud Investigations Are So Serious

The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) and EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) were created under the CARES Act, Pub. L. 116–136, to provide financial relief to businesses during unprecedented economic challenges. These funds are backed by the federal government and administered through the SBA (Small Business Administration). Because of that, the FBI, DOJ, or SBA’s Office of Inspector General often intervene when they suspect you provided false information—like overstating payroll, misclassifying employees, or misusing loan proceeds.

Even though you’re based here in Texas, these cases almost always end up under federal courts, often with charges like Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), or Making False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1014). Federal prosecutors have virtually limitless resources, so you want an attorney who understands how to fight back and has the resources too. That’s where we come in. We know how overwhelming it can feel when you see your life turned upside down, and our priority is to build a defense designed to get your charges dismissed or reduced, or to negotiate a resolution that protects you.

Federal vs. State Jurisdiction in Texas

Sometimes, our clients ask if they can “just face Texas state charges” instead of dealing with federal court. In PPP/EIDL cases, the federal government usually takes the head lead because these are federal programs. But it doesn’t stop there. Under the “dual sovereignty” doctrine, you can be prosecuted by both state and federal agencies for the same underlying crime—though this isn’t typical with PPP/EIDL fraud. If state authorities see a violation of Texas law—like theft or money laundering at a state level—they could file their own set of charges. The concept of double jeopardy doesn’t necessarily protect you if two different “sovereigns” (federal and state) decide to go after you.

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.

Our job is to navigate these potential legal issues, ensuring your exposure is minimized on all fronts. Our criminal attorneys want to build a strategy that either resolves everything in one central settlement or positions you so that parallel charges don’t crop up unexpectedly.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your Texas Fraud Case

We aren’t like other law firms. Many firms see a big influx of new clients and act like a “mill,” taking on anyone who shows up. That’s not us. We’re selective: We focus on clients we can genuinely help, because we want to give you the time, resources, and personal attention you deserve. Most importantly, we want to get you the results you deserve.

• Top-Rated Attorneys, Nationwide: Our attorneys have been on major news outlets like Fox 5, New York Post, Newsweek, and more. We’re recognized for our legal prowess, our client-centric approach, and our willingness to tackle high-stakes cases.
• Rock-Star Communication: Our firm has a fully digital portal where you can communicate, upload documents, review updates, and see exactly what we’re doing behind the scenes—24/7.
• Decades of Combined Experience: Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation criminal defense attorney with a track record of success. We’ve handled cases that many attorneys call “unwinnable.”

When you hire the Spodek Law Group, you’re getting an extremely talented team that’s seen it all, from handling high-profile criminal defense cases to large-scale white-collar prosecutions. We leverage every ounce of our experience to fight for you.

Potential Penalties Under Federal Guidelines

Federal sentencing guidelines (18 U.S.C. § 3553 and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual) have not even one iota of wiggle room if you’re convicted of PPP/EIDL fraud. Factors that influence your sentencing include:

1. Amount of Alleged Loss: The more you allegedly misrepresented, the higher your offense level.
2. Number of Alleged Victims: If the prosecution claims multiple victims—like multiple banks or lenders—your punishment exposure could increase.
3. Criminal History: A prior record can raise your offense level, resulting in harsher penalties.
4. Role in the Offense: If they think you were the “mastermind,” you could face leadership enhancements.

Punishments for PPP and EIDL fraud can range from probation to decades in federal prison, plus massive fines and restitution orders. Our goal, plain and simple, is to either get your case dismissed or secure an outcome that keeps you from losing your freedom and your life savings.

Roleplaying Defense Strategies

We believe strongly that defense is not “one size fits all.” Every single criminal defense situation requires nuance, creativity, and a deep understanding of your unique story. Below are scenarios we commonly see in PPP/EIDL fraud investigations, along with the legal strategies we might employ.

1. Good Faith Error / No Criminal Intent
   • Scenario: You’re a small business owner in Dallas who legitimately needed funds but overstated your payroll when you applied.
   • Defense Angle: We’d show you relied on confusing SBA guidelines, maybe you used an outdated form, or you simply didn’t interpret your tax returns properly. The government must prove you “knowingly” provided false info under 18 U.S.C. § 1014. If we demonstrate your error was unintentional, we can push for a dismissal or reduced charges so the case doesn’t move forward.
2. Entrapment or Overreaching by the Lender / Agent
   • Scenario: A lender’s representative told you, “Don’t worry about these details,” or even encouraged you to inflate your numbers to qualify.
   • Defense Angle: Under Jacobson v. United States, 503 U.S. 540 (1992), entrapment occurs if law enforcement or their agents implant the criminal idea into an otherwise unwilling person. If you were essentially coached to commit these alleged frauds, we can make a strong entrapment argument.
3. Lack of Evidence / Fourth Amendment Violations
   • Scenario: The FBI raided your home office and seized your computers, but the warrant was overly broad.
   • Defense Angle: We challenge the validity of the search warrant. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, the evidence they seized might be excluded under United States v. Leon, 468 U.S. 897 (1984). Without that key evidence, the government’s case could crumble instantly.
4. Duress
   • Scenario: You were under pressure—your business was on the brink, your family’s well-being was in jeopardy, and someone you trusted insisted you needed to inflate numbers “just to survive.”
   • Defense Angle: Although duress isn’t a good defense, it can significantly mitigate how prosecutors view your culpability in the crime. Our law firm will gather witness statements, texts, or emails showing your desperation or someone else’s threats, using that context to reduce or dismiss certain charges.
5. Negotiated Resolutions: Restitution or Deferred Prosecution
   • Scenario: You’re aware you may have erred on your loan application, and the prosecutor has substantial evidence.
   • Defense Angle: We negotiate aggressively. Sometimes, a restitution-based resolution—where you pay back the funds—can result in a better deal. We can also pursue a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA), which means if you fulfill certain conditions (paying back funds, compliance, possibly community service), and in exchange the charges could  be dropped. Under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines §5K1.1, cooperation can also lead to a reduced sentence, though we only recommend it if it’s genuinely in your best interest. We have experience with this.

Our Step-by-Step Process to Defend You

1. Risk-Free Consultation: You call, we listen. We discuss the facts, ask questions, and figure out the best preliminary game plan.
2. Investigative Deep Dive: We gather all documentation—loan apps, banking records, email chains with lenders—and we analyze every detail to find inconsistencies or flaws in the government’s case.
3. Tailored Defense Strategy: Our attorneys work with you, we pool our collective experience to create the most compelling strategy. This includes exploring pre-trial motions, negotiating with prosecutors, or preparing for trial if needed.
4. Execution and Communication: We keep you informed at every step of the case. Through our online portal, you see updates, filings, and next steps. You’re never in the dark.
5. Resolution / Trial: Whether we get the charges dismissed, secure a plea bargain, or take it all the way to a jury trial, we stand by you every step of the way.

Preparing for Every Scenario

At Spodek Law Group, we don’t just plan one route. We plan multiple scenarios because we want you fully prepared.

• Scenario A: Dismissal – Our first aim is to get the case dismissed outright by exposing fatal flaws in the government’s allegations.
• Scenario B: Reduced Charges – If a dismissal isn’t possible, our criminal defense lawyers aim for lesser charges (like a misdemeanor instead of a felony) or reduced sentencing exposure.
• Scenario C: Trial – If you choose to fight in front of a jury, we’re ready. We’ve handled extremely complex federal trials and know how to challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling defense narrative.

We understand how confusing this process can be. The uncertainty alone can keep you up at night. But when you have a strong legal team by your side—one that prides itself on honesty, experience, and genuine empathy—you can start feeling some relief, even in the midst of chaos.

Why the Sooner You Call, the Better

Federal investigators are methodical. They gather information over time, often blindsiding unsuspecting business owners who assumed everything was fine. Don’t give them more time to build their case. The earlier we intervene, on your behalf the more opportunities we have to shape the narrative, secure exculpatory evidence, get evidence thrown out, and possibly shut down the investigation before it spirals.

Here at Spodek Law Group, we’re available 24/7, because crises don’t respect business hours.

Disclaimers and Next Steps

• No Guarantee of Results: While we’ve secured amazing outcomes for many clients, every case is different. Past results don’t guarantee future success.
• Educational Purposes Only: This article isn’t legal advice and doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult us directly (or another qualified attorney) to discuss the nuances of your specific case.

If you’re ready to get started—or simply have more questions—call Spodek Law Group for a risk-free consultation.