Legal Insights & Updates

Texas federal courts impose particularly harsh PPP fraud sentences. Voluntarily repaying can be used as consciousness of guilt evidence.

Being a first-time offender provides far less protection in federal court than most people expect. Loss amount drives sentencing, not criminal history.

Congress extended PPP fraud prosecution to 10 years. Federal investigations typically run 18-24 months before agents make contact.

Mississippi Northern District has obtained over 150 False Claims Act judgments - more than any other federal district.

Federal prosecutors charge ordinary small business owners with money laundering under 18 USC 1956 for how they spent PPP funds.

PPP fraud defense in South Dakota - even a former fraud investigator for the state was prosecuted for PPP fraud.

Banks required your signature, not your accountant's. The reliance on professional advice defense carries strict requirements.

18 USC 1001 covers any materially false statement to a federal agency - including oral statements to investigators.

Federal charges stack together - bank fraud 30 years, wire fraud 20-30 years, money laundering 20 years, false statements 30 years.

A critical distinction exists between forgiveness denial and criminal fraud - prosecutors focus on intentional deception at time of application.