Arlington Snap Violation Lawyers
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You Received a SNAP Violation Letter – Now What?
There’s one reason you’re on this website: you received a SNAP violation letter from the USDA, and you need help – fast. Whether it’s a minor infraction or a major trafficking allegation, you need an experienced Arlington SNAP violation lawyer to guide you through this process.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled hundreds of SNAP violation cases nationwide, so we understand the nuances of these cases and know how to fight for you. But first, let‘s start with the basics.
What is a SNAP Violation?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. However, the program has strict rules and regulations that must be followed. A SNAP violation occurs when an individual or business fails to comply with these rules.Common SNAP violations include:
- Trafficking SNAP benefits (selling them for cash)
- Lying on a SNAP application
- Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase ineligible items
- Continuing to accept SNAP benefits after being disqualified from the program
These violations are taken seriously by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the SNAP program. Penalties can range from temporary disqualification to hefty fines and even criminal charges.
Why You Need a SNAP Violation Lawyer
Facing a SNAP violation charge can be daunting, especially for small business owners who rely on SNAP transactions for a significant portion of their revenue. That‘s why it’s crucial to have an experienced SNAP violation lawyer on your side.At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have a deep understanding of the SNAP program and the laws surrounding it. We know how to navigate the complex legal system, and we‘ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights.So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? The first step is simple: don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and give us a call. We‘re here to help, 24/7.
The SNAP Violation Process: What You Need to Know
Okay, so you‘ve received that dreaded SNAP violation letter from the USDA. Your heart sinks, your palms get sweaty, and a million thoughts race through your mind. “What did I do wrong? How will this impact my business? Can I fight this?”But, take a deep breath. We’re here to walk you through the process and help you understand what’s happening and what your next steps should be.The USDA is mandated to enforce a civil fine, temporary disqualification, or permanent disqualification for those found in violation of the SNAP program‘s rules. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and severity of the violation.Common violations that can lead to disqualification include:
- Trafficking SNAP benefits (exchanging them for cash, drugs, or other ineligible items)
- Allowing the purchase of ineligible items with SNAP benefits
- Failing to maintain proper records or provide them upon request
The investigation process typically begins with a letter from the USDA outlining the alleged violations. This letter is your opportunity to respond and provide any evidence or documentation that may support your case.It’s important to note that the USDA has the burden of proof in these cases. They must demonstrate, through clear and convincing evidence, that a violation occurred. This is where having an experienced SNAP violation lawyer can make all the difference.
Proving Fraud
For a SNAP violation charge to result in disqualification, the USDA must prove that the violation was committed intentionally, or with a “pattern of negligent violations.” This means they must show that you knowingly violated the program‘s rules, or that there was a recurring pattern of unintentional violations.Our attorneys will work to poke holes in the USDA’s case, challenging their evidence and presenting our own evidence to demonstrate that any violations were unintentional or isolated incidents.We’ll also explore potential defenses, such as:
- Lack of proper training or oversight for employees
- Extenuating circumstances that led to the violation
- Inconsistent enforcement of SNAP rules by the USDA
Remember, the burden of proof is on the USDA, not you. Our job is to create reasonable doubt and protect your rights.
Hypothetical Scenario
Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine you own a small grocery store that accepts SNAP benefits. One day, you receive a letter from the USDA alleging that your store has been allowing SNAP recipients to purchase ineligible items, such as cigarettes and alcohol.You’re shocked and confused because you‘ve always been diligent about training your employees on SNAP rules and regulations. However, upon further investigation, you discover that one of your new cashiers, who was recently hired and hadn‘t received proper training yet, had been accidentally allowing these purchases.In this situation, our team at Spodek Law Group would work to gather evidence that supports your claim of unintentional violation. We would collect documentation of your training policies, employee handbooks, and any other materials that demonstrate your commitment to SNAP compliance.Additionally, we would argue that this was an isolated incident caused by a lack of proper training for a new employee, rather than a pattern of negligent violations. By presenting a strong defense and challenging the USDA’s evidence, we would aim to mitigate the potential penalties or have the charges dismissed altogether.
Don’t Wait, Call Today
If you‘ve received a SNAP violation letter, don’t wait to take action. The sooner you contact an experienced SNAP violation lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding disqualification or minimizing penalties.At Spodek Law Group, we’re here to fight for you. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law.Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. With our team of dedicated attorneys on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your situation and develop a strategy to protect your business and your livelihood.