Criminal Defense Lawyers

New York Snap Violation Lawyers

SNAP Violations in New York: What You Need to Know

You’re here, because you or your business has been accused of violating SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) regulations. 1 You’re likely feeling stressed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. But, take a deep breath. We’re going to walk through this together, step-by-step.First, it’s crucial to understand the severity of SNAP violations. These aren’t just minor infractions – they’re serious offenses that can carry heavy fines and even jail time. 1 The government doesn‘t take SNAP fraud lightly, as it jeopardizes a program designed to help low-income families access food.So, what exactly constitutes a SNAP violation? Common examples include:

• Trafficking SNAP benefits (illegally exchanging them for cash)
• Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase ineligible items
• Falsifying application information to receive benefits improperly

Even seemingly minor mistakes, like failing to provide proper training to employees, can result in violations. 1 The rules are strict, and the consequences can be severe.

The Investigation Process

Chances are, your SNAP violation case began with a tip or irregularity that caught the attention of investigators. 2 From there, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or state SNAP agency likely launched an undercover operation to gather evidence against you.During this process, you may have been unaware you were under investigation. Investigators often use sophisticated tactics to build their case before making any accusations public. 2Once they believe they have sufficient proof, you’ll receive an official charge letter detailing the alleged violations. This letter kicks off a strict timeline – you typically have just 10 days to respond. 2 Failing to do so can be seen as an admission of guilt, severely limiting your ability to defend yourself later on.

Your Response is Crucial

Given the tight deadlines and serious repercussions, your response to that initial charge letter is absolutely critical. This isn’t something to tackle alone or with a general practice lawyer. You need an experienced SNAP violation attorney who understands the intricacies of this highly specialized area of law.At Spodek Law Group, our national team of former prosecutors has extensive experience defending clients against SNAP violation charges. We know how to craft a strong, comprehensive response that protects your rights and puts you in the best possible position moving forward.Our attorneys will carefully review every detail of your case, looking for any potential defenses or mitigating factors the government may have overlooked or misinterpreted. We‘ll respond promptly and forcefully, ensuring your voice is heard from the very start.

The Administrative Process

Once you‘ve submitted your initial response, the case will likely proceed through an administrative review process overseen by the USDA. 6 The agency will evaluate the evidence and arguments from both sides before issuing a preliminary ruling.You’ll then have another brief window (typically 10 days) to request a review of that determination if you’re unsatisfied with the outcome. 6 Again, your SNAP violation lawyer will be invaluable during this stage, crafting legal arguments and preparing you for any hearings or negotiations.If the administrative process doesn‘t resolve the matter in your favor, you do have the option to pursue judicial review in federal court. 6 However, this is a complex undertaking where having a skilled litigator in your corner is absolutely essential.

Potential Penalties for SNAP Violations

The penalties for SNAP violations can vary significantly depending on the specific charges and severity of the case. Temporary disqualification from the program, permanent debarment, and stiff monetary penalties are all potential outcomes. 1In particularly egregious fraud cases, you could even face criminal charges resulting in jail time. 1 Prosecutors take crimes like SNAP trafficking extremely seriously, given the taxpayer funds involved and the harm inflicted on a program meant to combat hunger and poverty.With so much at stake, defending yourself against allegations is crucial. Even if you believe the violations were unintentional mistakes, the burden will be on you to prove that. An experienced SNAP lawyer can make a world of difference in avoiding harsh penalties that could cripple your business or personal finances.

How to Avoid SNAP Violations

Of course, the ideal scenario is avoiding SNAP violations altogether. While inadvertent errors can still occur, following best practices can minimize your risk:

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

• Understand all SNAP rules and regulations thoroughly before participating in the program
• Never exchange SNAP benefits for cash or allow purchase of ineligible items
• Provide comprehensive training to all employees on SNAP policies
• Implement robust compliance procedures and internal auditing
• Cooperate fully with any SNAP agency inquiries or audits
• Report any suspected SNAP violations or program abuse immediately

Even if you’ve been accused of a violation, taking proactive steps to improve compliance can demonstrate good faith and potentially lead to reduced penalties. 1Your SNAP violation defense lawyer can help implement better policies, training programs, and oversight measures to protect your organization moving forward. The goal is to address the root causes, not just fight the current charges.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

When you’re facing SNAP violation charges, you need a powerful legal advocate with specialized expertise. That‘s exactly what you’ll find at Spodek Law Group.Our firm was founded by Todd Spodek, a second-generation New York defense attorney. He and his team have successfully represented clients in thousands of complex, high-stakes cases across the country. From healthcare fraud to SNAP violations, our lawyers have a proven track record of outstanding results.“There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm,” Spodek says. “We’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service and case results for our clients.”What sets Spodek Law Group apart is our unwavering commitment to personalized attention and aggressive representation. We never take a cookie-cutter approach – instead, our attorneys carefully examine every facet of your unique situation to develop a customized legal strategy.“Most law firms implement a one-size-fits-all strategy to fight your case and save their own time,” Spodek explains. “They don’t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next client. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned. We do everything possible to win.”From the initial charge letter to potential appeals, our SNAP violation lawyers will be by your side every step of the way. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights, reputation, and livelihood.“Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force,” Spodek says. “Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could‘ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.”

A Hands-On, Comprehensive Approach

At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on our hands-on, comprehensive approach to every case we take on. That means:

• Extensive investigation and evidence gathering
• In-depth case strategy sessions with our full legal team
• Meticulous documentation review and legal research
• Vigorous negotiation and litigation when needed
• Robust compliance counseling to mitigate future risks

“We constantly hold firm meetings to discuss and address all of our cases,” Spodek notes. “In the event of an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.”Our attorneys understand that facing SNAP violation charges can be an incredibly stressful, even embarrassing experience. That’s why we emphasize open communication, transparency, and protecting client confidentiality at all times.“Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue,” Spodek says. We encourage open dialogue and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice.”With offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and the ability to take cases nationwide, Spodek Law Group is ready to assist you wherever your SNAP violation case may be. Our team has successfully defended clients across the country, achieving favorable resolutions in even the most complex matters.