Georgia SNAP Violation Lawyers: Protecting Your Business and Benefits

So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? A SNAP violation notice from the USDA can feel like a punch in the gut. But, take a deep breath, we're here to walk you through it.First things first, let's get on the same page about what exactly a SNAP violation is. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides crucial food assistance to millions of low-income Americans. However, the federal government takes any misuse of SNAP benefits seriously.Violations can range from accidentally making mistakes on your application to intentionally trafficking (illegally exchanging) SNAP benefits for cash. Sounds pretty serious, right? It is. SNAP violations can lead to harsh penalties like temporary disqualification from the program, having to repay benefits, fines, or even criminal charges for large-scale trafficking.

Common SNAP Violations

Common SNAP violations include:

Lying about your income, assets, household size, etc. on your application
Selling or trading SNAP benefits for cash, drugs, or other goods
Using SNAP benefits to purchase ineligible items like alcohol or tobacco
Allowing someone outside your household to use your SNAP benefits

Wait, what did you say? You got that dreaded SNAP violation notice in the mail? Don't panic, but don't ignore it either. You only have 10 days to respond, so act fast.

The First Steps

First, read through the notice carefully. It will outline the specific violation(s) you're accused of and the evidence against you. Take a deep breath, then give us a call.At Spodek Law Group, we've handled hundreds of SNAP violation cases nationwide. Our team can walk you through your options and next steps, like:

Requesting a hearing to dispute the charges
Negotiating a reduced penalty
Building a strong defense if you're facing criminal charges

The key is responding quickly and letting an experienced attorney take the lead. The USDA's resources dwarf what most individuals can muster, so you need a pro in your corner.

Your Rights and Potential Penalties

If the USDA pursues a SNAP violation case against you, you have rights. You're entitled to proper notice, a fair hearing to dispute the charges, and the ability to appeal an unfavorable ruling.An intentional program violation can lead to temporary disqualification from SNAP for:

12 months for the 1st offense
24 months for the 2nd offense
Permanent disqualification for the 3rd offense

For more serious violations like trafficking over $500 in SNAP benefits, you could face permanent disqualification on the first offense, fines up to $250,000, and potentially jail time.But don't assume the worst yet. An experienced SNAP violations attorney can often get penalties reduced, especially for first-time offenders with mitigating circumstances. Trying to go it alone against the federal government is a losing battle. You need a tenacious advocate who understands SNAP regulations inside and out.

How a Lawyer Can Help

At Spodek Law Group, our SNAP violations team can:

Thoroughly review your case and the evidence against you
Identify any errors or violations of your rights by the USDA
Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
Represent you at any hearings or appeals
Fight for a full dismissal if the charges are unfounded

We get it, nobody wants to spend money on a lawyer. But with so much at stake, it's an investment worth making to protect your benefits, finances, and freedom.Of course, the best way to deal with a SNAP violation is to avoid one in the first place. Be upfront and honest on all applications and reports about your income, expenses, household size, etc.Never trade SNAP benefits for cash or use them to purchase anything other than eligible food items. And never, ever let someone outside your household use your SNAP card or benefits.If your circumstances change, report it to your caseworker immediately. A little proactive honesty can prevent a huge headache down the road.For retailers, training your staff on SNAP rules and monitoring for any suspicious transactions is crucial. Implement strict policies and controls to stay compliant.

Georgia Snap Violation Lawyers