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Illinois PPP – SBA – EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
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Illinois PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was supposed to be a lifeline for small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. But prosecutors say some folks in Illinois saw it as an opportunity for fraud. Allegations of PPP loan scams have been popping up across the state. For anyone charged, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between prison and avoiding conviction. This article will break down how PPP fraud charges work in Illinois, real case examples, and how a knowledgeable attorney can defend you.
How PPP Loan Fraud Charges Work in Illinois
In Illinois, PPP fraud cases typically fall under federal jurisdiction. That means charges get filed by federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney‘s Office. Some common federal charges used in PPP fraud cases include:
- Wire fraud – Getting loan funds wired from a bank under false pretenses
- Bank fraud – Lying or misrepresenting info to a bank to get a PPP loan
- Money laundering – Transferring illegal proceeds to conceal the source
- False statements – Lying on a PPP loan application
- Aggravated identity theft – Using someone else’s identity without consent
These charges can lead to serious penalties – we‘re talking decades behind bars and massive fines if convicted. The feds don‘t mess around with COVID relief fraud.Illinois state charges are also possible in some cases, such as felony theft, state bank fraud laws, or computer tampering. But most PPP fraud cases end up going federal.
Recent PPP Fraud Cases in Illinois
There have been dozens of PPP fraud prosecutions in Illinois over the past couple years. Here are some notable cases:
- In September 2022, three men from Peoria pleaded guilty to PPP loan fraud after obtaining over $1 million in loans using fake documents and business names. They face up to 30 years in prison.
- A June 2022 report found 14 current and former Chicago Public Schools employees and officials were connected to potential PPP fraud totaling over $1 million. Several have been criminally charged.
- In March 2022, two Chicago brothers were indicted on bank fraud and other charges, accused of getting $1.2 million in PPP loans for fake car wash and daycare businesses.
- A Chicago man was charged in February 2022 with wire and bank fraud after obtaining $1 million in PPP loans in the names of deceased people and non-operational businesses.
- In December 2021, a Chicago physician was charged with illegally obtaining $3.1 million in PPP and EIDL loans and using the money to buy luxury cars and properties in the Philippines.
As you can see, PPP fraud cases big and small have been prosecuted in the state. And more cases are likely on the horizon.
How an Attorney Can Defend Against PPP Fraud Charges
Facing federal PPP fraud charges can be daunting. But an experienced criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly analyze the prosecution‘s case and build strategic defenses. Here are some ways a lawyer may defend PPP loan fraud charges in Illinois:
- No intent to defraud – Prosecutors must prove you deliberately tried to commit fraud. Your lawyer can argue you made a mistake on forms or misunderstood PPP rules.
- Duress or coercion – If you were forced or pressured by someone else into committing fraud, that’s a potential defense.
- Minimal loss – The actual dollar loss to lenders affects sentencing. Your lawyer can demonstrate you used most funds properly.
- Improper government conduct – If investigators violated your rights or acted unethically, evidence may get thrown out.
- Statute of limitations – There are time limits on bringing charges that your lawyer can use to potentially get charges dismissed.
- Sentencing mitigation – Your lawyer can bring up mitigating circumstances like mental health issues, family circumstances, or past good deeds to argue for a lighter sentence.
Having a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer who knows how to exploit flaws in the prosecution’s case is key. Don’t go it alone against complex federal fraud charges.
Finding the Best PPP Fraud Lawyers in Illinois
If you or your business are being investigated or charged with PPP loan fraud, time is of the essence. Follow these tips to find an experienced Illinois lawyer quickly:
- Search state and national lawyer directories like Superlawyers using keywords like “PPP fraud defense” or “federal criminal defense.”
- Look for lawyers with specific experience defending federal fraud cases and who list PPP fraud as a specialty.
- Consider larger law firms that have teams of federal criminal defense attorneys and resources to take on complex fraud cases.
- Meet with lawyers to discuss your case specifics and assess their knowledge of PPP regulations and defense strategies.
- Ask about fees upfront – rates for experienced federal lawyers often start around $300/hour or more.
- Look for someone you feel comfortable with – you’ll be working closely as you build a defense.