Free Consultations & We're Available 24/7
WE'RE A BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM.
TRUST 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
WE SERVICE CLIENTS NATIONWIDE.
Baltimore PPP Fraud Defense – Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland takes allegations of PPP 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 Baltimore and Maryland. The FBI Baltimore Field Office coordinates with the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force on PPP fraud cases, and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland handles these matters through federal courthouse proceedings.
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.
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 payroll 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:
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 PPP 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.
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:
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.
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 good faith reliance and/or lack of criminal intent; 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.
| Loss Amount | Classification | Sentencing Range |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100,000 | Small PPP Fraud | 6 to 18 months |
| $100,000 – $500,000 | Medium PPP Fraud | 18 months to 3 years |
| $500,000 – $1 million | Large PPP Fraud | 2 to 5 years prison |
| Over $1 million | Major PPP Fraud | 3 to 7 years with plea |
| Wire Fraud Maximum | 18 USC 1343 | 20 years maximum |
PPP fraud prosecutions by federal prosecutors have increased significantly in Baltimore. 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 probation to lengthy prison sentences depending on circumstances and representation.
The federal government now pursues even small PPP frauds aggressively. The COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force prosecutes all violations with full resources. The US Attorney’s Office maintains strict enforcement policies on all pandemic fraud cases.
Baltimore convictions demonstrate the trial penalty effect. Early legal intervention prevents unnecessary prosecution.
PPP loan fraud punishment depends primarily on the loss amount under Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Small frauds under $100,000 typically result in 6 to 18 months imprisonment for first offenders. Medium frauds between $100,000 and $500,000 produce 18 months to 3 year sentences. Large frauds exceeding $500,000 result in 2 to 5 years or more. The statutory maximum is 20 years for wire fraud, 30 years for bank fraud under 18 USC 1014. Additional factors include criminal history, acceptance of responsibility through guilty plea, and role in offense. Trial convictions receive substantially longer sentences than negotiated pleas.
Federal fraud penalties in Maryland follow national sentencing guidelines, not state law. Wire fraud and bank fraud carry statutory maximums of 20 to 30 years, though actual sentences depend on loss calculations. The District of Maryland COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force prosecutes aggressively, with recent sentences ranging from probation to over 10 years. Maryland federal judges impose sentences approximately 40% higher than early pandemic cases. Restitution is mandatory for full fraud amount plus interest. Supervised release follows prison terms, typically 3 to 5 years with financial monitoring and business restrictions.
Reporting PPP loan fraud triggers federal investigation through multiple channels. Reports go to SBA Office of Inspector General, FBI field offices, or IRS Criminal Investigation. These agencies coordinate through COVID-19 Fraud Strike Forces in priority districts like Maryland. Investigators subpoena bank records, loan applications, tax returns, and forgiveness documents. They trace fund usage, verify employee counts, and confirm business operations. Whistleblowers may receive rewards under False Claims Act provisions. Reported individuals face criminal investigation, potential indictment, and prosecution. Early legal representation is critical when notified of investigation to potentially avoid charges through cooperation or pretrial diversion.
If you or your business faces PPP 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 PPP 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
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