You run a grocery store or convenience store that accepts EBT payments through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One day, you receive a dreaded letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alleging violations of SNAP rules. Your heart sinks. So, what do you do if you get hit with one of these things?Take a deep breath. The situation is serious, but not hopeless. With the right legal defense, you can fight these charges and protect your business from harsh penalties like temporary disqualification, permanent disqualification, or steep fines. But you need to act fast – you only have 10 days to respond.
The USDA strictly enforces SNAP regulations to maintain program integrity. Common violations include:
Even minor infractions, whether intentional or not, can trigger a violation notice. And the penalties are no joke – the USDA can temporarily suspend your SNAP authorization, permanently disqualify you, or impose heavy fines.
Trying to handle a SNAP violation on your own is risky. The rules are complex, and the stakes are high. One misstep could cost you your ability to accept SNAP benefits – a huge blow to your revenue.That’s why you need an experienced SNAP violation attorney in your corner. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve successfully defended over 300 SNAP violation cases nationwide. Our attorneys understand every nuance of SNAP regulations and know how to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We dig deep, examining every transaction and piece of evidence to craft a meticulous case that protects your interests. And with our nationwide presence, we can represent you no matter where your store is located.
A SNAP violation case unfolds in three distinct phases. We’ll guide you through each step, providing aggressive representation every step of the way.
You only have 10 days from receiving the charge letter to submit your response. This is your first opportunity to defend yourself, so it’s crucial to get it right. We’ll help you gather evidence, draft a comprehensive rebuttal, and ensure you meet that tight deadline.
The USDA will review your response and issue a determination. If it rules against you, we can request an administrative review – a second look at the case by agency officials. We’ll bolster your defense with additional evidence and legal arguments, giving you another chance to avoid penalties.
If the administrative review doesn’t go your way, we can take your case to federal district court. Here, we’ll make a final push to prove the USDA’s decision was incorrect based on the evidence and the law. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating SNAP violation cases at this level.
For many retailers, SNAP sales account for a huge portion of revenue. Losing that income stream could be devastating. That’s why it’s critical to have skilled legal representation from the very start.At Spodek Law Group, we understand what’s at stake. Our SNAP violation defense team will fight tirelessly to protect your business, your income, and your future ability to accept SNAP benefits. We offer risk-free consultations, so you can get started defending your livelihood right away.
Please feel free to email us any questions regarding services that we may assist you with. You may also contact us by mail, telephone or fax.