Criminal Defense Lawyers

California Snap Violation Lawyers

California SNAP Violation: What You Need to Know

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.

Understanding SNAP Violations

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. 1Common 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

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. 2

The First Steps

So, 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. 3First, 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. 4An 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. 5But don‘t assume the worst yet. An experienced SNAP violations attorney can often get penalties reduced, especially for first-time offenders with mitigating circumstances.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

How a Lawyer Can Help

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.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.

Preventing Future Violations

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.