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Orlando PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers – Federal Defense Against Pandemic Loan Charges
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida takes allegations of PPP loan fraud against individuals seriously, and you need an experienced and respected federal criminal defense attorney protecting your freedom and your rights. The prosecution monitors and investigates pandemic loan fraud violations throughout Central Florida from Orlando to Tampa. The FBI Tampa Field Office coordinates with the Middle District office on PPP fraud cases, and the United States District Court handles these matters through the Orlando Federal Courthouse at 401 West Central Boulevard.
An investigation and/or criminal prosecution can threaten an individual’s professional reputation and freedom. During the investigative stage, an experienced federal criminal defense attorney can assist the individual by responding to an inquiry from the prosecution. This response may be in writing and/or in person during an investigative interview. With experienced defense counsel, an effective response may result in the investigation closing without a formal filing. This is absolutely critical.
The financial and emotional costs of a formal criminal filing can be overwhelming, and can tarnish a career given that the filing and charges of the individual’s violations are publicly available because criminal charges are posted to the federal court system, published in the media, and accessible through online databases. Even if the allegations are later disproven, the damaging effect may linger.
It is important to retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney early. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the complexities of defending an individual’s freedom. Whether your legal problem arises from an FBI investigation, a filing by federal prosecutors, or an SBA inquiry we can assist you in protecting your employment and freedom.
Our office is experienced defending individuals facing criminal prosecution(s) due to the following allegations:
Individuals are required to cooperate with criminal investigations when served with a grand jury subpoena and/or when contacted by federal law enforcement according to federal statutes. Any false statement to federal law enforcement can result in additional criminal charges. An FBI investigator will follow-up in writing requesting additional information if necessary and/or may request an interview.
The FBI and SBA Office of Inspector General may become involved in cases involving PPP loan fraud offenses. Agents from these offices and/or the United States Attorney’s Office have authority to investigate violations that may constitute criminal offenses under federal court rules.
At Spodek Law Group we evaluate the best course of action for the individual by examining your circumstances and taking a proactive, understanding approach. As experienced federal criminal defense counsel, we represent individuals at all phases of the Criminal Proceedings including:
At Spodek Law Group, we also assist individuals with Cooperation Agreements and/or Sentencing Mitigation which have been previously denied. We pride ourselves on taking a comprehensive strategy to defend the individual’s freedom. Over 40 years combined experience – really.
Depending on the individual’s circumstance, the defense strategy may include:
Requesting a meeting with the District Attorney’s office to present evidence to either refute the allegation that fraud occurred or mitigate the degree of charges;
Retaining appropriate experts in the issues at hand;
Retaining a defense investigator to interview any witnesses, issue subpoenas of relevant records, secure computer meta data, and/or evaluate the scene or evidence;
Developing a constitutional defense if Fourth Amendment violations are at issue. This may include documentation showing illegal searches and/or reasonable expectations of privacy; or if necessary recommend negotiating a cooperation agreement to address any criminal liability under federal sentencing guidelines;
Creating a mitigation strategy for sentencing. Sometimes in our lives we suffer personal hardships, business failures, pandemic stress, or even just go through an extended period of difficulty. In these instances, an individual is not in need of criminal prosecution by the government; they need understanding andcontext;
Assisting the individual with gathering the necessary mitigation documents to support a defense package and/or prepare for trial with the prosecution.
| Outcome Type | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation Closed | Matter resolved without charges | Not considered formal charges |
| Criminal Complaint | Formal filing | Made public |
| Pre-Trial Diversion | Alternative to prosecution | May avoid conviction |
| Plea Agreement | Negotiated resolution | Often reduced charges |
| Trial Verdict | Court determination | Guilty or not guilty |
PPP loan fraud prosecutions by federal prosecutors have increased significantly in the Middle District of Florida. The government has charged 109 defendants with COVID fraud totaling over $96 million in alleged fraud. Recent cases show the seriousness – a Georgetown couple received 32 years combined for a $3 million scheme, while a former bank manager got 65 months for organizing fraudulent loans.
The office now pursues even smaller cases aggressively. First-time offenders with loans under $50,000 who might have received probation in 2021 now face 6 to 12 months in federal prison. The 10-year statute of limitations means prosecutors can file charges through 2030 or 2031.
Contact an experienced federal defense attorney immediately – within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Do not respond to the letter yourself or speak with investigators without legal representation. The office uses initial responses to build criminal cases. Your attorney will review the allegations, assess your exposure, and craft a strategic response that protects your rights while potentially keeping the matter civil.
Repayment alone doesn’t guarantee avoiding criminal charges, but it significantly helps your position with the government. Federal authorities consider voluntary repayment as acceptance of responsibility and cooperation. Combined with other factors – good faith errors versus intentional fraud, cooperation with investigators, lack of prior criminal history – repayment can influence the prosecution’s decision between civil and criminal tracks.
Congress extended the statute of limitations for COVID-related fraud to 10 years, meaning prosecutors can file charges until 2030 or 2031 for loans received in 2020 or 2021. This extended timeline gives the government substantial time to investigate and build cases. Don’t assume you’re safe because months or years have passed since receiving the loan.
If you or a loved one is facing a PPP fraud investigation or charges in Orlando, contact the experienced federal criminal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group. We have over 40 years of combined experience defending individuals against federal fraud charges. Our attorneys understand the complexities of PPP fraud cases and how prosecutors in the Middle District evaluate these matters.
For immediate assistance, call us at 212-300-5196. We maintain 24-hour availability for urgent federal criminal matters. Don’t wait until charges are filed – early intervention often produces significantly better outcomes.
Spodek Law Group
Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
212-300-5196
Available 24/7 for Federal Criminal Matters
Very diligent, organized associates; got my case dismissed. Hard working attorneys who can put up with your anxiousness. I was accused of robbing a gemstone dealer. Definitely A law group that lays out all possible options and best alternative routes. Recommended for sure.
- ROBIN, GUN CHARGES ROBIN
NJ CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS