Iowa Snap Violation Lawyers

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’ve been accused of violating SNAP (food stamp) rules in Iowa, and you need an elite criminal defense attorney to fight for you. 1Most law firms take a cookie-cutter approach, treating your case like any other to save time – but at Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned. Everything we do focuses on getting you the best possible results. We understand this is a difficult, stressful situation – but you’ve come to the right place. 1

What Is a SNAP Violation?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income households. To receive SNAP benefits in Iowa, you must follow strict rules set by the state. 2Violating these rules is considered an Intentional Program Violation (IPV). Some examples of IPVs include: 4

• Making false or misleading statements on your application
• Concealing or withholding important facts
• Misrepresenting your household situation

If Iowa’s Department of Human Services (DHS) suspects you committed an IPV, they‘ll send you a notice with the violation details and potential penalties. 4

Penalties for SNAP Violations in Iowa

The penalties for a SNAP violation in Iowa are severe. You could face:

• Disqualification from the program for 12 months for the first violation
• Disqualification for 24 months for the second violation
• Permanent disqualification from SNAP for the third violation 4

Additionally, DHS may demand you repay any overpaid benefits resulting from the violation. Refusing to pay can lead to federal charges for theft of government funds. 45So, if you’re accused of an IPV, you need to take it extremely seriously – your food assistance is at stake, and you could face criminal charges. This is why hiring an experienced SNAP violation attorney is crucial.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

At Spodek Law Group, our nationally-renowned criminal defense team has over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest legal situations. We‘re not afraid to fight aggressively for our clients. 1While other firms care more about keeping prosecutors happy, we’re focused entirely on getting you the best outcome possible, through meticulous research and a deep understanding of your case‘s details. 1Our firm has excellent work ethics, holding regular meetings to strategize on every case. We also have a full team available 24/7 for emergencies. No matter how complex your situation, we‘ll work tirelessly to find a solution. 1Many clients feel embarrassed discussing alleged violations – but we encourage full transparency, so we can provide the best legal advice. Remember, it’s our job to protect your rights, not judge you. 1

What to Do If Accused of a SNAP Violation

If you receive a notice about a potential SNAP violation, don‘t panic – but do act quickly. The first step is consulting an experienced lawyer like those at Spodek Law Group before responding to DHS. 1You have options, but the path forward depends on the specifics of your case. An attorney can review the evidence and accusations, then advise you on the best strategy, whether that‘s:

• Negotiating with DHS to reduce the penalties
• Requesting a fair hearing to dispute the violation
• Fighting criminal charges if they’re filed
• Or, in some cases, accepting the disqualification period if the evidence is overwhelming

Without a skilled lawyer advising you, you risk making mistakes that could worsen the situation. For example, you could accidentally admit guilt when a strong defense exists. 1At Spodek Law Group, our hands-on approach means thoroughly investigating every detail of your case. We’ll pour through documents, interview witnesses, and analyze all evidence to build the strongest possible defense. 1

Common Defenses for SNAP Violations

While every case is unique, some common defenses we may use include:

• Showing the violation was unintentional or a simple mistake
• Proving you were ineligible for SNAP to begin with
• Demonstrating you were misadvised or given incorrect information
• Highlighting contradictory or insufficient evidence from DHS

We’ll identify every potential angle to get your SNAP violation dismissed or the penalties reduced. Our firm’s excellent reputation also gives us negotiating leverage with prosecutors. 1