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Mar 21, 2024
SNAP Violation Defense Lawyers
SNAP Violation Defense Lawyers: Save Your Business from USDA Disqualification
If you’ve received a SNAP violation letter, you’re probably terrified – and you should be. That letter arrives by UPS overnight mail, and you have just 10 days to respond. Ten days. The USDA has a highly trained team of analysts and investigators dedicated to prosecuting retailer fraud. You’re facing permanent disqualification from accepting EBT payments. Your business could be destroyed. Federal criminal charges are possible – with penalties up to $250,000 in fines and 20 years imprisonment.
You’re reading this instead of calling a lawyer. Every hour counts. The USDA’s intention is to disqualify or permanently disqualify your store. Since 2013, Congress mandated a crackdown on SNAP violations – and thousands of stores have been closed. Maybe you’re a small grocery store owner. Maybe you run a convenience store that depends on EBT customers. Without those EBT transactions, you can’t pay rent, can’t pay employees, can’t survive. The USDA doesn’t care. They’re using the ALERT computer system to flag your transactions, and they think you’re trafficking.
That’s where we come in. At Spodek Law Group – we’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it. Our team of attorneys know a thing or two about fighting SNAP violations. We’ve handled trafficking charges, ineligible item sales, and data analysis cases – and we’ve won.
What Makes Spodek Law Group Different – Premier SNAP Defense Nationwide
Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney who has handled thousands of tough cases. His work has resulted in him being 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.
Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors and judges, Spodek Law Group owes loyalty to only YOU. We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal – which means all communications, invoicing, submission of documents, and access to confidential information can be done completely virtually. Because of this, we’re able to service clients nationwide, coast to coast, successfully.
Our firm is top rated, premier, and ready to fight – 24/7. When you’re facing a SNAP violation, you need attorneys who get it. We’re available 24/7 because SNAP violations don’t wait for business hours.
The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think – Your Business is in Jeopardy
You don’t understand USDA regulations. You don’t know the ALERT system algorithms. This knowledge gap will hurt you. Less than half of one percent of stores are eligible for Civil Money Penalties. The most common result? Permanent disqualification. That means you can never accept EBT again. Ever.
For some stores, EBT customers account for more than 70 percent of total customers. Think about that. 70 percent of your revenue – gone. We treat your case, like it’s our own family members case. We offer white-glove service that’s unmatched in the industry.
Understanding SNAP Violations – What You’re Really Facing
Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up permanently disqualified. The trafficking rate has fallen from 4 cents on the dollar in 1993 to about 1 cent in 2006-08 – but the USDA’s enforcement has gotten more aggressive. They use state-of-the-art technology, undercover investigations, and data analytics to target stores.
There are several types of SNAP violations that can destroy your business:
- Trafficking – exchanging SNAP benefits for cash, drugs, or weapons
- Sale of ineligible items – alcohol,tobacco, hot foods, non-food items
- Credit accounts – allowing customers to run tabs with EBT
- False information – lying on your SNAP retailer application
- Indirect trafficking – buying inventory that was purchased with EBT benefits
HeWeargued that many violations are committed by dishonest employees – but the USDA holds store owners responsible. You’re charged with training your employees. If they make a mistake, you’re at fault. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t there. It doesn’t matter if you have policies against it. The USDA will still come after your license.
The SNAP Violation Process – Know Your Enemy
When someone is facing SNAP charges, you need to understand the process. If a retailer violates the rules, you’ll face a three-phase enforcement process that moves fast – too fast for most store owners to handle alone.
Phase 1: The Charge Letter – Your 10-Day Nightmare
You only have ten days to respond to it. Ten business days. Not calendar days. Business days. There’s no extension. No exceptions. The USDA’s charge letter will include hundreds or thousands of transactions they claim are suspicious. Maybe they used the ALERT system to flag your store. Maybe an undercover agent shopped your store.
The letter looks simple enough. But don’t be fooled. The language in each of the USDA’s letters is the same: “Analysis of the records reveal Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions that establish clear and repetitive patterns of unusual, irregular, and inexplicable activity for your type of firm.” They’re building a case to destroy your business.
Phase 2: Administrative Appeal – Fighting Back
If the USDA maintains their position after your response, they’ll issue a decision letter. You have another 10 days to appeal. Miss this deadline? You’re done. Your store loses EBT forever. But here’s what most attorneys don’t know: the administrative appeal isn’t just about filing paperwork. It’s about understanding how USDA analysts think, what evidence moves them, and how to present your case.
We’ve conducted dozens of depositions of USDA officials, section chiefs, program specialists and investigators. We know their playbook. We know their weaknesses. Our top rated attorneys understand that winning at Phase 2 requires more than just denying the charges – it requires a comprehensive strategy.
Phase 3: Federal Court – Your Last Stand
If the Administrative Review Branch upholds disqualification, you can file for judicial review in Federal District Court. Now you’re in real court, with discovery, motions, and potentially a trial. Most SNAP attorneys have never been to federal court. They don’t know federal procedure. They can’t handle the pressure.
Todd Spodek has been called a “high powered lawyer” by elite magazines. He doesn’t back down from federal agencies. Neither do we. We’re nationwide, coast to coast – which means wherever your case is filed, we can fight it. We have over 50 years of combined experience in federal courts.
Defense Strategies That Actually Work – How We Save Your Business
When a defendant faces charges, you need immediate help. If someone receives a SNAP violation, you should contact an attorney immediately. Our criminal defense attorneys are well versed in challenging SNAP violations on multiple grounds. We don’t just roll over like other firms – we fight.
Challenging the ALERT System – Fighting Flawed Technology
The USDA is demanding unprecedented access to SNAP recipient data, using algorithms to flag “suspicious” patterns. But their ALERT system has significant flaws. False positives are common. Small ethnic stores get flagged because their shopping patterns don’t match suburban supermarkets. Our attorneys, know how to expose these flaws.
We analyze your store’s unique characteristics – your customer base,your product mix, your neighborhood demographics. We show why your transactions aren’t suspicious – they’re normal for your type of store. Todd Spodek – a prominent attorney, has successfully challenged ALERT-based cases by demonstrating algorithmic bias.
Compliance Policy Defense – Your Best Protection
To qualify for a Civil Money Penalty instead of disqualification, you must prove:
- Written compliance policy – in effect before the violations
- Training program – documented employee training on SNAP rules
- No owner involvement – management didn’t benefit from violations
- Effective implementation – evidence demonstrating established and implemented compliance
Most stores don’t have proper documentation. They think verbal training is enough. It’s not. We help clients build retroactive compliance documentation that meets USDA standards. Because without it, you’re facing permanent disqualification.
Recent SNAP Enforcement Trends – The War on Small Stores
Congress continues to push aggressive enforcement. The USDA is using new technology, including chip cards and advanced data analytics. They’re partnering with state and federal law enforcement for criminal prosecutions. Small stores are the primary targets.
Recent developments show the USDA’s aggressive stance:
- 2025 Data Collection – USDA demanded sensitive data on all SNAP recipients going back five years
- Increased Penalties – Criminal fines up to $250,000 and 20 years imprisonment
- Zero Tolerance – Even minor violations result in harsh penalties
- DOGE Integration – Department of Government Efficiency merging data for enforcement
You’re facing an agency with unlimited resources and a mandate to destroy businesses. Without experienced counsel, you don’t stand a chance. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Cases – Don’t Make These Errors
If someone contacts USDA officials, you should remain silent. When a store owner faces charges, you make mistakes that seal your fate:
- Calling the USDA – Everything you say will be used against you
- Missing deadlines – You have 10 days, not 11
- Incomplete responses – Failing to address every allegation
- Admitting employee wrongdoing – You’re responsible for employee actions
- Providing extra documentation – Don’t give them more ammunition
Many law firms are ‘mills’ and take on every single client. We’re different. We’re selective about the numbers of clients we onboard every month. We only work with clients we truly believe we can help. This is key to why clients choose us.
The Financial Reality – What Disqualification Really Means
Let’s talk numbers. If your store does $500,000 in annual EBT sales, permanent disqualification means losing half a million dollars every year. Forever. Your competitors get those customers. Your employees lose their jobs. Your family loses their income.
Temporary disqualification isn’t much better. Temporary disqualification can last anywhere from six months to five years. Can your business survive five years without EBT revenue? Most can’t. That’s why you need attorneys who fight for the best possible outcome.
The Spodek Law Group Advantage – Why Stores Choose Us
We’ve got over 50 years of combined experience amongst our team members. We have teams available at several locations across the country. Unlike other criminal defense law firms, we charge reasonable fees and offer flexible payment plans. Money shouldn’t stop you from getting the legal help you deserve.
Our clients include grocery stores facing trafficking charges, convenience stores accused of selling ineligible items, gas stations caught in ALERT system sweeps, and ethnic markets targeted by biased algorithms. We’ve seen it all. We’ve won cases others said were unwinnable.
Why Spodek Law Group – The Clear Choice for SNAP Defense
When you’re facing SNAP violations, you can’t afford to wait. You need attorneys NOW. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to take and respond to your phone call, and answer your questions. We’re not like other firms who take weeks to respond. We understand the 10-day deadline.
Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney with thousands of cases under his belt. Featured in NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and Netflix – he’s proven himself at the highest levels. Our firm is top rated, premier, and ready to fight. With over 50 years of combined experience and offices nationwide, coast to coast, we’re equipped to handle your case wherever you are.
Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with USDA prosecutors, we fight for you. We offer white-glove service, reasonable fees, and payment plans. We’re available 24/7 because SNAP violations don’t stop. When your business is on the line, you need the best possible legal representation. You need attorneys who get it. You need Spodek Law Group.
Take Action Now – Your Business Depends on It
You received a SNAP violation letter. You’re researching lawyers. You’re scared about losing your business. Here’s what you need to do:
- Stop everything – Don’t talk to anyone about the case
- Document nothing new – Don’t create evidence against yourself
- Call us immediately – The 10-day clock is ticking
- Gather existing records – Sales data, training documents, policies
- Schedule a risk-free consultation – Available 24/7
At Spodek Law Group, we offer a risk free consultation so you can understand the complexity of what you’re going through. We offer flexible payment plans, so money is never an issue. Our SNAP defense lawyers are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance.
Federal prosecutors have unlimited resources. The USDA has teams of investigators. They have sophisticated computer systems. But you have something they don’t expect – Spodek Law Group. Let us show you why we’re different. Let us show you why clients choose us for the toughest cases. Let us save your business.
Remember: You have 10 days. Not 11. Not “about 10.” Exactly 10 business days. Every hour you wait is an hour closer to losing your business forever. Call Spodek Law Group now. Because when the USDA wants to destroy your livelihood, you need the best defense money can buy. You need attorneys who get it. You need us.
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