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Wisconsin PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
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.
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.