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.
Client Testimonials
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THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.
The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.
If you’re on this page, it’s because you’re worried about PPP loan fraud – and need an attorney who gets it. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how life-altering these charges can be. Our goal is to break down what PPP loan fraud looks like, how federal authorities investigate it, and what potential outcomes you might face. If you’re being investigated PPP loan fraud, you need to speak to our criminal defense attorneys today.
WHY PPP LOAN FRAUD MATTERS AND WHY IT’S FEDERAL
When the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) launched under the CARES Act, it was meant to help businesses survive the pandemic. But with billions of dollars distributed, the federal government quickly began investigating fraud. If they believe you lied on your application, misused the funds, or inflated your payroll, you could face federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (false statements), or 18 U.S.C. § 371/1349 (conspiracy). Because PPP loans involve federal money, these cases typically stay at the federal level, where prosecutors and agencies like the DOJ have considerable resources to build a case.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY AND THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN STATE AND FEDERAL
Many clients ask about double jeopardy. Under the Fifth Amendment, you can’t be tried twice for the same crime by the same sovereign. With PPP loan fraud, you’re almost always dealing with the federal government. Typically, states won’t jump in unless there’s a separate offense that falls under state jurisdiction. Our job is to confirm whether the federal government is truly the right venue and whether there’s any state overlap that could complicate your situation.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL PENALTIES?
If you’re convicted of PPP loan fraud, the penalties can be severe:
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.
Prison Time: Federal crimes often come with strict sentencing guidelines. Even a smaller-scale fraud can lead to a lengthy sentence.
Fines: You might face substantial fines, reaching into the hundreds of thousands or even millions, depending on the scope of the alleged fraud.
Restitution: Courts often require you to pay back the amount you allegedly took, plus interest.
Probation or Supervised Release: In some cases, particularly if the fraud amount is smaller, you could see probation – but that depends on how strong your defense is.
We have over 50 years of combined experience navigating federal court systems. We know how to tackle the charges you’re facing, and our aim is always to get the best possible outcome, whether it’s dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or a reduced sentence.
COMMON DEFENSE STRATEGIES: REAL SCENARIOS
Scenario 1: Lack of Criminal Intent
Fraud charges typically require a specific intent to defraud. If you made honest mistakes or relied on inaccurate professional advice, you may not have had the criminal intent needed for a conviction.
Scenario 2: Wrongfully Obtained Evidence
If federal authorities obtained evidence through illegal searches, coercion, or without a proper warrant, we can file pre-trial motions to suppress that evidence.
Scenario 3: Mistaken Identity
Sometimes, the wrong person ends up under investigation. If someone else used your name or E-signature, we can show you weren’t actually involved.
Scenario 4: Duress or Coercion
If you were forced or intimidated into participating, that can be a valid defense—though it’s not always easy to prove.
Scenario 5: Plea Bargains and Negotiating a Reduced Sentence
If the government’s evidence is strong, we may negotiate a favorable plea that reduces the charges or minimizes potential prison time.
OUR PROCESS AND WHY WE CAN HELP
At Spodek Law Group, we approach PPP loan fraud the same way we handle every complex criminal case: by fully understanding your situation, reviewing every piece of evidence, and presenting the facts in the best possible light. We rely on:
Expert Witnesses: Forensic accountants who review financial records and detect gaps or errors.
Digital Portals: A unique online system that lets you share documents securely and track your case.
Investigative Resources: We have access to private investigators and a network of professionals who are skilled at examining every detail.
Legal Expertise: Our attorneys understand federal law, federal prosecutors, and sentencing guidelines—and how to use them to your advantage.
As a premier criminal defense law firm, we only take on clients we believe we can truly help. We’re not a “mill.” We handle each case with care, because your future matters.
NEXT STEPS: YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
If you’re already under investigation, or suspect you might be soon, it’s crucial to act now. Waiting only gives prosecutors more time to build a case against you. At Spodek Law Group, we encourage you to reach out for a risk-free consultation. Bring any documents you have. We’ll review your situation, discuss possible outcomes, and talk about defense strategies.
If it’s possible to win your PPP loan fraud case, we’ll find that path. If it’s possible to negotiate a favorable plea, we’ll walk you through it. If we need to go to trial, we’re ready.
WE ARE SPODEK LAW GROUP
We have over 50 years of combined experience. We handle tough cases that others call unwinnable. We understand what you’re going through and take it seriously. If you or a loved one is facing PPP loan fraud allegations, call us anytime, 24/7. We’re here to help you navigate this process and protect your rights at every stage.
Remember: you’re not alone. We will guide you, defend you, and fight for you. That’s our promise at Spodek Law Group. And we encourage you to take that first step now – because the longer you wait, the harder the path may become.
