FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Charleston EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers

Charleston EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers – Federal Criminal Defense

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina takes allegations of EIDL 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 EIDL loan violations throughout Charleston, Columbia, and the coastal regions. The SBA Office of Inspector General coordinates with federal prosecutors on EIDL fraud cases, and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina handles these matters through the Charleston Division courthouse.

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 SBA-OIG. 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 Federal 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 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 SBA audit, a filing by federal prosecutors, or a bank referral 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:

• EIDL Loan Application Fraud
• False Statements on Loan Documents
• Misuse of EIDL Loan Proceeds
• Identity Theft in EIDL Applications
• Business Revenue Misrepresentation
• Employee Count Falsification
• Multiple EIDL Application Fraud
• Bank Fraud Related to EIDL
• Wire Fraud in EIDL Transactions
• Money Laundering of EIDL Funds
• Conspiracy to Commit EIDL Fraud
• Making False Statements to SBA

Federal Criminal Reporting Requirements

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 SBA-OIG investigator will follow-up in writing requesting additional information if necessary and/or may request an interview.

The SBA-OIG and FBI may become involved in cases involving EIDL 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 fraud statutes.

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

• SBA-OIG investigative process
• Response to federal law enforcement inquiries
• After an Investigation commences
• After the filing of criminal charges
• During Contested Trials before the United States District Court
• Sentencing Hearings and Appeals

At Spodek Law Group, we also assist individuals with Civil Resolution 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.

Defense Strategy Components

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

Requesting a meeting with the United States Attorney’s Office to present evidence to either refute the allegation that EIDL 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 bank statements, and/or evaluate the loan application documents;

Developing a good faith defense if the individual believed their application was truthful. This may include documentation showing confusion about eligibility requirements; or if necessary recommend negotiating a civil resolution to address any liability under the False Claims Act;

Creating a mitigation strategy for sentencing. Sometimes in our lives we suffer pandemic hardships, business struggles, financial pressures, 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.

Federal EIDL Fraud Penalties

Recent Charleston EIDL Prosecutions

EIDL fraud prosecutions by federal prosecutors have increased significantly in the District of South Carolina. The Charleston office has charged dozens of defendants with pandemic relief fraud in recent years. Recent cases show the seriousness – business owners who inflated revenues have received sentences ranging from probation to several years imprisonment.

The office now pursues even smaller EIDL fraud cases aggressively. First-time offenders who might have received civil penalties years ago now face criminal charges. The prosecution uses bank records, tax returns, and loan application data to build cases before indictment.

Federal prosecutors in Charleston coordinate with the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The United States Attorney’s Office has made pandemic fraud prosecutions a priority. Cases involving false employee counts, fabricated businesses, or misused funds receive particular scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions About EIDL Fraud Defense

What is the penalty for SBA loan fraud?

SBA loan fraud penalties include up to 30 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million per count. Sentencing depends on loss amount, number of victims, and sophistication of scheme. First-time offenders with smaller losses often receive probation or minimal imprisonment. However, aggravating factors like identity theft or repeat applications increase sentences significantly. Civil penalties may triple the fraud amount plus additional fines.

Who is investigating PPP loan fraud?

Multiple federal agencies investigate pandemic loan fraud including the SBA Office of Inspector General, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Secret Service. The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force coordinates these investigations nationwide. Banks also refer suspicious loans to federal authorities. State agencies may investigate related tax fraud or business license violations. All agencies share information through federal databases.

What is the reward for a PPP whistleblower?

Whistleblowers reporting pandemic loan fraud may receive 15-30% of amounts recovered through False Claims Act cases. Rewards depend on whether the government intervenes and the quality of information provided. Some whistleblowers have received millions for reporting large fraud schemes. The first to file receives priority for rewards. Anonymous reporting is possible through counsel but may reduce reward percentages.

Contact Information

If you or a loved one is facing EIDL fraud charges in Charleston, 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 EIDL cases and how prosecutors in South Carolina 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