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Wisconsin Snap Violation Lawyers

You’ve Been Hit With a SNAP Violation Charge – Now What?

So, you got slapped with a SNAP violation notice. Take a deep breath – it’s not the end of the world. But, you need to act fast and smart. That’s where we come in.At Spodek Law Group, we’re experts at handling these kinds of charges for retailers across the nation. And we know how to fight for the best possible outcome for your business. Because let‘s be real – a SNAP disqualification can be absolutely devastating for a small store‘s bottom line.We get it, you‘re stressed. Maybe a little freaked out. That‘s totally normal when your livelihood is on the line. But here’s the thing – you don’t have to go through this alone. Our elite team of SNAP violation lawyers has your back every step of the way.

What Exactly is a SNAP Violation?

Before we dive into how to deal with these charges, let’s quickly cover what a SNAP violation actually is. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – you know, the thing that used to be called food stamps.As a SNAP-approved retailer, you’re required to follow strict rules set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If they believe you’ve broken one of those rules, that’s when the violation letters start flying.Some common SNAP violations include:

• Trafficking (exchanging SNAP benefits for cash)
• Selling ineligible items
• Not properly maintaining inventory records
• Allowing unauthorized use of SNAP benefits

Basically, anything that makes it look like you‘re misusing or abusing the SNAP system. Even seemingly minor infractions can lead to serious consequences like temporary disqualification or permanent removal from the program. Yikes.

The First Steps After Receiving a SNAP Violation Notice

Okay, so you just got that dreaded charging letter from the USDA. What do you do first? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Don’t panic. We know it’s easier said than done, but freaking out won’t help. Just take a few deep breaths.
2. Read the notice carefully. It will outline the specific violation(s) you’re being accused of and explain your rights moving forward. Pay close attention to any deadlines for requesting a review or hearing.
3. Gather documentation. Start pulling together any paperwork, records, surveillance footage – anything that could potentially support your case. You’ll need this later.
4. Don’t go it alone. This is the most crucial step – hire an experienced SNAP violations attorney ASAP. The government is not messing around here, so you need to fight fire with fire.

Speaking of which…let’s talk about why having the right lawyer in your corner is an absolute must.

Why You Need a SNAP Violations Expert Attorney

Look, we get it – legal fees are an added expense you probably weren’t planning for. But when it comes to SNAP violations, trying to represent yourself is pretty much asking for trouble.The government has huge resources dedicated to investigating and prosecuting these cases. You’re outmatched and outgunned from the start without proper legal counsel. Plus, the rules and regulations around SNAP are crazy complex, with all sorts of nuances that only an insider would know.At Spodek Law Group, SNAP violations are our bread and butter (or should we say EBT card?). We’ve successfully defended over 300 cases for retailers nationwide, everything from minor violations to full-blown trafficking charges.Our attorneys literally wrote the book on SNAP defense strategies. We know all the ins and outs, loopholes, and tactics to give you the best shot at avoiding disqualification, fines, or even criminal prosecution.Just a few reasons why you need us in your corner:

• We understand the USDA’s investigation process inside and out. This allows us to poke holes in their evidence from day one.
• We have expert knowledge of all 50 states’ SNAP laws and policies. This comes in clutch for multi-state retailers.
• We maintain good relationships with many USDA field offices. A little networking can go a long way in negotiating favorable terms.
• We’re not afraid of taking cases to court if needed. Our litigators have successfully won at trial again and again.

At the end of the day, having a powerhouse SNAP violations firm like Spodek Law Group is your best insurance policy. Don’t risk your business‘s future on a DIY defense.

Common Defenses Against SNAP Violation Charges

So what kinds of arguments can we actually make to fight these charges? While every case is unique, here are some of the most common defense strategies we employ:

Lack of Evidence
Just because the USDA says you violated SNAP rules doesn‘t make it true. We’ll pour over their evidence with a fine-toothed comb, looking for any holes, inconsistencies, or lack of proof. If their case doesn’t hold water, we’ll make sure it gets thrown out.

Employee Misconduct
As the owner, you can‘t be held responsible for rogue employees going against your policies and procedures. We have methods for proving you maintained proper training and oversight.

Inadvertent Errors
Simple human mistakes like data entry errors or technical glitches with the EBT system shouldn’t constitute a violation. We know how to argue that no intentional fraud took place.

Affirmative Defenses
There are certain accepted “affirmative defenses” that can provide you full protection from penalties if applicable to your situation. An experienced lawyer will know whether you qualify.The bottom line? We’ve seen and defeated pretty much every type of SNAP violation case out there. Our attorneys know all the angles for poking holes in the government‘s arguments.