West Virginia PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers – We Can Help

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re facing possible PPP loan fraud charges in West Virginia – and need strong legal counsel. At Spodek Law Group, we understand what you’re dealing with and take this very seriously. Our goal is to give you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling federal matters nationwide, which means we have the background necessary to address tough PPP loan fraud cases.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), under the CARES Act (Pub. L. No. 116-136), was created to help small businesses cover payroll and other expenses. Now, the government is looking into businesses they believe may have used these funds the wrong way. If you allegedly inflated your payroll, spent loan funds on expenses that weren’t allowed, or included other incorrect statements on the PPP application, you could be accused of:

• Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Using electronic communication to carry out a scheme to defraud.
  Potential penalties can be up to 20 years in prison, and up to 30 years if a financial institution is involved.
• Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344): Defrauding a financial institution in any way.
  Penalties can include up to 30 years in prison.
• False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1014): Making material misrepresentations to a bank or other lender.
  This can carry sentences of up to 30 years.

Many people applying for PPP funds followed advice from accountants or financial advisors who misunderstood the guidelines. If the government is treating accidental errors as if you meant to break the law, you need lawyers who can show there was no plan to break the law. At Spodek Law Group, we focus on getting charges dropped or reduced. No matter your situation, know that our team can help.

Why Federal Court Matters

Most PPP loan fraud cases fall under federal court because the loans are backed by the Small Business Administration. That means the Department of Justice can charge these cases in federal court, and you’ll be facing different rules. Federal judges use their own sentencing rules, which can change how serious the punishment might be. Our law firm has experience dealing with prosecutors and investigators nationwide, so we understand how these federal agencies build and pursue these accusations.

Spodek Law Group, P.C. - NYC Criminal Attorneys

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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.

Even if you’re in West Virginia, local differences don’t stop federal authorities from going after you. Our attorneys are prepared to handle your case regardless of location. We’re recognized for providing the best possible help in serious state and federal cases. It’s why clients nationwide choose us, and why many attorneys refer complex cases to us. We’re one of the few law firms that works with clients coast to coast, and we strive to give every client the same high level of service.

Possible Punishments and Collateral Consequences

If the government convicts you for PPP loan fraud, you could face:

• Prison Time: Sentences can range up to 20 or 30 years, depending on the specific statute.
• Fines: Fines can range from small to very large.
• Restitution: You may have to repay the loan funds plus added costs or fees.
• Probation or Supervised Release: Possible restrictions on travel and other activities.
• Collateral Consequences: A federal conviction can damage future employment prospects,
  impact professional licenses, and affect your reputation.

At Spodek Law Group, we focus on getting the case against you dismissed, or dropped or reduced. We review your PPP application, bank records, and the details of your business operations to see if there’s a straightforward explanation for any alleged errors. We are available 24/7 to provide a risk-free consultation. During this consultation, you can ask us anything. We want to talk with you about your case so we can plan how to help and protect you.

Common Defense Strategies

Our attorneys can consider a number of defenses when helping you:

1. Good Faith Mistake: If you believed you were following the correct guidelines, there may be no
   criminal intent. We show the government that you were trying to comply with complex or changing rules.
2. Insufficient Evidence: The prosecutors must link you directly to fraudulent activity.
   If their evidence is lacking or improperly obtained, we move to dismiss or suppress it.
3. Legal Mistakes (formerly Procedural Violations): We investigate whether your constitutional rights were violated,
   such as through unlawful searches or coerced statements.
4. Entrapment: Less common in PPP cases, but if government agents pressured you into an
   act you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, we investigate.
5. Mistaken Identity or Misallocation: If partners or employees handled the funds incorrectly
   without your knowledge, we can separate your actions from theirs.

Below is a concise summary of typical charges, statutes, maximum penalties, and defenses:

Double Jeopardy and State vs. Federal Charges

Under the Fifth Amendment, you cannot be prosecuted twice by the same government entity for
the same offense. But remember, state and federal governments are separate sovereigns. In most PPP loan fraud
cases, only the federal government brings charges, but if West Virginia prosecutors also decide to act,
we’ll handle that too. We have experience dealing with both state and federal prosecutors, and our objective
is always to protect you at every stage.

How We Handle Your Case

When you contact Spodek Law Group, the process begins with a consultation. We encourage you to provide all
documentation related to the PPP funds and any communications you had with advisors. From there, our team
conducts a thorough investigation to determine whether there are weaknesses in the government’s proof,
legal mistakes, or misunderstandings. If the prosecution’s case isn’t strong, we aim to get the charges
dismissed. If the evidence is substantial, we look for a deal that could reduce possible punishments.
Throughout this process, we take a very hands-on approach to handling your case – the same approach
we apply to other serious matters we handle nationwide.

If going to trial is your best option, we are fully prepared for that as well. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek,
has many years of experience successfully handling hard criminal defense cases. We’ve been featured on major
news outlets and have managed well-known federal cases. Regardless of the severity of the accusations against
you, our responsibility is to give you the best possible legal help.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group

Clients nationwide choose Spodek Law Group because of our dedication to resolving cases successfully.
We have handled well-known, hard cases that got national coverage, such as those involving
Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin, which led to a Netflix series. Many of the cases we’re famous for handling
are cases that others say were unwinnable. This is a major reason clients come to us: they want
our extensive experience and proven track record on their side.

When it comes to federal PPP loan fraud charges in West Virginia, our goal is simple:
protect you and aim for the best possible outcome. We look at all the facts, analyze the
government’s accusations, and push back if there’s a lack of evidence or if your rights
have been violated. We’re prepared to use our connections with accountants, investigators, and experts
to build a strong defense. We believe our role is to give you the best possible legal help
at every stage of your case.

Speak to an Attorney

If you’ve been accused of PPP loan fraud, or if you suspect you’re under investigation,
don’t wait. Time is of the essence. Reach out to Spodek Law Group now. We are available
24/7 to provide a risk-free consultation. You can ask us anything about your case, and
we’ll offer an honest look at your situation. Just because federal authorities are
looking at you doesn’t mean there’s a solid case. Our job is to find the weaknesses
in their arguments or show you acted in good faith.

We have experience working with clients nationwide who found themselves in difficult
circumstances. In many instances, we’re able to achieve dismissals or significant
reductions in charges. If you’re looking for a West Virginia PPP loan fraud lawyer, call us.
We handle federal matters, state matters, and anything in between.
Let our experience help you with this tough case. We’re here
to help you get the outcome you need.