Criminal Defense Lawyers

Raleigh Snap Violation Lawyers

Accused of SNAP Fraud? Don’t Panic – We’ve Got Your Back

So, you’ve been accused of violating SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) rules. Maybe it was an honest mistake, or maybe there’s been a misunderstanding. Either way, take a deep breath – we’re here to guide you through this.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled countless SNAP violation cases. We know how stressful and confusing this situation can be. But, our team of expert lawyers is ready to fight for you every step of the way. 1

What Exactly is a SNAP Violation?

Before we dive into how to tackle this, let’s quickly go over what constitutes a SNAP violation. Essentially, it’s any fraudulent activity related to obtaining or using SNAP benefits. This could include:

• Providing false information when applying for SNAP
• Failing to report income changes that would affect your eligibility
• Allowing someone else to use your SNAP card
• Purchasing ineligible items with SNAP benefits
• Trafficking SNAP benefits (illegally exchanging them for cash)

Now, some of these might seem obvious. But others could simply be mistakes made in good faith. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled lawyer evaluate your specific case. 1

The Consequences Could Be Severe

Here’s the harsh reality – SNAP violations are taken extremely seriously by the authorities. Depending on the nature of the alleged fraud, you could be facing:

• Repayment of any overpaid benefits
• Temporary disqualification from SNAP for a set period
• Permanent disqualification from SNAP
• Fines and penalties
• Potential criminal charges in serious cases

Yikes, right? But don’t lose hope yet. With the right legal representation, many of these consequences can potentially be avoided or minimized. 1

We Understand – Mistakes Happen

Look, we get it. Life can be complicated, especially when money is tight. Maybe you genuinely didn’t understand the rules. Or perhaps there was a miscommunication when reporting your household details. 1Whatever the case may be, our lawyers will take the time to truly understand your situation. We don’t judge – we advocate. Our goal is to present the strongest possible defense and protect your rights. 1

A Powerful Ally in Your Corner

When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a tenacious legal team committed to your case. 1 Here’s what you can expect from us:Meticulous Case Preparation
We’ll dive deep into every detail of your alleged SNAP violation. Our attorneys leave no stones unturned in building a rock-solid defense strategy tailored specifically for you. 1Aggressive Representation
In court, we’re relentless advocates. Our lawyers will vigorously argue for the best possible outcome, whether that’s having charges dismissed or penalties minimized. We don’t back down easily. 1Keeping You Informed
We believe in full transparency. You’ll always know exactly where your case stands and what options are on the table. No confusing legalese – just clear, honest communication. 1Convenient Service
With offices in NYC and LA, we can handle SNAP violation cases nationwide. Plus, our online client portal allows you to access case files and chat with your lawyer anytime, anywhere. 12

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

Your Next Move? Get in Touch

Look, we know this is a tough situation. But you don’t have to face it alone. Schedule a free consultation with our SNAP violation lawyers today. 1During this initial call, we’ll listen carefully to your side of the story. We’ll explain the potential ramifications you’re facing and outline a game plan for mounting an aggressive defense. Best of all – there’s no obligation and no judgment, just expert legal guidance. 1SNAP violations may seem cut-and-dry, but the reality is often much more nuanced. With the right lawyer in your corner, you can fight back against these charges and protect your access to crucial food assistance. 1Don’t let a simple mistake or misunderstanding ruin your life. The aggressive SNAP violation attorneys at Spodek Law Group are ready to battle for your rights. Reach out today. 1

What Exactly Constitutes SNAP Fraud? Breaking it Down

In the previous section, we touched briefly on what kinds of activities can be considered SNAP fraud. But because the consequences are so serious, it’s worth exploring this topic in more depth.Essentially, any intentional deception to obtain or misuse SNAP benefits qualifies as fraud. This could involve lying about your household details, income, expenses, or other eligibility criteria on your application.It’s also considered fraud if you knowingly allow someone outside your household to use your SNAP card and benefits. Ditto for intentionally purchasing ineligible items like alcohol, cigarettes, or hot prepared foods.

The Biggie – Trafficking SNAP Benefits

One of the most serious SNAP violations is trafficking – exchanging your benefits for cash. This could involve literally selling your SNAP card. But it can also mean purchasing eligible food items and then reselling them for profit.Trafficking SNAP benefits is a big no-no because it defeats the entire purpose of the program, which is to provide nutritional assistance to those in need. When benefits are sold for cash, that cash could be spent on anything – not just food for your household.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Intentional

Now here’s where things can get a bit tricky. While fraud by definition involves intentional deception, SNAP violations don’t always stem from malicious intent.For example, failing to report a new job or increase in income could result in an overpayment of benefits – even if you simply forgot to update that info. In cases like these, you may not be accused of outright fraud. But you could still face penalties like having to repay those overpaid benefits.That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer carefully review your case. What may seem like an innocent mistake could potentially be misconstrued as intentional fraud by the authorities. 1

Buyer Beware – Ineligible Items

One area that frequently trips people up is purchasing ineligible items with their SNAP card. While you may think it’s no big deal to grab a hot chicken or cup of coffee along with your groceries, that’s actually not allowed.SNAP benefits can only be used for unprepared foods meant for consumption at home. So while fresh produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable items are fair game, prepared hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in the store are off-limits.Accidentally making an ineligible purchase here and there probably won’t land you in hot water. But repeatedly abusing your SNAP benefits in this way could be viewed as fraud – even if you didn’t intend to break the rules.The bottom line? Read up on what is and isn’t allowed. When in doubt, skip the tempting prepared items and stick to true grocery staples. And if you do make a mistake, own up to it – don’t try to hide it. 1

How to Defend Yourself Against SNAP Fraud Charges

Okay, so now you have a better understanding of what constitutes a SNAP violation. The next logical question is – how can you actually fight these charges in court? 1As SNAP fraud defense lawyers, our strategies can vary significantly depending on the specifics of each case. But in general, there are a few key lines of defense we typically pursue:Lack of Intent
As we mentioned, not all SNAP violations involve intentional deception. If we can demonstrate that you made an honest mistake or simply misunderstood the program rules, we may be able to get fraud charges reduced or dismissed entirely. 1Factual Errors
It’s not uncommon for SNAP fraud investigations to contain factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies. Our lawyers will thoroughly review all evidence and documentation, looking for any potential errors that could poke holes in the prosecution’s case. 1Lack of Evidence
Ultimately, the burden of proof is on the prosecution to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed fraud. If their evidence is lacking or circumstantial, we’ll aggressively argue for a dismissal of charges. 1Mitigating Circumstances
Even if some degree of violation did occur, we may be able to get your penalties minimized by highlighting mitigating factors. For example, if you have a disability, language barrier, or other extenuating circumstances that led to the violation. 1No matter what road we go down, you can rest assured our defense will be thorough and uncompromising. We understand how much is at stake when you’re facing potential SNAP disqualification or criminal charges. 1

A Look at Real-Life Cases

To give you a better sense of how we operate, let’s walk through a couple of hypothetical SNAP violation scenarios:Example 1: You recently started a new job but forgot to update your income information with the SNAP office. As a result, you received several months of overpaid benefits. 1Our Approach: We’d first argue that your failure to report the new income was an honest mistake – not an intentional attempt to defraud the system. Assuming you have a clean record, we’d push to have any fraud charges dropped in favor of simply repaying the overpaid amount. 1Example 2: An investigation reveals you purchased ineligible items like alcohol and cigarettes multiple times while using your SNAP card at various stores. 1Our Approach: Here, the repeated pattern of violations does appear intentional. However, we may be able to argue mitigating circumstances like a language barrier that caused you to misunderstand eligible items. Depending on the evidence, we could potentially get you temporarily disqualified rather than permanently kicked off SNAP. 1Of course, these are just hypothetical examples. The reality of your case will depend entirely on the specific facts and circumstances involved. But you can trust that we’ll explore every possible avenue for defense and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and interests. 1

What to Do (and Not Do) If You’re Accused of SNAP Fraud

Okay, so you’ve been accused of committing SNAP fraud. Maybe you’ve received a notice in the mail, or perhaps a state investigator has already reached out. Either way, how you handle this initial stage is crucial. 1Here’s a quick rundown of the dos and don’ts when facing potential SNAP violation charges:DO: Remain Calm
We know, easier said than done. But getting angry or lashing out will only hurt your case. Take a deep breath and keep your cool. 1DO: Hire a Lawyer Immediately
The sooner you have legal representation, the better. An experienced SNAP fraud lawyer can get involved early and ensure you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself. 1DON’T: Try to Handle it Yourself
No matter how simple you think your case may be, don’t make the mistake of representing yourself. The rules surrounding SNAP are highly technical, and a misstep could be extremely costly. 1DO: Gather Documentation
Start rounding up any paperwork, records, or evidence that could be relevant to your case. Having this information organized will help your lawyer immensely. 1DON’T: Speak to Investigators Without a Lawyer
Investigators are trained to get you to slip up and admit to things that could hurt you later. Until you have legal counsel, politely refuse to answer any questions. 1DO: Remain Eligible for SNAP
Unless explicitly instructed otherwise by your lawyer, continue following all SNAP reporting rules. You don’t want to risk being disqualified before your case is even heard. 1The key thing to remember is that you have rights – and a good lawyer will ensure those rights are protected throughout the investigation and legal process. 1

What to Expect During the Legal Process

Once you’ve lawyered up, the next step will typically involve some form of administrative hearing or trial regarding the alleged SNAP violation. Here’s a basic overview of what that might look like: 1The Hearing Process
In most states, you’ll first go through an administrative court hearing with your state’s SNAP agency. You’ll receive advance notice about the charges against you and have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony in your defense. 1If the ruling goes against you at this level, you’ll then have an opportunity to appeal the decision – first through a higher administrative process, and potentially later in an official court of law. 1The Evidence
The type of evidence that may be presented could include investigator reports, recorded interviews, video surveillance, transaction records from stores, and more. Your lawyer will go through all of this with a fine-toothed comb looking for inconsistencies or other issues to challenge. 1Potential Witnesses
Depending on the circumstances, the prosecution may call witnesses such as store clerks, investigators, or SNAP office staff to try and prove their case against you. We’ll work to undermine their testimony through cross-examination and by calling our own fact witnesses if needed. 1The Verdict
If the judge or hearing officer rules in your favor, you’ll be cleared of the charges. If not, they’ll issue penalties which could include repayment of benefits, disqualification from SNAP for a set period or permanently, fines, or even criminal charges in egregious cases of fraud. 1No matter what, we’ll be with you every step of the way – fighting for the best possible outcome based on the specific details of your situation. 1

When to Hire a SNAP Fraud Lawyer

This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s an important one – when exactly should you seek out professional legal representation for a SNAP violation case? 1The short answer? As soon as possible.Ideally, you’ll want to have a lawyer on your side from the very moment you first receive any kind of notice about a potential SNAP fraud issue. This will ensure you have guidance on how to properly handle the situation right from the start. 1Even if you haven’t been officially accused yet, it’s still a wise idea to be proactive and consult with a lawyer. They can advise you on what to expect if an investigation does materialize and how to protect yourself in the meantime. 1Remember, SNAP fraud cases can move quickly once the wheels start turning. You don’t want to be caught flat-footed having to scramble for legal help at the last minute. 1

Why Hiring a Lawyer Matters

You may be tempted to think you can handle a SNAP violation case on your own to save some money. But this line of thinking could potentially cost you far more in the long run. Here’s why having an experienced lawyer is so crucial: 1They Know the System
Your lawyer will be well-versed in the latest SNAP fraud laws, regulations, and processes within your specific state. This insider knowledge is invaluable when it comes to building an effective defense strategy. 1They’ll Protect Your Rights
From ensuring you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself during questioning to confirming you receive proper due process – a lawyer’s sole focus is protecting your rights and interests as a defendant. 1They’re Objective Advocates
When you’re in the middle of a stressful legal situation, it’s easy to make rash decisions based on emotion. Your lawyer provides an experienced, objective voice to advocate for you without the burden of personal feelings getting in the way. 1They Understand Nuance
What may seem like an open-and-shut case of SNAP fraud to you could actually have significant nuances and gray areas that a skilled lawyer could use to your advantage. They know how to identify and capitalize on those nuances. 1At the end of the day, the costs of hiring a SNAP fraud lawyer are vastly outweighed by the costs of potentially having your benefits revoked, paying steep fines, or even facing jail time without professional legal guidance. 1