FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Little Rock EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

Little Rock EIDL Fraud Defense – Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas takes allegations of EIDL fraud against individuals seriously, and you need an experienced and respected criminal defense attorney protecting your freedom and your rights. The prosecution monitors and investigates pandemic loan violations throughout Little Rock and central Arkansas. The FBI Little Rock Field Office coordinates with the SBA Office of Inspector General on EIDL fraud cases, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas handles these matters through the Richard Sheppard Arnold United States Courthouse.

An investigation and/or criminal prosecution can threaten an individual’s professional reputation and freedom. During the investigative stage, an experienced 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.

Understanding the EIDL Fraud Investigation Process

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 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 criminal defense attorney early. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the complexities of defending an individual’s freedom. Whether your legal problem arises from revenue inflation, false employee claims, or prohibited expense usage 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:

• False revenue figures on EIDL applications
• Inflated number of employees
• Non-existent business operations
• EIDL advance fraud ($10,000 grants)
• Multiple fraudulent applications
• False statements to SBA
• Wire fraud violations
• Money laundering charges
• Conspiracy to commit fraud
• False tax return submissions
• Bank fraud allegations
• Identity theft in applications

Federal Criminal Reporting Requirements

Individuals are required to cooperate with federal investigations when served with a subpoena and/or when contacted by federal agents according to federal statutes. Any false statement to federal investigators can result in additional criminal charges. A federal agent will follow-up in writing requesting additional information if necessary and/or may request an interview.

The SBA Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation may become involved in cases involving EIDL fraud offenses. Agents from these agencies and/or the US Attorney’s Office have authority to investigate violations that may constitute criminal offenses under federal law.

Criminal Defense With A Comprehensive Approach

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 criminal defense counsel, we represent individuals at all phases of the Criminal Proceedings including:

• Pre-indictment investigation stage
• Response to federal agency inquiries
• After an Investigation commences
• After the filing of criminal charges
• During Contested Trials before Federal District Court
• Sentencing Hearings and Appeals

At Spodek Law Group, we also assist individuals with pretrial diversion programs and/or cooperation agreements 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.

Defense Strategy Components

Depending on the individual’s circumstance, the defense strategy may include:

Requesting a meeting with the US 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 financial documents, and/or evaluate the loss calculations;

Developing a constitutional defense if Fourth Amendment violations are at issue. This may include documentation showing lack of intent and/or good faith reliance; or if necessary recommend negotiating a plea agreement to address any criminal liability under federal sentencing guidelines;

Creating a mitigation strategy for sentencing. Sometimes in our lives we suffer business failures, pandemic hardships, financial desperation, or even just go through an extended period of difficulty. In these instances, an individual is not in need of criminal prosecution by the federal 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.

EIDL Fraud Penalties

Recent Little Rock Prosecutions Show Varied Outcomes

EIDL fraud prosecutions by federal prosecutors have increased significantly in Little Rock. The federal government has charged hundreds of defendants with pandemic loan violations in recent years. Recent cases show the range – defendants have received outcomes from pretrial diversion to lengthy prison sentences depending on circumstances and representation.

The federal government now pursues even small EIDL advance fraud aggressively. The $10,000 EIDL advance cases receive full prosecution despite being called grants. The US Attorney’s Office maintains strict enforcement policies on all pandemic fraud cases.

Loss amount disputes and early intervention provide defense opportunities. Early legal intervention prevents unnecessary prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions About EIDL Fraud Defense

What is the statute of limitations on fraud in Arkansas?

The statute of limitations for federal fraud charges including EIDL fraud is typically five years from the date of the fraudulent act. For EIDL loans, this means five years from when false statements were submitted to the SBA or when fraudulent funds were obtained. However, conspiracy charges may extend this period if ongoing criminal activity continued beyond initial fraud. The Eastern District of Arkansas follows federal statutes, not state limitations periods. Prosecutors can file charges anytime within this five-year window, which is why many EIDL fraud defendants are being charged in 2024-2025 for applications submitted in 2020-2021.

What is the penalty for SBA loan fraud?

SBA loan fraud penalties depend primarily on the loss amount calculated under Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Small frauds under $50,000 typically result in probation to 18 months imprisonment for first offenders. Medium frauds between $50,000 and $250,000 produce 18 to 36 month sentences. Large frauds exceeding $250,000 result in 36 to 92 months or more. The statutory maximum is 30 years for false statements to SBA under 18 USC 1014, though actual sentences follow Guidelines calculations. Additional factors include criminal history, acceptance of responsibility, and role in offense.

Who is investigating PPP loan fraud?

Multiple federal agencies investigate pandemic loan fraud including EIDL and PPP cases. The SBA Office of Inspector General leads most investigations, coordinating with FBI field offices nationwide. IRS Criminal Investigation examines tax fraud aspects. The Department of Labor investigates unemployment fraud connections. Secret Service handles cases involving financial institution fraud. In Little Rock, the FBI Little Rock Field Office coordinates with the Eastern District of Arkansas US Attorney’s Office. These agencies share information through the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, ensuring comprehensive investigation of all pandemic fraud schemes.

Contact Information

If you or your business faces EIDL fraud charges, contact the experienced federal 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 EIDL fraud cases and available defenses.

For immediate assistance, call us at 212-300-5196. We maintain 24-hour availability for urgent criminal matters. Don’t wait until formal charges are filed – early intervention often produces significantly better outcomes.

Spodek Law Group
Federal Defense Attorneys
212-300-5196
Available 24/7 for Criminal Matters