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
5
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.
Wisconsin PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers Over 50 Years Of Combined Experience
If you’re on our website, it’s probably because you’re dealing with serious allegations involving your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications here in Wisconsin – and you need the best possible legal representation. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the gravity of your situation. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling complicated federal charges, and we’re fully prepared to guide you through every phase of this legal process.
Federal Jurisdiction and How It Affects You
PPP and EIDL programs are administered under the federal CARES Act, which means alleged fraud related to these loans falls under federal authority. Government agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General aggressively prosecute these cases, using statutes such as:
18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud)
18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud)
18 U.S.C. § 1014 (False Statements to a Financial Institution)
When federal investigators come, it’s a different ballgame than state-level offenses. Penalties can be significant, mandatory minimums may apply, and federal judges follow detailed guidelines that leave little room for error. As a top-rated criminal defense national law firm, we know how to move quickly, analyze your situation, and develop a strategy that helps you stay ahead of the government’s case.
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.
Avoiding Confusion About Double Jeopardy
If you’re worried about being prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, that’s understandable. Under the Fifth Amendment, double jeopardy prevents the same “sovereign” from prosecuting you twice for the same conduct. But Wisconsin state authorities and the federal government are treated as separate sovereigns, which means you could face parallel investigations if both believe they have jurisdiction. Our role is to minimize that possibility and ensure you aren’t blindsided if state officials decide to step in. We deal with these challenges, looking at where your case stands, who’s investigating, and how best to protect your rights.
Different Scenarios, Different Strategies
Each case is unique. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter defenses. We tailor a strategy specifically for your circumstances, whether it’s overstated payroll numbers, multiple EIDL applications, or alleged misuse of funds. Below are examples of how we approach various PPP and EIDL fraud situations:
Scenario 1: Overstating Employee Numbers
The Story: A Wisconsin business reported 25 employees for PPP loan eligibility, but actually had 8. The owner blames an accounting firm that supposedly “handled everything.”
Defense Strategy: We review the communication chain, demand records from the accounting firm, and emphasize that real misunderstandings can happen – which is not the same as criminal intent under 18 U.S.C. § 1344. If the government can’t prove you intended to defraud the lender, the basis for fraud charges weakens considerably.
Scenario 2: Allegations of Personal Use of Funds
The Story: A Madison restaurateur used PPP money to buy a luxury car. The government claims this was misappropriation.
Defense Strategy: We examine the loan documents and any contradictory guidance from third parties. Often, confusion about “permissible uses” is at the center of these cases. If investigators found evidence through an unlawful search, we fight for suppression under the Fourth Amendment. Our goal is to show you acted in good faith, not with a scheme to swindle the government.
Scenario 3: Multiple LLCs and EIDL Applications
The Story: An entrepreneur in Green Bay submitted several EIDL applications under different LLCs. Federal prosecutors claim a coordinated scheme.
Defense Strategy: We look for legitimate business functions tied to each LLC, demonstrate any confusion about separate applications, and insist that the government prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” you intended to lie and defraud the government. If the prosecution can’t show a cohesive plan to commit fraud, it may have a tough time proving its case.
Scenario 4: Bank Fraud Allegations Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344
The Story: A Wisconsin resident is investigated after a local bank flagged unusual deposits, claiming you lied about business assets and expenditures.
Defense Strategy: We look for inconsistencies in the bank’s reporting process, explore whether the bank had prior disagreements with you, and check how investigators obtained your financial data. If the bank overstepped or had hidden motives, it can change the entire trajectory of the government’s case.
Understanding the Sentencing Guidelines
Federal cases often come with extensive sentencing guidelines. Factors like the loan amount, potential loss to the government, and your role in the alleged offense can drastically impact prison time or fines. It’s our job to challenge any “loss amount” the prosecution might assign and to advocate for mitigating factors—like your lack of criminal history or peripheral role in the situation. We’ve seen firsthand how a solid defense strategy can reduce charges or penalties, even in cases that look tough at the outset.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your Wisconsin Case
Nationwide Reach: Although you’re in Wisconsin, we serve clients coast to coast. We’re equipped to handle complex federal matters wherever they arise.
50+ Years of Combined Experience: Our attorneys have navigated some of the toughest cases, including highly publicized ones. We’re not afraid to go to trial if that’s what it takes to protect your future.
We’re Here 24/7: We’re accessible around the clock to answer questions and address concerns.
Transparent Approach: We tell you the truth about what you’re facing, and we lay out a clear roadmap for how we plan to tackle your case.
Client-First Mindset: We only take on cases where we believe we can help, which means you get our full focus and energy.
Starting the Defense Process
If you suspect you’re under investigation or if you’ve already received a target letter, you need to act now. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the better your odds of shaping the direction of the investigation or negotiating favorable outcomes. At Spodek Law Group, the process starts with a risk-free consultation—you can ask questions, get answers, and decide if we’re the right team for you. We’ll walk you through every stage, from initial strategy discussions to court hearings, ensuring you’re never left wondering what’s happening behind the scenes.
