Criminal Defense Lawyers

New Orleans Snap Violation Lawyers

You’ve Been Accused of SNAP Violations – Now What?

So, you got hit with a SNAP violation notice from the USDA, huh? Take a deep breath – it’s not the end of the world, but you need to act fast. These things are serious, and if you don’t respond properly within 10 days, they‘ll suspend your ability to accept SNAP benefits.That’s where we come in. The Spodek Law Group is an elite team of SNAP violation lawyers who live for cases like this. We’ve handled hundreds of them across the country, and we know exactly what it takes to keep your SNAP privileges intact.But first, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what exactly a SNAP violation is.

What Counts as a SNAP Violation?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has strict rules about how retailers can handle SNAP benefits. Some of the biggest no-no’s include:

• Trafficking SNAP benefits (buying/selling them for cash)
• Allowing SNAP to purchase ineligible items like alcohol, cigarettes, or hot foods
• Giving cash instead of proper change for SNAP purchases
• Letting unauthorized people use someone else’s SNAP card

Basically, if you’re misusing SNAP benefits in any way, shape, or form – that’s a violation. And the USDA doesn‘t mess around when it comes to punishing retailers who break the rules.

The Consequences Could Cripple Your Business

Okay, so you messed up and let a few violations slip through the cracks. No biggie, right? Wrong. The penalties for SNAP violations are no joke:Civil Money Penalties: Fines up to $100,000 per violation. Yeah, you read that right – per violation. Those can add up real quick.Temporary Disqualification: Banned from accepting SNAP for 6 months to 5 years. A huge blow to any grocery store’s revenue.Permanent Disqualification: Goodbye SNAP privileges forever. For a lot of stores, that’s a death sentence.Even if it was an honest mistake by an untrained employee, the USDA doesn‘t care. They have a zero-tolerance policy, so you need to lawyer up immediately.That’s where Spodek Law Group comes in. We‘re SNAP violation experts, and we know how to handle the USDA’s aggressive tactics.

Our Battle-Tested Strategy for Fighting SNAP Charges

Look, we get it – the USDA is intimidating. They have huge resources and they’re not afraid to bully grocery stores into submission. But we’ve been taking them on for decades, and we know their playbook inside and out.When you hire us, we get to work immediately executing a proven three-phase strategy:Phase 1 – The Written Defense: Within those crucial 10 days, we draft a rock-solid response poking holes in the USDA’s evidence against you. We know all the legal loopholes and technicalities to exploit.Phase 2 – The Appeal: If they try to penalize you anyway, we file an airtight appeal showing why their decision is dead wrong. We’ll take it all the way to an administrative court hearing if needed.Phase 3 – Federal Lawsuit: If those bureaucrats still won‘t listen to reason, we take it to federal court. The government hates getting sued, so this is our biggest bargaining chip to force a fair resolution.At each phase, we relentlessly attack their case using a tactical combination of legal arguments, evidence, and plain old hustle. No matter how complex your situation is, we’ll explore every possible angle to keep you in business.

Why Spodek Law Group Is the Right SNAP Violation Firm for You

But enough about our process – let‘s talk about why we’re the obvious choice for your SNAP violation case:1. We’re Renowned SNAP Violation SpecialistsSNAP violations are our bread and butter. While other firms take them as side-cases, we’ve dedicated our entire practice to mastering this area of law. We literally wrote the book on defending these cases.2. A Nationwide PresenceWith offices in New York and Los Angeles, we have a strong footprint to take on the federal government anywhere in the country. We’ve battled the USDA from coast to coast – and won.3. Aggressive RepresentationWe don’t simply go through the motions. We’re pit bull litigators who will fight tooth and nail to protect your business interests, no matter how much firepower the USDA brings.4. Proven Track RecordIn case after case, we‘ve forced the USDA to back down from excessive penalties against our grocery store clients. Our win rate in SNAP violation cases is off the charts.5. Personal ServiceYou’re not just another number to us. From the moment you walk through our doors, you get a dedicated SNAP violation attorney focused 100% on your case. We take a hands-on approach every step of the way.At the end of the day, it’s simple – if you want to survive a SNAP violation unscathed, you need heavy-hitting legal muscle like the Spodek Law Group in your corner. The USDA doesn‘t pull punches, so you’d better have a champion who can go toe-to-toe with them.

What to Do Right Now

Okay, enough pep talk – let‘s get down to business. If you have a SNAP violation notice sitting on your desk, here’s exactly what you need to do right now:

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

1. Don’t Panic, But Don’t Procrastinate Either
   Freaking out won’t help, but letting that 10-day deadline slip by is a rookie mistake. Stay calm, but take immediate action to protect your rights.
2. Gather All Evidence and Documentation
   Start rounding up any paperwork, videos, procedures, etc. that could potentially help your defense. Don’t try to “clean” anything up – just compile it all.
3. Call the Spodek Law Group Immediately
   Literally pick up the phone and call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX right now. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better your odds.
4. Bring Everything to Your Free Consultation
   Once you’ve booked a meeting, bring all that evidence we just talked about. We’ll comb through it with a fine-tooth comb to start building your defense strategy.
5. Let Us Handle the USDA While You Focus on Your Business
   As soon as you become our client, you can take a deep breath. We’ll take the reins and go to battle with the USDA so you can get back to running your grocery store.

Look, getting slapped with a SNAP violation is a huge headache, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your business. By calling in the big legal guns at Spodek Law Group, you give yourself the best chance at emerging from this mess unscathed.So what are you waiting for? That clock is ticking. Pick up the phone and let’s get to work – your SNAP privileges are on the line.

A Deeper Dive Into Common SNAP Violations

Okay, now that you have a basic understanding of what SNAP violations are and why you need an attorney, let’s dive a little deeper into some of the most common violations we see:

Trafficking SNAP Benefits

This is the biggie – buying or selling SNAP benefits for cash. It’s basically the grocery store equivalent of drug trafficking, and it’s why the USDA comes down so hard on violators.Some examples of benefit trafficking include:

• Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase ineligible items with their benefits, then ringing it up as eligible groceries and giving them cash
• Letting SNAP recipients spend more than they have on their card, then pocketing the extra cash
• Buying SNAP benefits for cash at a discount (e.g. $100 worth of benefits for $50 cash)

While it may seem like a harmless way to generate some extra revenue, benefit trafficking is extremely illegal and will get you permanently disqualified from SNAP in a heartbeat. If the USDA has evidence you engaged in it, you’re in deep trouble.

Selling Ineligible Items with SNAP Benefits

This is another major no-no. As a SNAP-approved retailer, you’re only allowed to accept SNAP benefits for eligible food items. Anything else is considered fraud.Common ineligible items include:

• Alcohol
• Cigarettes/tobacco
• Hot prepared foods
• Pet food
• Household supplies
• Vitamins/medicines

Even something as simple as letting a SNAP recipient buy a hot chicken with their EBT card could get you slapped with huge penalties. The rules are strict and the USDA enforces them aggressively.

Giving Cash Change on SNAP Purchases

This one is a little trickier. SNAP benefits are designed to only cover the exact cost of eligible groceries. So if a customer tries to buy $27.63 worth of food with $30 loaded on their SNAP card, you can’t just pocket the $2.37 difference in cash.The proper protocol is to handle it like a split tender transaction – charge the $27.63 to their SNAP card, then have them pay the remaining $2.37 balance separately with cash or another payment method.It’s an easy mistake for cashiers to make, but it‘s still considered SNAP fraud if you’re essentially giving cash refunds on SNAP purchases. Make sure your staff is properly trained on split tendering to avoid these violations.

Allowing Unauthorized SNAP Use

Only the person whose name is on the SNAP card is authorized to use those benefits. If you knowingly let someone else (even a family member) make SNAP purchases with someone else’s card, that‘s considered trafficking.The USDA takes this very seriously, as it opens the door for SNAP benefits to be sold or misused. Your cashiers need to be diligent about checking IDs and only accepting SNAP cards from the authorized user.

Sloppy Recordkeeping

While not a violation itself, poor recordkeeping makes it extremely difficult to fight SNAP violation charges. The USDA requires retailers to keep extensive records on all SNAP transactions, including:

• Receipts and purchase data
• Inventory logs
• Employee training procedures
• Compliance policies

If you get hit with a charge and can‘t produce detailed documentation showing you had proper protocols in place, you‘re in hot water. Maintaining thorough, up-to-date records is a must for all SNAP retailers.At the end of the day, the common thread with all these violations is that they undermine the core purpose of SNAP – providing nutritional assistance to low-income families. The USDA has zero tolerance for any misuse of the program.That’s why it’s absolutely critical to implement robust training and compliance measures for your staff. Even a single innocent mistake could open you up to devastating penalties.And if violations do occur, you need to lawyer up immediately with a firm like Spodek Law Group. We know all the ins and outs of SNAP law, and we’ll fight tooth and nail to protect your business from excessive punishment over honest errors.