Criminal Defense Lawyers

SNAP Civil Money Penalty

SNAP Civil Money Penalty: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Facing a SNAP Civil Money Penalty can feel overwhelming. You might have just received an official notice from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and suddenly, the livelihood of your store seems at risk. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve seen how the possibility of a penalty can lead to sleepless nights, missed opportunities, and deep worry about the future.

Our Legacy and Philosophy

We’re a second-generation law firm led by Todd Spodek, whose extensive trial experience and media appearances—including a notable feature on a Netflix series—demonstrate our tenacity when defending clients in high-stakes matters. The Netflix spotlight on Todd’s representation of Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin put our commitment to a personalized, steadfast defense on the national stage. More importantly, it reminded us that every client, whether they’re dealing with a sensational case or a worrying SNAP penalty, deserves empathy, thorough investigation, and unwavering advocacy.

What Is a SNAP Civil Money Penalty?

What exactly is a SNAP Civil Money Penalty? In simple terms, it’s a financial penalty the government imposes if your business is found violating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules—such as trafficking SNAP benefits or allowing ineligible purchases. Under 7 C.F.R. § 278.6, the USDA can penalize retailers by disqualifying them from SNAP or by issuing a monetary penalty, often in the thousands of dollars. These rules exist to maintain program integrity, but if you believe the allegations are unfair or if you’re unsure how to respond, you’re not alone—these penalties can feel particularly harsh, especially for small businesses.

Potential Consequences: Should You Fight or Pay?

So you might be wondering, should you just pay the penalty and move on, or is it worth contesting? The truth is, ignoring or quickly conceding can lead to deeper financial hardship, a tarnished reputation, and potentially losing your eligibility to accept SNAP in the future. I’ve seen clients who initially thought the simplest fix was to send a check, only to discover the penalty was merely the beginning of a much bigger legal puzzle.

The Notice Process: Timelines and Deadlines

What happens when you get that initial notice? Generally, the USDA will send a letter outlining the alleged violations and providing a set time—often just ten days—to respond with an explanation or defense. That short window can catch many folks off guard, particularly if the letter arrives during a busy season or gets lost in everyday paperwork. Most importantly, failing to respond within the deadline can result in an automatic penalty or even permanent disqualification from SNAP.

Our Approach: Thorough Investigation and Modern Technology

At Spodek Law Group, our team investigates every angle of your case to challenge the evidence against you and gather mitigating details. We recognize that each situation is different: maybe an inexperienced cashier misunderstood SNAP rules, or perhaps there was a data-entry glitch that skewed the transaction history. Our strict approach means we don’t just glance at the USDA’s findings—we pull transaction reports, interview employees, and sometimes even consult experts in payment processing to see if there’s a technical explanation.

We’re also huge believers in staying transparent and accessible throughout the process, which is why we offer a digital client portal that gives you real-time updates on your case. Instead of waiting nervously by the phone or constantly refreshing your email, you can log in anytime to see what stage your defense is in or to upload documents. This modern approach, combined with our traditional dedication to client care, means you’ll never feel left in the dark.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Possible Outcomes and Key Legal Considerations

What are the possible outcomes of a SNAP Civil Money Penalty case? In some instances, the penalty can be reduced or even avoided altogether if you can demonstrate the alleged infractions didn’t happen or were unintentional. According to 7 U.S.C. § 2021, the USDA has the authority to either disqualify a retailer or levy a penalty in lieu of disqualification, based on factors like the severity of the offense and any prior history of violations. If we can show that your store has robust compliance practices—or if an employee acted on their own without your knowledge—those details can significantly affect the final decision.

One thing we pride ourselves on is taking cases we know we can truly help, which is why we encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later. We believe in a “white glove” standard: personal attention, prompt answers to your questions, and a willingness to stand by you regardless of how complex your situation might seem. Over the years, Todd Spodek has been featured in major media outlets—including the New York Post, Newsweek, and Fox 5 New York—discussing legal strategies that put clients first and keep them fully informed at every turn.

Taking Swift Action: Gather Your Records and Contact Us

So, what should you do right after getting a SNAP penalty notice? First, gather any relevant records, including transaction logs, employee manuals, and correspondence with the USDA—these can help us piece together the full picture. Next, make a note of all deadlines mentioned in the notice, because timing can make or break your appeal. Finally, call us or set up a consultation; we’ll walk you through your rights, discuss potential defenses, and start devising a strategy that suits your specific case.

The Appeals Process: Administrative and Judicial Review

Appealing a SNAP Civil Money Penalty might seem daunting, but it’s a well-defined legal process that involves multiple layers of review. You can typically request an administrative review by submitting written arguments and any evidence you have. If the outcome at that level isn’t favorable, you still have the right to seek judicial review, meaning you can take your case to federal court to challenge the USDA’s findings. At Spodek Law Group, we’re prepared to guide you through each of these steps, ensuring your voice is heard and your evidence is front and center.

Understanding the Stakes: Why a Strong Defense Matters

Sometimes, folks worry that hiring an attorney for a financial penalty might cost more than the penalty itself, but honestly, the stakes are often bigger than just dollars and cents. Disqualification from SNAP can decimate a small store’s revenue, and a record of violations can scare away loyal customers who rely on your services. In some cases, penalties can climb into tens of thousands of dollars, plus there’s the emotional toll of dealing with a federal agency that seems both intimidating and impersonal.

That’s why we keep our fee structure transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for from day one—no hidden costs, no last-minute surprises. We have offices in New York City and Los Angeles, and we’re equipped to represent clients nationwide, whether your store is in a big urban center or a small rural community. Our team is on call 24/7 because we understand that emergencies don’t keep banker’s hours.

Final Thoughts and Disclaimer

Before we wrap up, please remember this article offers general guidance, not formal legal advice, because every case is unique. If you have specific questions about your SNAP Civil Money Penalty, or if a family member or colleague is in a tough spot, we encourage you to reach out for a dedicated consultation. Our goal is to bring you relief by clarifying your options and advocating with the kind of passion you’d expect from a trusted ally.

We appreciate that you’ve taken the time to learn about SNAP Civil Money Penalties. Whether you’re still feeling anxious, or you’re ready to take action, our team at Spodek Law Group is just one call or click away. Our decades of experience, coupled with Todd Spodek’s proven record in the spotlight, confirms one thing: we don’t just handle cases—we fight for people’s livelihoods.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Call us anytime or visit our digital portal to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you find clarity, reassurance, and the best possible outcome for your SNAP Civil Money Penalty case.