Greensboro Snap Violation Lawyers
You’re here because you received a SNAP violation notice from the USDA ; it’s a serious matter that could jeopardize your ability to accept EBT payments – a major revenue stream. Don’t panic; we’re here to help. The Spodek Law Group specializes in defending retailers against SNAP violations nationwide. We understand the complexities, and we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your business.
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The Stakes: Temporary or Permanent Disqualification
A SNAP violation can result in temporary or permanent disqualification from the program, meaning you can no longer accept EBT payments. This would be devastating for any small business; convenience stores and grocery stores rely heavily on SNAP/EBT transactions.The penalties don’t stop there; you could also face:
- Civil fines up to $100,000 per violation
- Asset forfeiture
- Potential criminal charges
Common SNAP Violations
Violations range from minor infractions to serious offenses like trafficking (exchanging SNAP benefits for cash). Some common examples:
- Accepting SNAP for ineligible items (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)
- Allowing manual entry of EBT card numbers
- Suspicious transaction patterns (multiple transactions from one household in a short period)
Even if unintentional, these missteps can prompt an investigation – and you only have 10 days to respond to the violation notice.
Our Proven Strategy
At Spodek Law Group, we have a multi-pronged approach:
- Respond Swiftly: We draft a comprehensive response within that 10-day window, poking holes in the USDA’s evidence.
- Discredit Allegations: Our team analyzes transaction data, looking for innocent explanations for perceived irregularities.
- Demonstrate Compliance: We work with you to implement – or show proof of existing – rigorous training and monitoring protocols.
- Negotiate: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators; we’ll fight for the best possible outcome, whether it’s reducing penalties or avoiding disqualification altogether.
- Litigate if Needed: If the USDA refuses to budge, we’re prepared to vigorously defend your case in administrative proceedings or federal court.
Real-World Examples
Hypothetical scenarios help illustrate our approach:
Example 1: Your store had multiple $25 EBT transactions in a day, which raised red flags at the USDA. We’d analyze your product mix, pricing structure and customer demographics to explain the prevalence of that transaction amount. If it aligns with your typical cash sales, we can discredit the allegation.
Example 2: An employee exchanged SNAP benefits for cash – a clear violation. But what if you can prove it was a rogue employee acting against policies/training? We’d emphasize your compliance efforts to potentially reduce the penalty.The key is developing a comprehensive, fact-based defense tailored to your unique situation.
Why Choose Spodek Law Group?
- Nationwide Presence: With offices in NYC and LA, we defend clients across the country.
- Specialization: SNAP violation cases are our forte; we live and breathe this area of law.
- Tenacious Advocacy: We explore every possible avenue to protect your livelihood.
- Client-Focused: You’re not just another case number; we take a personal approach.
- Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have successfully defended many alleged SNAP violators.
Don’t let a SNAP violation notice jeopardize your business. Schedule a consultation today; we’ll listen to your side and start building a strategic defense immediately. Your revenue stream and reputation are too important – trust the Spodek Law Group to safeguard them.
Potential Hypothetical Scenarios
It could be that an employee simply made a mistake in handling an EBT transaction; perhaps they accidentally sold an ineligible item or failed to follow proper card entry protocols. An isolated incident like this may not necessarily indicate intentional fraud or trafficking.Or maybe the suspicious transaction patterns flagged by the USDA have an innocent explanation related to your business operations, customer base or product mix. For example, multiple small transactions from the same household could be normal for a convenience store frequented by local residents.It’s also possible the allegations stem from a rogue employee acting against your policies and training. If you can demonstrate robust compliance efforts and swift disciplinary action, it may mitigate the perceived violations.There are countless hypothetical scenarios, which is why our attorneys thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding each SNAP violation case. We look at it from every angle to poke holes in the government’s case and develop the strongest possible defense strategy.