Criminal Defense Lawyers

Mesa Snap Violation Lawyers

You Need a SNAP Violation Lawyer – Here’s Why

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you received a SNAP violation letter from the USDA, and you need help – fast. Most grocery store owners have no idea what to do when hit with these charges. They think, “It was my employee, not me.” But, take a deep breath – because I’ve defended hundreds of SNAP cases, and know exactly how this plays out.Employees sell ineligible items, ring up bogus charges, even give out cash for SNAP benefits – and you’re left holding the bag. As the owner, it’s your job to properly train staff on using EBT machines, and have robust policies to prevent violations. If not, you could face suspension or permanent disqualification from SNAP.So, what do you do, if you get hit – with one of these things? You hire a SNAP violation attorney to fight for your rights and keep your business alive. I’ll explain why that’s crucial, and how our firm can make it happen.

The USDA Doesn’t Play Around

First, understand the USDA is cracking down hard on SNAP fraud and trafficking. In 2013, they got a report showing rampant violations across the country. Congress mandated they use an “ALERT” system to identify, investigate, and disqualify thousands of suspect stores.Even stores with minor violations got treated like major criminals. Just silly cashier mistakes, like letting folks buy non-food items with SNAP, could now mean:

• Temporary disqualification
• Permanent disqualification
• Massive civil fines

For small grocers who rely on SNAP/EBT sales to survive, those penalties are a death sentence. One violation, even unintentional, can bankrupt you – unless you fight back.

You Have 10 Days to Respond – Don’t Screw It Up

When that dreaded SNAP violation letter arrives, you only have 10 days to file an appeal and defend yourself. Ignore it, and the USDA will automatically disqualify your store from the whole program. No more SNAP sales, no more revenue – you‘re out of business.Even if you try responding yourself, one wrong move can sink your case. The USDA regulations are extremely nuanced. Proving you had “compliance policies” in place, for example, requires very specific documentation – which most owners lack.Without a SNAP violation lawyer who lives and breathes this stuff, you’re outmatched before you start. The USDA has massive resources to investigate and prosecute you. To survive, you need elite legal firepower on your side.

We Understand SNAP Violations Inside-Out

At Spodek Law Group, SNAP cases are our bread and butter. We‘ve represented over 300 stores nationwide against the USDA, with a long track record of success. Our attorneys know every angle, every defense, every legal loophole to exploit.We don‘t just “kinda” know this area – we are the nation‘s ONLY law firm focused primarily on SNAP violations and EBT law. No one understands these cases better than us.When you hire our SNAP violation lawyers, you get:

• Rapid response to “freeze” the USDA’s case against you
• Detailed investigation of your store’s policies and procedures
• Careful documentation to prove compliance and undermine charges
• Aggressive representation to fight for charge dismissals or reduced penalties
• Tenacious appeals attorneys to take your case as far as needed

We leave no stones unturned attacking these cases from every angle. While the USDA wants to bury you in paperwork and bureaucracy, we cut through the legalese – formulating air-tight defenses tailored to your unique situation.

We Get SNAP Violation Charges Dropped – Or You Walk

Our SNAP violation attorneys don‘t just “kinda try” to help you. We’re all-in to get these charges dropped completely, allowing you to keep operating and accepting SNAP benefits. When that’s not possible, we‘ll fight tooth and nail for the minimum penalties.But let me be crystal clear: if we don’t secure a favorable outcome for your grocery store, you don‘t pay our firm a dime. We take these cases on contingency because we’re that confident in delivering results.Every client gets our signature “white glove” service and the full brainpower of our legal team. We explore every possible avenue of attack against the USDA’s case, holding nothing back. It’s a life-or-death fight for your business – so we bring maximum firepower.

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

Draconian Punishments for SNAP Violations

Still think you can just “explain” things to the USDA and make this go away? Think again. Congress mandated harsh punishments for SNAP violations precisely to intimidate and threaten stores into compliance.Even if you had no idea employees were doing anything wrong, you could face:

• Temporary disqualification from SNAP for 6 months to 5 years
• Permanent disqualification from SNAP, killing your ability to sell food
• Fines from $500 to $100,000+ for repeated violations
• Potential criminal charges for “trafficking” SNAP benefits

While accidental violations do happen, the USDA doesn’t care. Their job is to punish you, period – unless you mount an aggressive legal defense to protect your rights.With fines, disqualifications, and maybe even jail time on the table, it’s impossible to overstate the stakes here. Every SNAP violation case is a battle for your grocery store’s existence and your family‘s future.

Common SNAP Violations to Watch Out For

Because the USDA is so aggressive now, even tiny missteps can generate crippling SNAP violation charges against your store. You need to be vigilant about:

• Employees letting folks buy non-food items, alcohol, or tobacco with SNAP
• Accepting SNAP from ineligible individuals not authorized to use benefits
• Processing manual EBT transactions without proper verification
• Giving cash refunds or change for SNAP purchases
• Exchanging SNAP for ineligible items like drugs or services
• Trafficking SNAP benefits for cash at less than face value

While those violations seem obvious, remember – it only takes one undertrained employee making a mistake to put your entire business at risk of shutdown. That‘s why comprehensive training and enforcement of SNAP policies is absolutely vital.

We Understand – You’re Trying to Help Your Community

For many of our clients, taking SNAP/EBT is about serving their low-income neighborhood and ensuring families can afford food. Maybe you let folks buy on credit sometimes when SNAP ran out, or took a manual transaction to avoid embarrassing someone.While your heart was in the right place, the USDA doesn‘t care. To them, any violation – even to prevent hunger – is unacceptable. They‘ll hit you with disqualifications and fines, destroying your ability to stay open and feed the community.At Spodek Law Group, we get it. We fight tooth and nail to protect well-meaning businesses who slipped up while trying to do the right thing. With our SNAP violation lawyers on your side, you’ll get a fair shake and the chance to explain your perspective.