FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAWYERS

New Jersey PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

New Jersey PPP Loan Fraud Defense – Federal Criminal Attorneys

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has been aggressively pursuing pandemic loan fraud cases, and it’s important to realize that, if you’re under investigation, this is serious. Our law firm has handled many, many PPP fraud cases throughout Newark, Trenton, Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison. The FBI Newark Field Office is working with USAO NJ, building cases that result in actual federal prison time. The United States District Court for the District of New Jersey has been imposing serious sentences, McKeon got 24 months for $900,000, Dadoun received 41 months for the $3.2 million fraud, conspiracy organizers are looking at 65 months.

It’s crucial to understand, an investigation and/or criminal prosecution can destroy your business, your reputation, your freedom. In this situation, when federal prosecutors are looking at your case, you need an experienced defense attorney who knows how to handle these matters. We’ve handled hundreds of pandemic fraud cases, we know how to respond to document requests, prepare for interviews with federal agents, and most importantly, we know how to work to get investigations closed without charges. This is absolutely key for protecting your future, regardless of what you might have done or not done.

Understanding the Federal Investigation Process

Once federal charges are filed, that’s when the real damage happens, the charges become public record immediately. They show up in court databases, news articles will be written, Google searches, everything. Even if you win at trial, even if you’re acquitted, that damage is already done. Your competitors see it, clients see it, everyone knows about it. The financial costs, the emotional toll, it’s overwhelming regardless of the outcome.

That’s why it’s important to note that hiring experienced federal criminal defense attorneys early in the process, can make all the difference. At Spodek Law Group, we understand what you’re facing with these investigations. We’ve been through FBI raids, USAO NJ prosecutions, SBA Inspector General investigations, we’ve seen it all. Whether it’s just an inquiry, or full-blown federal investigation, we work to protect your career, your freedom.

Our criminal defense team handles all types pandemic fraud allegations including:

• PPP Loan Application Fraud
• EIDL Fraud
• False Statements to the SBA
• Wire Fraud Under 18 USC 1343
• Bank Fraud
• Money Laundering charges
• Conspiracy to Commit Fraud
• False Certification of Payroll documents
• Misuse of PPP Loan Proceeds
• Identity Theft in Connection with PPP Applications
• Tax Fraud Related to PPP Loans
• Making False Statements to Federal Agents

Federal Criminal Reporting Obligations

When you receive a grand jury subpoena, or when FBI agents contact you, you have certain obligations under federal law. You must respond, but here’s the crucial thing, any false statement, even an innocent mistake can become a separate federal crime. False statements to federal agents, that’s additional charges on top of whatever they’re investigating. That’s why you need counsel present immediately. FBI will want documents, they’ll want to interview you, they’ll apply pressure.

Both the FBI and SBA Office of Inspector General have full authority to investigate PPP fraud cases. They’re working these cases hard, and with the 10-year statute of limitations extension, they can prosecute these cases through 2031. They have the time, the resources, and the motivation to pursue these cases.

Criminal Defense Through Comprehensive Approaches

At Spodek Law Group, we take comprehensive approach to every case, looking at all angles, all possible defenses. As experienced federal criminal defense counsel, we handle every phase of process:

• FBI 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 for the District of New Jersey
• Sentencing Hearings and Appeals

We handle cooperation agreements, sentencing mitigation, even cases where previous attorneys haven’t done the job properly. We fight for our clients, regardless of the circumstances. Over 40 years combined experience – really, we’ve been doing this for decades.

Defense Strategy Framework

Every case is different, each client’s situation requires careful analysis. Depending on the facts, we might:

Request meetings with federal prosecutors, present evidence that shows there was no fraud, or negotiate for reduced charges before indictment;

Retain experts, forensic accountants who understand PPP requirements, former SBA officials, whoever can help your defense;

Employ private investigators to interview witnesses, obtain records the government doesn’t have, preserve electronic evidence that supports your case;

Challenge illegal searches, Fourth Amendment violations, file motions to suppress evidence when appropriate; negotiate cooperation agreements when it benefits the client under federal sentencing guidelines;

Develop mitigation packages, showing personal hardships, business struggles during COVID, mental health issues, family obligations that provide context for what happened andcontext;

Prepare thoroughly for trial at United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, organizing documents, preparing witnesses, developing persuasive arguments.

Criminal Outcome Possibilities From New Jersey Prosecutors

New Jersey PPP Fraud Defense FAQs

How to prove PPP loan fraud?

Federal prosecutors must prove intent, that you knowingly made false statements or misrepresentations. They use bank records, emails, text messages, loan applications, tax returns, witness testimony. The key element is is proving you deliberately lied, not just made mistakes. You have right to counsel at every stage of the investigation and prosecution.

It’s important to realize that federal prosecutors in New Jersey, they’re professional but they’re not your friend. They might seem reasonable, even sympathetic, but their job is to secure convictions. Their goals and your goals, they’re completely opposite. Period.

What is the punishment for PPP loan fraud?

Recent sentences in New Jersey include McKeon getting 24 months for $900,000, Dadoun receiving 41 months for $3.2 million, conspiracy organizers facing 65+ months. When FBI or SBA investigators contact you, you should immediately request an attorney before speaking with them.

Many people think they can explain the situation, clear things up, make it go away. This almost never works out. Everything you say becomes potential evidence, every document you provide, every explanation. Don’t even try without counsel present.

Can I report someone for PPP loan fraud?

Yes, under the False Claims Act, individuals can report fraud and potentially receive percentage of any recovery. If you receive target letter or criminal complaint, you must respond within strict deadlines, these are not flexible.

Investigations take significant time, document review alone can take months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, multiple loans, can take years. Federal prosecutors in New Jersey are showing no signs of slowing down enforcement.

Why New Jersey Requires Specialized Federal Defense

The federal courts in Newark and Trenton, they handle many fraud cases, the judges have seen hundreds of these prosecutions. District covers entire state, from Atlantic coast to New York borders, with multiple prosecutor offices coordinating efforts.

USAO NJ works closely with FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, SBA Inspector General, sharing information and resources. They pursue criminal and civil cases simultaneously, recent settlements have exceeded $13 million while criminal prosecutions proceed.

In New Jersey’s competitive business environment, federal charges can destroy professional careers, even without conviction. Absolutely can end everything you’ve built.

Contact Spodek Law Group

Todd Spodek has been handling federal criminal defense cases for decades. Our firm understands the complexities of federal procedures, sentencing guidelines, and most importantly, how to protect clients effectively.

Federal investigations move quickly, deadlines are strict, opportunities disappear. The sooner you have experienced counsel, the better your chances.

Contact Spodek Law Group immediately at 212-300-5196. We maintain 24/7 availability because federal agents don’t work regular business hours.

Your freedom, your career, your reputation, everything you’ve worked for deserves protection from attorneys who know New Jersey federal courts, who understand these cases.

212-300-5196