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Washington PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
Last Updated on: 18th February 2025, 12:47 am
Washington PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
We Are Spodek Law Group – Nationwide Criminal Defense
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re worried about a federal investigation into PPP loan fraud and need a seasoned attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we get it. Our job is to protect you from the harsh outcomes of a federal indictment. We have over 50 years of combined experience handling complicated cases like yours—both here in Washington and nationwide.
Understanding Federal Jurisdiction
PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans are backed by the federal government. Because of that, agencies like the DOJ and the SBA Office of Inspector General often lead investigations. Some clients worry about double jeopardy, but remember: if the government claims you violated federal fraud statutes (like 18 U.S.C. § 1343 for wire fraud) and Washington’s state fraud laws, you might face overlapping charges. That’s why you need one cohesive defense that addresses every angle.
Types of Charges You Could Face
Clients come to us concerned about things like bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), making false statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001), and money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956). These are serious charges. They can carry heavy penalties, including prison time, financial fines, and other long-term consequences. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how to push back against these allegations so you can protect your future.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Mean Little Wiggle Room
If you’re found guilty or choose to plead guilty, you’ll come under federal sentencing guidelines. Judges have to follow these guidelines, which leaves little room for mercy. It’s why you need our legal team—so we can present mitigating factors. We focus on showing that if there was confusion or an honest mistake about your PPP application, the government shouldn’t paint it as a willful crime.
Possible Defense Strategies (With Real-World Scenarios)
Every PPP loan fraud case is unique, so our defense strategies need to mirror your specific reality. Here’s how we approach different scenarios.
Scenario #1: Lack of Intent
You might have believed you fully qualified for a PPP loan. Maybe you misstated payroll numbers because the guidelines were confusing. Our defense strategy would highlight your good-faith belief—emphasizing that you had no intention to commit fraud. By establishing the absence of criminal intent, we can push for a dismissal or significantly reduced charges.
Scenario #2: Improper Government Conduct
Some investigations begin with questionable warrants or subpoenas. If law enforcement searched your bank accounts or obtained your loan documents without proper authority, we’ll file a motion to suppress that evidence. If the search was illegal, the government’s case is likely fall apart.
Scenario #3: Entrapment or Coercion
In certain cases, third-party “consultants” might have told you how to structure your PPP application, or an undercover agent might have nudged you to overstate costs. We investigate these details to see if you were induced to do something you otherwise wouldn’t have done. If so, that’s a valid defense strategy.
Scenario #4: Legitimate Use of Funds
Sometimes the government claims you spent PPP funds on non-qualifying expenses. We will analyze your records to show legitimate business needs. Maybe you used the funds for payroll or overhead costs you reasonably believed were covered. If we can prove there was no deliberate misuse, it can be enough to get your charges lessened or even dismissed.
Scenario #5: Mistaken Identity or Clerical Mix-Up
We’ve defended clients who got accused simply because their paperwork or records were merged with another business or a similarly named entity. If the government cannot connect you directly to the alleged fraud, we’ll argue there’s insufficient evidence to convict you.
Washington State vs. Federal Overlap
If Washington state authorities decide to press charges under state law, we create a defense strategy that addresses all jurisdictions. That means we’re looking at both sets of charges(state and federal) together so you don’t face multiple prosecutions for the same alleged acts. We have experience handling cases across the country, and we know how to communicate with state-level prosecutors while also confronting federal agencies.
Choosing Spodek Law Group
We are Spodek Law Group, and our attorneys are nationally recognized for defending complex white-collar and federal charges. We pride ourselves on offering a white-glove client experience—every step of the process is transparent, and you’ll have around-the-clock access to our team. We also offer a secure online portal, so you can share documents and track developments 24/7.
We’re Committed to You
We only take on cases we believe we can help, because we aim for the best outcomes—dismissals, reduced charges, favorable pleas. If necessary, we’ll go to trial. Our attorneys have handled high-profile federal matters, and we’re comfortable presenting complicated financial evidence to judges and juries. Our objective is always to fight for your future.
Risk-Free Consultation
If you’re facing PPP loan fraud allegations in Washington, reach out to us today. We’re available 24/7, and we’ll start with a risk-free consultation. You can ask us anything, and we’ll give you honest feedback. We understand how serious this is, and we’re here to guide you through the entire process.