Criminal Defense Lawyers

Portland Snap Violation Lawyers

What Happens If You Get Accused of SNAP Fraud in Portland?

So, you’ve been accused of SNAP fraud, have you? Well, take a deep breath – because this is a serious situation, but it’s not the end of the world. With the right legal team on your side, you can fight these charges and clear your name.But first, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is SNAP fraud? SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. It’s a federal program that provides low-income families with financial assistance to purchase food.1 Fraud occurs when someone intentionally violates the program’s rules to receive benefits they’re not entitled to.2Now, the government takes SNAP fraud very seriously – and the penalties can be harsh. We’re talking potential fines, disqualification from the program, and even jail time in some cases.2 But, before you start panicking, remember: you have rights, and you deserve a fair defense.That’s where we come in.

Meet the Spodek Law Group: Your SNAP Fraud Fighters

At the Spodek Law Group, we’re not your average law firm. We’re a team of battle-tested attorneys who specialize in fighting SNAP fraud charges – and we’re damn good at what we do.You see, our founder, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation lawyer with over 50 years of combined experience in the legal trenches.3 He’s been featured on major news outlets like the New York Post, Newsweek, and Fox 5 New York, and even had a Netflix series made about one of his high-profile cases.3But it’s not just about the accolades – it’s about the results. We’ve handled thousands of tough cases, and we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with prosecutors to get our clients the best possible outcome.3Because here’s the thing: every single client deserves honesty and white-glove service.3 We don’t just see you as another case file – we see you as a person, with a life and a future that’s worth fighting for.

Our Approach: No Stone Unturned

Most law firms implement a cookie-cutter strategy to fight cases and save time. Not us. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned.3 We do everything possible to win – because that’s what it takes to get results.It starts with a hands-on approach. We research every intimate detail of your case, holding firm-wide meetings to discuss and address every angle.3 And in case of an emergency? We have a full team of lawyers available 24/7 to help you.3But it’s not just about the work ethic – it’s about the open dialogue. We encourage full transparency so we can give you the best possible legal advice.3 Because let’s face it: these situations can be embarrassing, and it’s natural to want to keep things under wraps. But with us, you can speak openly without fear of judgment.

Nationwide Reach, Local Expertise

Now, you might be thinking: “But I’m in Portland – how can a New York firm help me?” Well, here’s the thing: the Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide.3 We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles, but our reach extends far beyond that.And when it comes to Portland SNAP fraud cases, we have a deep understanding of the local laws and regulations. We know the ins and outs of the system, and we know how to navigate it to your advantage.Because at the end of the day, our goal is simple: to get you the best possible outcome, no matter how tough your situation might seem.3 Whether you’re facing fines, disqualification, or even criminal charges, we’ll fight tooth and nail to protect your rights and your future.

Understanding SNAP Fraud Charges in Portland

Okay, so now you know who we are and what we’re about. But let’s dive a little deeper into the nitty-gritty of SNAP fraud charges in Portland.First things first: what constitutes SNAP fraud in Oregon? Well, according to state law, it can include things like:4

• Intentionally making false statements or misrepresenting your household’s circumstances to receive benefits you’re not eligible for.
• Concealing or failing to report income or assets that would affect your eligibility.
• Trafficking SNAP benefits (buying or selling them for cash or other goods).
• Using SNAP benefits to purchase ineligible items like alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.

Now, the severity of the charges can vary depending on the specifics of your case. For example, if the alleged fraud involves benefits worth $500 or more, you could be facing a felony charge and permanent disqualification from the program.2But even for lesser offenses, the consequences can be serious. We’re talking potential fines, temporary disqualification, and even jail time in some cases.2 And let’s not forget the long-term impact on your ability to receive government assistance in the future.

The Investigation Process

So, how does the SNAP fraud investigation process work in Portland? Well, it typically starts with a tip or a red flag raised during a routine review of your case file.5From there, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) will launch an investigation, which may involve things like:

• Reviewing your financial records and documentation.
• Conducting interviews with you and members of your household.
• Sending undercover agents to your home or workplace to gather evidence.

If the investigation turns up evidence of potential fraud, the DHS will issue a notice of alleged intentional program violation, outlining the charges against you.5 At this point, you have the right to request a hearing to dispute the allegations.But here’s the thing: navigating this process alone can be a minefield. One wrong move, and you could end up inadvertently incriminating yourself or compromising your defense.That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced SNAP fraud attorney by your side from the very beginning. Someone who knows the system inside and out, and can protect your rights every step of the way.

Our Proven Strategies for Defending SNAP Fraud Cases

Okay, so now you know what you’re up against. But how exactly do we defend against SNAP fraud charges? Well, let me tell you: we have a whole arsenal of strategies at our disposal.

Challenging the Evidence

First and foremost, we’ll scrutinize the evidence against you with a fine-toothed comb. Was the investigation conducted properly? Were your rights respected? Were there any procedural errors or violations that could invalidate the charges?You’d be surprised how often cases crumble under the weight of shoddy evidence or improper procedures. And if we find any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, you can bet we’ll exploit them to the fullest.

Establishing Lack of Intent

Remember, SNAP fraud requires intent – meaning you had to knowingly and willfully violate the program’s rules. If we can establish that any violations were unintentional or the result of a misunderstanding, it could be grounds for dismissal or reduced charges.Maybe you made an honest mistake on your application, or failed to report a change in circumstances due to a miscommunication. Whatever the case, we’ll work tirelessly to demonstrate your lack of criminal intent.

Negotiating Favorable Plea Deals

Sometimes, the evidence against you might be strong, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In these cases, we’ll leverage our negotiation skills to secure the most favorable plea deal possible.Maybe we can get the charges reduced, or negotiate for a lighter sentence or alternative sentencing options like community service or probation. The key is to explore every avenue and exhaust all possibilities before accepting a less-than-ideal outcome.

Taking It to Trial

Of course, if the prosecution refuses to budge, and we believe the evidence is weak or flawed, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. And when we do, you can rest assured that we’ll fight like hell to secure an acquittal.Our team has a proven track record of success in the courtroom, and we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with even the most formidable opponents. We’ll present a compelling defense, cross-examine witnesses, and do whatever it takes to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.

Real-Life SNAP Fraud Case Studies

But enough about our strategies – let’s look at some real-life examples of SNAP fraud cases we’ve handled, and how we secured favorable outcomes for our clients.

The Accidental Omission

Take the case of Sarah, a single mother of two who was accused of failing to report her part-time job income. Now, Sarah wasn’t trying to defraud the system – she simply made an honest mistake on her application due to the stress and chaos of juggling work and childcare.But the DHS didn’t see it that way, and they were ready to throw the book at her. That’s when she called us.Our team immediately got to work, gathering evidence of Sarah’s good faith and lack of criminal intent. We presented pay stubs and bank statements to show that her income was modest and that she had no motive to intentionally conceal it.In the end, we were able to negotiate a favorable plea deal that saw Sarah avoid any jail time or permanent disqualification from SNAP. She received a temporary suspension of benefits and was required to pay back a portion of the overpayment – a fair outcome, given the circumstances.

The Undercover Sting Operation

Then there was the case of Ahmed, the owner of a small grocery store in Portland. The DHS launched an undercover sting operation, sending agents to his store to attempt to purchase ineligible items like cigarettes and alcohol using SNAP benefits.Now, Ahmed had always been diligent about following the program’s rules, but on one fateful day, a new employee made the mistake of accepting a SNAP card for a prohibited purchase. It was a one-time lapse in judgment, but it was enough for the DHS to accuse Ahmed of trafficking SNAP benefits.That’s when we stepped in. Our team pored over the evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, and quickly identified holes in the prosecution’s case.We were able to demonstrate that Ahmed had no prior history of violations and that the incident was an isolated mistake, not part of a larger pattern of fraud. We also highlighted the employee’s lack of training and Ahmed’s efforts to rectify the situation as soon as he became aware of it.In the end, we were able to get the charges against Ahmed reduced to a misdemeanor, and he avoided any jail time or permanent disqualification from the SNAP program. It was a hard-fought victory, but one that underscored the importance of having a skilled legal team in your corner.