Criminal Defense Lawyers

Grocery store usda violation Sacramento

You Just Got Slapped With a USDA Violation – Now What?

So, you run a grocery store, and you just got hit with a USDA violation notice. Don’t panic, but, take a deep breath. This is serious stuff, but we’re here to walk you through it.There’s one reason that dreaded USDA letter landed on your desk: the agency suspects your store violated the rules around accepting SNAP (food stamp) benefits. Maybe an employee screwed up, or maybe there was an innocent mistake. Either way, you’re now facing potential fines, getting kicked out of SNAP altogether, and even criminal charges.Sounds scary, right? It is, but you’ve got options. The government doesn’t mess around with this stuff, so you need to get out in front of it immediately. Hiring a USDA SNAP violation lawyer is crucial – they know the system and can fight for you.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled hundreds of these cases nationwide. We understand exactly what you’re going through and how to resolve it in the best way possible. Our elite team of attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience taking on the toughest federal cases.So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? Keep reading, because we’re breaking it all down.

What Exactly Is a USDA SNAP Violation?

Let’s start with the basics. SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the modern version of food stamps. It’s a federal program that gives low-income families financial assistance to buy groceries each month.As a SNAP-approved retailer, you’re allowed to accept these benefits for eligible food items only. You can’t ring up beer, cigarettes, or let people buy non-grocery items. You also can’t do shady stuff like letting people purchase ineligible items, overcharging, or trafficking SNAP benefits for cash.If the USDA suspects any violation of their strict SNAP rules, they can hit you with a charge letter detailing the allegations. Common violations include:

• Trafficking SNAP benefits (exchanging them for cash, drugs, etc.)
• Allowing purchase of prohibited items like alcohol, hot foods, etc.
• Providing incorrect information on your SNAP retailer application
• Accepting SNAP from ineligible individuals
• Failing to maintain proper records and inventory tracking

Even unintentional mistakes can trigger a violation notice. The USDA doesn’t mess around, so you need to take this very seriously from the moment that letter arrives.

The Process From USDA Violation to Potential Penalties

Okay, so you got the dreaded USDA charge letter – now what? Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. Respond Immediately – You only have 10 days to respond to the violation notice with a written defense. Miss this window, and you could automatically lose your SNAP approval.
2. USDA Review – Agency officials will review your response, along with any evidence you provide. If they still believe a violation occurred, you’ll receive a second letter notifying you of their decision to penalize your store.
3. Appeal the Decision – Again, you only have 10 days to appeal the USDA’s ruling. Fail to do so, and the penalty becomes final. This is your last chance to fight it before potential fines, suspension, or disqualification.
4. Administrative Review – During this appeal phase, you can submit more evidence, legal arguments, and testimony. An administrative law judge will review everything and make a final determination.
5. Potential Federal Lawsuit – If the administrative judge rules against you, your final option is filing a lawsuit in federal court to continue fighting the USDA decision.

As you can see, the process moves extremely quickly. Having an experienced SNAP violations lawyer on your side from the very start is absolutely critical. They know the system, can rapidly build a strong defense strategy, and ensure you meet all the tight deadlines.

The Penalties SNAP Violators Face Are No Joke

Still think this isn’t a huge deal? Think again. The USDA doesn’t mess around when it comes to punishing retailers who violate SNAP regulations. Potential penalties include:

• Temporary SNAP Disqualification – Depending on the violation, you could be suspended from the program for 6 months up to 5 years. No more SNAP sales during that period.
• Permanent SNAP Disqualification – For serious, willful violations, the USDA can permanently revoke your approval to accept SNAP benefits. Kiss that revenue stream goodbye for good.
• Massive Monetary Fines – On top of disqualification, the USDA can impose civil monetary penalties up to $100,000 per violation. The fines add up fast.
• Criminal Charges – In egregious cases, the USDA can refer the matter for criminal prosecution. You could face steep fines and even jail time if convicted of SNAP fraud.

Clearly, the stakes are incredibly high when facing a USDA charge. Even a temporary disqualification can be absolutely devastating for a smaller grocery store’s bottom line. Not to mention the reputational damage of getting slapped with these violations.This is why you need to fight back aggressively from day one with a specialized SNAP violations attorney. Don’t try handling this yourself – having the right legal representation is the only way to protect your business.

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

How a SNAP Violations Lawyer Defends Your Grocery Store

So what exactly can a skilled USDA SNAP violations attorney do for you? They’ll take an aggressive, multi-pronged approach:Rapid Response & Evidence Gathering – Your lawyer will draft a thorough response to the initial violation notice within that 10-day window, poking holes in the allegations. They’ll gather evidence like security footage, transaction logs, and witness statements to build your defense.Negotiate With USDA Prosecutors – Even if the USDA pursues charges, your attorney can negotiate for reduced penalties or an outright dismissal. With the right arguments and evidence, they may be able to make the case go away entirely.Represent You at Hearings & Trials – If it reaches the administrative review or federal court stage, your lawyer will be there arguing persuasively for your rights. They understand the system and know what arguments resonate with judges.Explore Affirmative Defenses – Skilled SNAP violation lawyers know all the potential affirmative defenses, like showing violations were accidental or that employees acted against policies. They’ll craft the strongest possible defense strategy for your case.Protect Your Rights & Interests – Most importantly, a USDA SNAP lawyer is your aggressive advocate throughout this entire stressful process. Their job is to zealously defend your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your grocery business.At the end of the day, trying to handle a USDA violation case alone is just far too risky. One misstep and you could lose your SNAP certification for years or face bankrupting fines. Hiring an experienced SNAP violations law firm is the only way to properly protect your store.

Why Spodek Law Group Is the Right Choice

Okay, so you know you need to hire a lawyer for this USDA mess, but why choose Spodek Law Group? Here’s what sets our firm apart:Proven SNAP Violation Expertise – We’ve successfully defended grocery stores across all 50 states against USDA charges and violations. This is our wheelhouse – we understand the rules, the system, and how to build winning defense strategies.Aggressive Litigation Approach – Unlike some firms, we don’t just roll over for the USDA. We fight tooth and nail using every legal avenue to get charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Your interests always come first.Elite Attorneys & Support Team – You’ll work directly with our senior partners who have decades of experience battling federal agencies like the USDA. We also have a deep bench of paralegals and support staff for maximum firepower.Transparent, Affordable Fees – We offer flexible, flat-fee pricing structures, so you know exactly what you’re paying upfront. No hourly-rate games or surprise costs down the road. Payment plans are available for those who need it.24/7 Rapid Response – When you hire us, we move quickly to get ahead of the USDA’s aggressive timeline. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to start building your defense immediately.Nationwide Representation – With offices in New York and Los Angeles, we can handle SNAP violation cases for grocery stores across all 50 U.S. states. No matter where you’re located, we’ve got you covered.At the end of the day, getting slapped with a USDA charge is something no grocery store owner wants. But if it happens to you, making the right hire is absolutely crucial. You need a firm with specific SNAP violation know-how, a proven track record of success, and a team that will be your relentless advocate.That’s exactly what you get with Spodek Law Group. We understand what you’re going through and can guide you through this stressful process step-by-step. So if that dreaded USDA letter hits your desk, pick up the phone and call us immediately.