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Can My SNAP Authorization Be Revoked? Legal Options

If you’re reading this article, it’s because your SNAP authorization is in jeopardy – and you need the best federal criminal defense attorney. You’ve received a charge letter. You’re facing disqualification. You could lose 50% of your revenue. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service sent you a violation letter, and now you have only 10 days to respond. That’s not speculation. That’s the federal regulation. Most store owners in your situation try to handle it themselves. That’s how they end up permanently disqualified.

At Spodek Law Group – we understand what you’re going through, and take this very seriously. Our premier federal criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough cases nationwide. Todd Spodek – a second-generation attorney, has been featured on major media outlets like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey. Todd Spodek – a prominent attorney, represented Anna Delvey, known as Anna Sorokin. We’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it.

Your SNAP Authorization Can Be Revoked – And It Happens Fast

You’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one. Every hour matters in SNAP violation cases. Federal investigators have been watching your store for months. By the time you receive that charge letter from the FNS regional office, they’ve already built their case. You don’t understand the severity. You don’t know that over 90% of stores charged with trafficking get permanently disqualified. This knowledge gap will hurt you.

Here’s what happens when your SNAP authorization gets revoked: First time sanction – disqualification for six months to 5 years; Second time sanction – disqualification for 12 months to 10 years; For a third sanction, trafficking, or knowingly submitting false information: permanent disqualification. You need an attorney who has won federal cases. Not state cases. Federal cases. There’s a difference. Our top rated federal criminal defense attorneys know how to fight SNAP violations – and win.

The Violations That Will Destroy Your Business

Most people in your situation don’t realize how serious SNAP violations are,until it’s too late. The USDA monitors every EBT transaction at your store. They use sophisticated computer algorithms to detect patterns. Even innocent mistakes can trigger an investigation. You’re facing criminal penalties up to $250,000 in fines and 20 years imprisonment. That’s not a typo. That’s federal law.

Here are the violations that get stores permanently disqualified: • Trafficking – exchanging SNAP benefits for cash (even once) • Selling ineligible items like alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods • Credit sales – letting customers pay later • Allowing unauthorized persons to use your SNAP authorization • Falsifying information on applications or reauthorizations

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, we fight for our clients. Many law firms are “mills” and take on every single client. We’re different – we’re selective about who we represent. Our premier criminal defense attorneys only work with clients we truly believe we can help. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you.

You Have 10 Days to Save Your Business – Here’s What Happens

When that UPS package arrives with your charge letter,the clock starts ticking. You have exactly 10 days from receipt to respond. Miss that deadline? Your rights are waived forever. The FNS doesn’t give extensions. They don’t care about your excuses. Federal regulations are clear: 10 days or you lose.

Here’s the process that will determine your business’s fate: 1. Charge Letter – Details the alleged violations (you have 10 days) 2. Response Letter – Your chance to present evidence and explanations 3. Final Determination – FNS decides: warning, fine, or disqualification 4. Administrative Appeal – 10 more days to file if you’re disqualified 5. Judicial Review – Federal court (30 days to file)

Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients. His experience has led to him handling thousands of tough cases. HeWe’vegot over 50 years of combined experience. We have handled some of the toughest cases and have come out on top. Our team of lawyers has handled complex federal cases, and we have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex crimes. We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal.

The Hidden Consequences Nobody Tells You About

You think this is just about your store. It’s not. Permanent disqualification follows you forever. You can never own, manage, or work at any business that accepts SNAP benefits. Not in New York. Not in California. Nowhere. The USDA maintains a permanent database of disqualified individuals. Background checks will show it. Loan applications will be denied. Your credit will be destroyed.

If someone in your family was previously disqualified, you might be denied too. The USDA considers “business integrity and reputation” – which means they investigate everyone connected to your store. Your spouse, your children, your business partners. One person’s mistake can destroy everyone’s future. That’s why you need the best possible legal representation – ASAP.

Why Most Stores Lose Their SNAP Appeals

Public defenders don’t handle SNAP cases. Regular criminal lawyers don’t understand federal administrative law. You need a federal criminal defense attorney who knows SNAP regulations inside and out. Someone who’s fought the USDA – and won. Most attorneys have never even read 7 CFR Part 278. How can they defend you?

Here’s why stores lose: • They respond without understanding the regulations • They admit to violations trying to “explain” • They miss critical deadlines (remember: 10 days!) • They don’t know how to challenge FNS evidence • They hire attorneys who don’t specialize in SNAP law

Our criminal lawyers have consistently been “top ranked,” by services like Avvo, National Trial Lawyers, SUPER Lawyers, and many other organizations. We strive to be the version of ourselves, in order to provide our clients with the possible outcome. We don’t focus on billable hours – we focus on positive outcomes. Unlike other law firms, we charge reasonable fees and offer flexible payment plans. We believe that money shouldn’t stop you from getting the legal help you deserve.

The Evidence FNS Uses to Destroy Your Business

Federal investigators use sophisticated surveillance techniques. Undercover agents posing as customers. Hidden cameras. Transaction analysis software that flags “suspicious” patterns. They compare your SNAP sales to similar stores. Too high? Trafficking. Too many manual transactions? Trafficking. Large dollar transactions late at night? Trafficking.

The FNS doesn’t have to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This isn’t criminal court. They only need “a preponderance of evidence” – basically 51% certainty. And guess what? They don’t share their investigation files with you. You’re fighting blind unless you have an experienced attorney who knows how to get that evidence.

Your Legal Options When Facing SNAP Disqualification

You’re facing 10-20 years of lost revenue. That’s not speculation. That’s the reality of permanent disqualification. But you have options – if you act fast. Spodek Law Group’s premier federal criminal defense attorneys know every defense strategy that works. We’ve handled cases nationwide, coast to coast. From small convenience stores to major chains. We get it.

Your defense options include: • Compliance Policy Defense – Prove you had training programs • Lack of Knowledge – Employee acted without authorization • Insufficient Evidence – Challenge FNS’s transaction analysis • Hardship Civil Money Penalty – Pay fine instead of disqualification • Procedural Violations – FNS didn’t follow proper procedures

Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want. Our nationwide team of federal criminal defense attorneys is available 24/7. We offer a risk free consultation so you can understand the complexity of what you’re going through.

The Reauthorization Trap That Nobody Warns You About

Even if you survive a violation, you’re not safe. Every five years, you must reauthorize. The USDA has made requirements stricter. What qualified before won’t qualify now. They want to reduce authorized retailers. FNS inspectors come to your store looking for reasons to deny reauthorization. One missing variety of staple food? Denied. Too much hot food sales? Denied.

Requirements keep changing: • Must stock 7 varieties in each of 4 staple food categories • One variety must be perishable in each category • Staple foods must be over 50% of total sales • Depth of stock requirements for each variety • Coming soon: mandatory electronic point-of-sale systems

Why Todd Spodek Is Different – And Why That Matters

Todd Spodek attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA and majored in criminal justice. This background provided an indispensable tool in the representation of criminal defendants in grand jury investigations, pre-trial hearings, trial, appeals and navigating the corrections process. He’s a second-generation attorney – which means he learned from the best. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets.

Remember Anna Delvey? The fake German heiress who scammed New York’s elite? Todd Spodek defended her. Netflix made a whole series about it – “Inventing Anna.” If he can handle that media circus and federal prosecution, he can handle your SNAP case. Todd is a miracle worker who will work tirelessly for you and your family. The Spodek Law Group is someone you want on your side, because they will treat you just like family.

The Clock Is Ticking – Your Business Depends on Acting Now

Every day you wait, your case gets worse. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Deadlines pass. The USDA counts on store owners being overwhelmed and missing deadlines. That’s how they win 90% of cases. Don’t be another statistic. Your future is in jeopardy. Your family’s income is at risk. Everything you’ve worked for could disappear with one final determination letter.

Here’s what happens if you don’t fight: • Immediate loss of SNAP revenue (often 30-70% of sales) • Personal liability – you can’t hide behind an LLC • Permanent ban from any SNAP-related business • Possible criminal prosecution • Destroyed credit and reputation • Family members may also be banned

At Spodek Law Group, we offer free consultations 24/7. We have criminal defense lawyers available round the clock. There are multiple criminal defense attorneys assigned to every case. It guarantees there’s someone always available to handle any emergencies. We offer flat fee billing arrangements, payment plans, and accept all major credit cards. Money shouldn’t stop you from getting the legal help you deserve.

Don’t Make These Fatal Mistakes

Store owners always make the same mistakes. They think honesty will save them. Wrong. Anything you say will be used against you. They think explaining the situation will help. It won’t. The FNS isn’t your friend. They’re building a case to destroy your business. Every word you write in that response letter matters.

Fatal mistakes we see every day: • Admitting to any violations (even minor ones) • Providing unnecessary information • Missing the 10-day deadline by even one day • Not requesting all FNS evidence immediately • Believing the investigator who says “we’ll work with you” • Waiting to hire an attorney until after responding

The Bottom Line: You Need Spodek Law Group NOW

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. Your SNAP authorization is more than just a license. It’s your livelihood. Your employees depend on it. Your family depends on it. The community depends on your store. In food deserts, losing another SNAP retailer means families go hungry. But the USDA doesn’t care about that.

We are a premier and prestigious criminal defense law firm. Unlike other law firms who are mills, we’re selective. We only work with clients we truly believe we can help. Our goal is to help a fewer number of clients than our competitors, in order to provide higher service and results. When you work with us, we’ll tell you exactly what to expect. No surprises. No false hope. Just honest, aggressive representation.

Todd Spodek and our team of federal criminal defense attorneys understand SNAP law. We’ve fought the USDA nationwide – coast to coast. We know their tactics. We know their weaknesses. Most importantly – we know how to win. Your case isn’t hopeless. But time is running out. Call us now for your risk free consultation. Available 24/7. Because tragedy never waits – and neither should you.