SNAP Dismissal of Trafficking Charges Lawyers

If you’ve been faced with a violation involving SNAP charges, Food Stamp Trafficking or fraud, our Criminal Defense Law Firm can help.

Although the rate of the allegations has decreased over the years for these violations, allegations are still being made by the USDA and the penalties for these violations are severe.

What is SNAP?

Snap, is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides its participants with a certain monetary value in food benefits on a monthly basis. The benefits are disbursed by using an Electronic Benefits Transfer, (EBT).

However, there are a few limitations as well as exceptional differences between the snap benefits and a traditional bank card.

(1) The snap benefits that are dispersed on the EBT card are not for general use or for general spending in the traditional way that most cards are and

(2) No cash-back is allowed for disbursements from funds that have been reserved for food.

The EBT cards replaced food stamps in the late 1990’s. So now the funds are disbursed to the EBT cards by the state in which the snap recipient lives.

Both the snap program and the benefits that are associated with it are governed by the United States Code (7 U.S.C. Chapter 51) and the Code of Federal Regulations (7 C.F.R. §278).

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.

Load more

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

The program is run, regulated and enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) Agency.

Common Violations associated with snap

The most common violations that are associated with SNAP consist of SNAP and Food Stamp Trafficking. This involves EBT trafficking that includes buying, selling, stealing or exchanging snap benefits for cash or for ineligible items such alcohol and cigarettes or for submitting false information.

Penalties for Violating snap Laws and Food Stamp Trafficking

There are three primary penalties that are enforced by the USDA when snap and Food Stamp related trafficking takes place.

1. Permanent disqualification

2. Temporary disqualification

3. A civil fine

These penalties are based on your ability to continue to do business and keep the doors of your retail store open.

Penalties that involve either permanent or temporary disqualification will have a tremendous impact your store’s revenue most of whom have had to close their business as a result. However, a civil fine may be as high as several thousands of dollars.

There are also those rare cases where violators face criminal charges for this offense as well which is based on the size and scope of the specifically alleged EBT trafficking that has taken place.

What to do if you Receive a snap Violation Letter

If your store accepts EBT cards, you may receive a snap Violation Letter from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). If so, it is because they are charging you with an alleged violation. If several pages have been attached to the back of your snap Violation Letter containing hundreds and sometimes thousands of transactions, then the Department believes such transactions amount to violations within several different categories.

To prevent this matter from escalating, please contact our office immediately after receiving your snap Violation Letter. You are given only TEN days to respond to the charges provided in the letter. Failure to respond within this timeframe will result in the Department likely suspending or terminating your privileges to accept EBT.

How Our Law Office Defend Against snap Violation Letters

Our criminal law firm is experienced in handling a large variety of snap Violation Letters that have been charged against our clients. We have expertise in all three phases of the snap Violations. They include the following:

Phase 1- The Charging Letter

The snap Violation Letter is the first step that is taken by the USDA designed to remove your store’s EBT license. This initial Violation Letter may or may not come with prior warnings and these letters can appear at any time.

There are several different types of allegations that are associated with a Charging Letter, however, most of them come with more detail that contains facts that are associated with each of the allegations. The USDA requires that a response is submitted within ten (10) days.

Our role in Phase 1 involves of taking the responsibility for all future communications with the USDA. We also compile evidence if needed, then prepare and deliver a thorough response to the allegations made against our clients. We then move forward based on the response received by the USDA’s representative.

Phase 2 – Administrative Appeal

Phase 2 involves a response from the USDA after they have reviewed the store’s reply to their original snap Violation Letter. Typically the letter will state that the USDA still believes that they are valid in which a second letter is submitted detailing their decision to either suspend or disqualify your store based on the allegations that were initially spelled out in their original letter. At this point, you have 10 days to appeal this decision. If no appeal is made your store will be left with a suspended or disqualified license.

Once retained, our criminal law office will then file all necessary paperwork and correspond with the USDA to notify their Administrative Appeal agency of our intentions to appeal their decision.

We will work on your behalf to obtain any and all additional evidence that could be useful in this appeal on your behalf. We will also draft up an appellate brief that will contain all of the evidence, regulatory and federal codes, case law, and any other information that we feel is appropriate that best demonstrates that the allegations charged against you are inaccurate.

Phase 3 – Judicial Appeal

If the USDA still does not overturn its decision the next legal step is to file a Judicial Review that takes place in the local Federal District Court.

It would involve conducting discovery, filing motions and having an actual trial before the Honorable Judge. Our attorneys are competent in this area and have successfully handled several of these cases in the past. Please contact our office for more details and about handling your case as well.