24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.

Brooklyn Food Stamp Fraud Lawyers

Brooklyn Food Stamp Fraud Lawyers

Over the last few decades, efforts have been made in order to make sure that all Americans have access to food. People need a certain level of calories each day to survive. Some people may not have money to pay for part or all the food they need. Enter a government program known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or by the initials SNAP. Commonly known by most people as food stamps, this program is designed to make sure that all who need food help are given access to it. Many companies also participate in this program. Those who are involved in selling food by managing a local supermarket or selling food to the public in any other way have the right to accept snap payments by their clients. Doing so enables them to assist recipients. It also enables the manager or store owner to have a group of people who can afford their products and thus have the ability to buy the foods they want and need.

Many People

Over forty million people participate in snap. Some may use food stamps for only a short period while others may rely on them for much longer time. Officials who deal with the food stamp form of payment in any way should keep in mind that there are many laws that govern the use of food stamps. By law, those who get food stamps are required to spend the money on certain products. Government officials have issued guidelines indicating exactly what can be purchased this way. Many popular products cannot be bought with food stamps. This includes items like liquor and tobacco in any form. Recipients are also barred from purchasing items like toiletries, certain forms of prepared foods and medications.

All those who are working with a population that uses food stamps in any way should be fully cognizant of exactly how this program works. When someone buys items that are not allowed to be purchased with food stamps, the person using them can be held responsible. The same is true of those who accept such stamps. They cannot let the stamp holder buy such items even if they attempt to do so and even if the cashier lets them. They are considered responsible for enforcing such laws and making sure that any form of food stamps are not used by the recipients in ways that are not allowed by law.

Snap Fraud

Food stamp fraud can also take other forms. A store owner may agree to accept the food stamps. The buyer can choose to buy products they are legally allowed to purchase but give the owner more food stamps than the worth of the products. In turn, the store owner may give the recipient cash and take part of the funds for their own use. A store owner can also allow use of the food stamps by someone they know is not legally authorized to use them. Store owners may also agree to buy food stamps for cash at a lesser value than the cost of the stamps.

All of these issues can create the possibility of prosecution by the federal government. The federal government may choose to investigate the possibility of food stamp fraud in a single case or because they suspect there is a pattern of fraud over time. Vendors who are accused of food stamp fraud can face many potential consequences. A vendor may face a temporary ban that does not allow them to accept such stamps. If government officials find that the person has repeatedly violated food stamp guidelines, they can be barred from accepting food stamps ever again.

Given the fact that food stamps may make up a significant percentage of a vendor’s income in certain areas, such accusations can eat into their profits. They can also make other vendors more competitive in that area. This is why it is important to fight such allegations as quickly as possible. Doing so enables any vendor to make sure this form of income is not taken from them if they have not done anything wrong. Assistance from Brooklyn food stamp fraud lawyers can make sure the vendor’s interests are fully protected.

Don’t deal with Brooklyn Food Stamp Fraud Lawyers alone. Speak to the Spodek Law Group today.

Christine Twomey
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
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
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
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
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
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
Loveth Okpedo
2024-03-12
Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience
Bee L
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
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.

The Food Stamp Program and Fraud

The food stamp program is a way for people who don’t have a job or who are experiencing financial difficulties to get food for the family. Most of the time, it’s a temporary type of assistance until the person is able to get back to work. A review is submitted by the person receiving food stamps at least once a year. Most states require a review to be submitted every six months. When someone applies for food stamps or submits a review, there are some ways that the person can be charged with food stamp fraud. There are also actions that the person can take with the food stamp benefits that are received that can result in fraud charges.

Most of the time, food stamp fraud occurs when someone exchanges the benefits that are received for money. The money is then used for everything from toiletries for the home to drugs depending on what the person needs or wants to purchase. When someone commits this kind of act, it’s called trafficking and is often punished in a manner that is more severe than if someone were to lie on an application. Another type of fraud that occurs with food stamps is when someone gives false information on an application or a review in order to obtain more benefits. Retailers can also be found guilty of food stamp fraud if they continue to accept this form of payment when the retailer has been disqualified from the food stamp program.

When someone receives food stamp benefits, the amount is to be used to purchase food for the home. It’s not to be spent on items like beer, wine, cigarettes or toiletries. However, some people might exchange the benefits for cash so that they can get these items. This is a common form or fraud. Trafficking charges can result in disqualification from the food stamp program and being ordered to repay the amount that was received. The person can also be sentenced to jail or probation depending on the amount and the criminal history.

Another common type of food stamp fraud is when someone initially applies for benefits or submits a review and gives false information. Several details can be altered on the application that could result in the person getting food stamps when they shouldn’t or getting more benefits than they should receive. The person can claim less income to make it look as though there isn’t as much money coming into the home, which would result in a higher benefit amount. The person could also claim that there are more people living in the home than there really are, which would mean that the income bracket would increase. Even though social security cards are needed for each person on the application, the applicant can find friends who are willing to give their information in exchange for money or a portion of the benefit amount.

A Brooklyn food stamp fraud attorney can guide you through the process of the charges and submit information to explain what happened with the case. At times, the attorney might be able to find that a mistake has been made in filing the application and processing the information. If you are found guilty, the attorney can try to keep you out of jail by pleading for probation. You will likely not be able to apply for food stamps in the future, and you will usually have to pay back any amount that you fraudulently received.

Schedule Your Consultation Now