Criminal Defense Lawyers

New York Snap Violation Lawyers

New York SNAP Violation Lawyers: Protecting Your Grocery Store

The Stakes Are High

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. Your entire business – the grocery store you’ve poured your blood, sweat, and tears into – is suddenly at risk.But, take a deep breath. You have options. And we’re here to help you understand them.

What is SNAP?

Let’s start with the basics. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a federal program that provides low-income families with financial assistance to purchase food.Instead of old-school food stamps, SNAP uses an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, kind of like a debit card. Customers can use their EBT cards at authorized retailers like your grocery store.

What Constitutes a SNAP Violation?

Okay, now for the tricky part – what exactly counts as a SNAP violation? The rules can get pretty nitpicky, but here are some common examples:

Trafficking SNAP Benefits

This is a big one. Trafficking means fraudulently exchanging SNAP benefits for cash or other non-food items. For instance, if a cashier rings up a fake grocery purchase but gives the customer cash instead of food, that’s trafficking.

Selling Ineligible Items

SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible food items. If you knowingly allow customers to purchase things like alcohol, cigarettes, or hot foods with their EBT cards, that’s a violation. 1

Giving Cash Change

When a SNAP customer makes a purchase, you can’t give them cash as change from their EBT card balance. That’s considered trafficking too. 2

Clerical Errors

Even innocent paperwork mistakes on your SNAP retailer application or reports can potentially trigger a violation notice. The USDA doesn‘t mess around. 3The list goes on, but you get the idea – the rules are strict, and any misstep can have serious consequences for your business.

The Consequences Could Be Devastating

If the USDA finds you committed a SNAP violation, they can impose harsh penalties, including:

• Temporary disqualification from SNAP for 6 months to 5 years
• Permanent disqualification (say goodbye to all those EBT sales)
• Huge fines of up to $100,000 per violation in extreme cases 4

Losing your SNAP authorization is a major blow. For many grocery stores, EBT customers make up a huge portion of their business. Getting disqualified means losing a massive revenue stream, maybe even closing up shop for good.

You Need to Fight Back – Here’s How

Okay, enough with the scary stuff. The good news is, you have rights. And with the right New York SNAP violation lawyer in your corner, you can fight these charges and protect your business.

Step 1) Respond Immediately

You only have 10 days from the date on that USDA violation letter to respond. Don’t miss this crucial window. 5An experienced SNAP attorney can quickly review the allegations and evidence against you. They‘ll help you craft a strong, comprehensive response laying out your defense.

Step 2) Request a Hearing

If the USDA doesn’t drop the case after your response, you have the right to an administrative hearing. This is your chance to contest the charges, present evidence, examine witnesses – basically plead your case before an impartial judge. 6Having a skilled litigator who understands SNAP regulations inside and out can make all the difference at this hearing. They know how to poke holes in the government‘s arguments and position you for the best possible outcome.

Step 3) Appeal if Needed

If things don’t go your way at the hearing, you can appeal the decision to the federal courts. But again, you’ll want a SNAP violation lawyer who has been through this process before and knows how to navigate the appeals system effectively. 7

Step 4) Implement Compliance Measures

Even if you successfully beat the charges this time, your lawyer can work with you to implement rigorous SNAP compliance policies and training. This will help avoid future violations and keep your grocery store operating smoothly for years to come.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. A firm with a proven track record of success. A firm that will leave no stone unturned to protect your business and your future.At Spodek Law Group, SNAP violation defense is our specialty. We‘ve handled hundreds of cases nationwide, from mom-and-pop stores to major retail chains. Our founder, Todd Spodek, is a nationally recognized SNAP violation attorney with a deep understanding of this area of law.But we‘re not just legal experts. We’re passionate advocates for small business owners like you, fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and livelihood.When you hire us, you get:

• A personalized approach tailored to your unique situation
• Meticulous analysis of evidence to identify weaknesses in the case against you
• Creative defense strategies drawing on our extensive SNAP knowledge
• Aggressive representation at hearings, appeals, and settlement negotiations
• Proactive compliance guidance to prevent future violations

Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don‘t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case.At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results.We understand the difficult and challenges of going through a case. If you‘re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.