Criminal Defense Lawyers

Irvine Snap Violation Lawyers

When the USDA Comes Knocking: A Grocer’s Guide to SNAP Violations

The Harsh Reality

So, you got hit with a SNAP violation notice – and it feels like the world is crashing down, right? Well, take a deep breath, because you’re not alone. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been cracking down hard on grocery stores in recent years, and even minor infractions can lead to stiff penalties.But, don’t panic just yet. With the right legal team in your corner, you can fight back against these charges and protect your business. That’s where the SNAP violation lawyers at Spodek Law Group come in.

The Spodek Difference: White Glove Service

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm that specializes in SNAP violations. Well, you’ve come to the right place. At Spodek Law Group, we’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service and case results for our clients.You see, 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 client. But not us. We leave no stones unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results.We understand the difficulties and challenges of going through a SNAP violation case. If you’re accused of trafficking benefits or any other infraction, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today. It’s time to fight back.

The Spodek Approach: Hands-On and Relentless

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 private criminal defense attorney.At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case and putting in the legwork to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold team meetings to discuss and address all of our cases.In the event of an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you 24/7. Regardless of how tough your situation is, we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to find a solution, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in.Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. But we encourage open dialogue and recommend full transparency, so we can give you the best possible legal advice.

The Spodek Promise: Honesty and Results

It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white-glove service. Every single client should know what they potentially face and what the outcome of their criminal defense case could be – before hiring an attorney.Our lawyers have experience handling criminal defense cases nationwide, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC. Our philosophy is fair and simple – a philosophy that every law firm should adhere to, but most don’t.Most criminal defense attorneys will take on any client possible who can pay, regardless of whether they can actually help that client. Not us. We only take on clients who we can truly help. We are selective about the number of clients we work with and only work with those who we believe have a strong case.This approach is different from other law firms that take on every single client, irrespective of the outcome. When we enter a case, we enter it to win.The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles, making us accessible no matter where your business is located.

Understanding SNAP Violations: The Basics

Now that you know why Spodek Law Group is the right firm for your SNAP violation case, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what you’re actually facing.The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income households for purchasing food. As a SNAP-approved retailer, you’re required to follow strict rules and regulations set by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).If the FNS believes you’ve violated any of these rules, they’ll send you a charging letter detailing the alleged violations. Common infractions include:

• Trafficking SNAP benefits (exchanging them for cash, drugs, or other ineligible items)
• Allowing the purchase of ineligible items like alcohol, tobacco, or hot foods
• Providing cash refunds for returned items originally purchased with SNAP benefits

Failing to respond to this charging letter within 10 days is essentially an admission of guilt. And the penalties for SNAP violations can be severe, ranging from temporary disqualification to permanent debarment from the program.

The ALERT System: How the USDA Catches Violators

But how does the USDA even know if you’ve committed a violation in the first place? The answer lies in their sophisticated ALERT data system, which analyzes millions of SNAP transactions to identify unusual patterns.Things like high sales volumes compared to neighboring stores, multiple same-card purchases in a short timeframe, and frequent transactions ending in the same number of cents can all trigger red flags. Undercover investigations are also common, with agents attempting to make illegal purchases to catch retailers in the act.So, what do you do if you get hit with one of these violation notices? That’s where having an experienced SNAP lawyer is crucial.

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

The Three Phases of a SNAP Case

Dealing with a SNAP violation isn’t just a one-and-done process. In fact, there are three distinct phases that your case could potentially go through – and you’ll need legal representation for each one.

Phase 1: Responding to the Charging Letter

This is where it all begins. Once you receive that dreaded charging letter from the FNS, you have just 10 calendar days to submit a written response. Fail to do so, and the agency can immediately move to disqualify your business from SNAP.But crafting an effective response requires a deep understanding of SNAP regulations and case law. An experienced lawyer can help gather evidence, draft a comprehensive rebuttal, and give you the best chance of getting the charges dismissed outright.

Phase 2: The Administrative Review

If your initial response is unsuccessful, you’ll enter the administrative review phase. Here, the FNS will issue a letter stating their intent to penalize your business through disqualification, suspension, or a civil money penalty.You’ll then have just 10 days to request a full administrative review, where an impartial officer will examine the evidence and make a ruling. Having a SNAP lawyer who can effectively cross-examine witnesses and present a strong legal argument is critical at this stage.

Phase 3: The Federal Court Appeal

If the administrative review goes against you, your final recourse is to file an appeal with the federal district court. This functions much like a traditional trial, with both sides conducting discovery, filing motions, and presenting their case before a judge.Navigating the complex rules of federal procedure requires an attorney with extensive courtroom experience. Don’t risk your business’s future by representing yourself at this pivotal stage.

The Consequences: Why You Need a Lawyer

At this point, you’re probably thinking: “Sure, but how bad could the penalties really be? I’ll just pay a small fine and move on with my life.”Well, let me stop you right there. The consequences of a SNAP violation can be absolutely devastating for your grocery business – and that’s exactly why you need an experienced lawyer in your corner from day one.

Temporary Disqualification

Even a temporary disqualification from SNAP can be a major blow. For many grocers, especially those in low-income areas, SNAP transactions account for a huge portion of their revenue. A multi-month suspension could mean laying off employees, defaulting on loans, or even shuttering your doors entirely.

Permanent Debarment

Then there’s the nuclear option: permanent disqualification from SNAP. Losing access to all those SNAP dollars is essentially a death sentence for most grocery stores. And once you’re on the USDA’s blacklist, it’s extremely difficult to get reinstated.

Civil Money Penalties

Oh, and let’s not forget the fines. Depending on the severity of the violation, the USDA can assess civil money penalties ranging from a few hundred dollars all the way up to $100,000 per infraction. For a small business operating on thin margins, that kind of financial hit could be catastrophic.The bottom line? Trying to navigate a SNAP case without proper legal representation is like playing Russian roulette with your entire business. Don’t take that risk.

The Spodek Advantage: Nationwide Expertise

When your entire livelihood is on the line, you can’t afford to trust your case to just any lawyer. You need a firm with a proven track record of success in handling SNAP violations across the entire country.And that’s exactly what you get with Spodek Law Group.Our team of accomplished attorneys has extensive experience defending grocery stores, convenience marts, and other SNAP retailers in virtually every state. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the FNS and won, securing dismissals, reduced penalties, and favorable settlements for our clients.From the rural towns of middle America to the bustling urban centers on the coasts, we understand the nuances and regional differences in how SNAP is enforced. We know the specific arguments and legal strategies that resonate with judges and administrative officers in each jurisdiction.Plus, with offices in major legal hubs like New York City and Los Angeles, we have a true nationwide presence. No matter where your business is located, we can be on the ground quickly to start building your defense.When it comes to SNAP violations, there’s no substitute for experience and geographic reach. With Spodek Law Group, you’re getting a team of heavy hitters who have been in this fight before – and know what it takes to win.