Criminal Defense Lawyers

Grocery store usda violation Arizona

You Got a USDA Grocery Store Violation Letter, Now What?

So, you run a grocery store, and just received an ominous letter from the USDA alleging violations, right? Take a deep breath, we’re here to walk you through this, step-by-step.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled hundreds of these USDA violation cases for grocery stores and convenience stores across the nation. We get it, you’re stressed, this is a hard situation to deal with – let‘s talk about how we can solve this together.There’s one reason you’re on this website: you need an elite legal team to fight these allegations and keep your store running. We’re focused on providing the highest level of service to get you the best possible outcome.

Understanding the USDA’s SNAP Violation Allegations

The letter likely alleges your store committed violations related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Common allegations include:

• Trafficking SNAP benefits (exchanging them for cash)
• Allowing purchase of ineligible items like alcohol or cigarettes
• Giving cash or credit for SNAP purchases
• An unusual number of transactions or high-dollar amounts

Don’t panic, these are just allegations at this point. But, you need to act quickly and strategically to defend your store.

First Step: Don’t Talk to the USDA, Get a Lawyer

Look, the USDA investigator may seem friendly, but they are not on your side. Anything you say can potentially be used against you as an admission of guilt.So, what do you do, if you get hit with one of these things? The first and most crucial step is to hire an experienced SNAP violation defense attorney immediately. Do not respond or speak to the USDA without your lawyer present.At Spodek Law Group, we offer free consultations to review your case details and alleged violations. We can advise you on the best path forward based on decades of experience fighting the USDA.

Building a Powerful SNAP Violation Defense Strategy

Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy 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 difficulties of going through a case.If you‘re accused of a SNAP violation, schedule a consultation with our attorneys today. Here’s how we build a powerful defense tailored to your unique situation:

Investigating the Allegations In-Depth

We start by thoroughly investigating every allegation made by the USDA. Our team will:

• Review all evidence and documentation they are using against you
• Analyze your store’s records, inventory, and transaction data
• Interview employees and gather witness statements
• Identify any mistakes or unfounded allegations in the USDA’s case

Our goal is to poke holes in their case from every angle and uncover proof that their allegations are false or misleading.

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

Utilizing Applicable SNAP Defenses

Depending on the specific violations alleged, we can potentially argue defenses like:

• Employee misconduct you were unaware of
• Innocent technical violations with no intent to defraud
• Entrapment by USDA investigators
• Lack of evidence to prove the claims
• Constitutional violations in the USDA’s investigation tactics

We know all the legal loopholes and leverage points to counter the USDA’s arguments against you.

Negotiating to Reduce Penalties

If some allegations do have merit, we will negotiate aggressively with the USDA to reduce the proposed penalties as much as possible, such as:

• Avoiding permanent disqualification from SNAP
• Reducing any monetary fines or penalties
• Pursuing a civil money penalty instead of disqualification
• Getting violations downgraded to shorter disqualification periods

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators focused on getting you the best deal available, not just taking whatever the USDA offers.

Fighting Cases at Administrative Court

If the USDA refuses to budge from their position, we are fully prepared to take your case to an administrative court hearing and fight it aggressively. Our attorneys have decades of experience:

• Handling these types of hearings and appeals
• Presenting evidence and examining witnesses
• Undercutting the USDA’s case through cross-examination
• Arguing legal motions to get evidence excluded
• Appealing unfavorable rulings to higher courts

We never back down from taking a case to trial if that‘s what it takes to protect your business and achieve the best possible outcome.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group for Your USDA Violation Case?

Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case.The only way to truly know is to hire a top-tier private criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching every detail of your case and being fully prepared.Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly collaborate to discuss and strategize all of our cases. In an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available 24/7 to help you.Regardless of how tough your situation is, we are here to help you. Our attorneys work tirelessly to find a solution, no matter how complex the allegations.Many clients are embarrassed by their situation and don’t speak openly about it. We encourage full transparency so we can provide the best possible legal advice for your circumstances.The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide from our offices in NYC and Los Angeles. We have over 50 years of combined experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges and investigations by authorities like the FBI, DEA, and USDA.When you hire our firm, you aren’t just getting any criminal defense attorney, you’re getting a team of legal specialists focused on achieving the best outcome for you.

What If I Don’t Hire a Lawyer for My USDA Violation?

Look, we get it, legal fees can be expensive. But the cost of not hiring an experienced SNAP violation defense lawyer can be far, far higher:

• You could be permanently disqualified from SNAP, losing a huge portion of your store’s revenue and customers
• You may have to pay six-figure fines and penalties that bankrupt your business
• You could even face criminal charges and potential jail time in serious cases

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Hiring Spodek Law Group gives you the best chance at:

• Avoiding any disqualification from SNAP
• Minimizing or eliminating any fines and monetary penalties
• Preventing criminal charges from being filed
• Protecting your store’s revenue, assets, and your own freedom

We offer affordable flat fees and payment plans to make our top-tier services accessible. The value we provide by resolving your case favorably far outweighs the legal fees.

What to Expect When You Hire Spodek Law Group

When you become a client, you can expect our full attention and an open line of communication at all times:

• We will provide a free, in-depth consultation to start building your defense
• You’ll be able to securely upload documents and evidence to us digitally
• We have a 24/7 emergency line for urgent issues with your case
• You’ll receive frequent updates on developments and our strategy
• We are always available to answer any questions you have along the way
• If your case goes to an administrative hearing, we’ll be by your side every step

Our goal is to make this difficult process as seamless as possible while fighting tirelessly for the best resolution.