Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wisconsin Snap Violation Lawyers

You’ve Been Hit With a SNAP Violation Charge – Now What?

So, you got slapped with a SNAP violation notice. Take a deep breath – it’s not the end of the world. But, you need to act fast and smart. That’s where we come in.At Spodek Law Group, we’re experts at handling these kinds of charges for retailers across the nation. And we know how to fight for the best possible outcome for your business. Because let‘s be real – a SNAP disqualification can be absolutely devastating for a small store‘s bottom line.We get it, you‘re stressed. Maybe a little freaked out. That‘s totally normal when your livelihood is on the line. But here’s the thing – you don’t have to go through this alone. Our elite team of SNAP violation lawyers has your back every step of the way.

What Exactly is a SNAP Violation?

Before we dive into how to deal with these charges, let’s quickly cover what a SNAP violation actually is. SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – you know, the thing that used to be called food stamps.As a SNAP-approved retailer, you’re required to follow strict rules set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If they believe you’ve broken one of those rules, that’s when the violation letters start flying.Some common SNAP violations include:

• Trafficking (exchanging SNAP benefits for cash)
• Selling ineligible items
• Not properly maintaining inventory records
• Allowing unauthorized use of SNAP benefits

Basically, anything that makes it look like you‘re misusing or abusing the SNAP system. Even seemingly minor infractions can lead to serious consequences like temporary disqualification or permanent removal from the program. Yikes.

The First Steps After Receiving a SNAP Violation Notice

Okay, so you just got that dreaded charging letter from the USDA. What do you do first? Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Don’t panic. We know it’s easier said than done, but freaking out won’t help. Just take a few deep breaths.
2. Read the notice carefully. It will outline the specific violation(s) you’re being accused of and explain your rights moving forward. Pay close attention to any deadlines for requesting a review or hearing.
3. Gather documentation. Start pulling together any paperwork, records, surveillance footage – anything that could potentially support your case. You’ll need this later.
4. Don’t go it alone. This is the most crucial step – hire an experienced SNAP violations attorney ASAP. The government is not messing around here, so you need to fight fire with fire.

Speaking of which…let’s talk about why having the right lawyer in your corner is an absolute must.

Why You Need a SNAP Violations Expert Attorney

Look, we get it – legal fees are an added expense you probably weren’t planning for. But when it comes to SNAP violations, trying to represent yourself is pretty much asking for trouble.The government has huge resources dedicated to investigating and prosecuting these cases. You’re outmatched and outgunned from the start without proper legal counsel. Plus, the rules and regulations around SNAP are crazy complex, with all sorts of nuances that only an insider would know.At Spodek Law Group, SNAP violations are our bread and butter (or should we say EBT card?). We’ve successfully defended over 300 cases for retailers nationwide, everything from minor violations to full-blown trafficking charges.Our attorneys literally wrote the book on SNAP defense strategies. We know all the ins and outs, loopholes, and tactics to give you the best shot at avoiding disqualification, fines, or even criminal prosecution.Just a few reasons why you need us in your corner:

• We understand the USDA’s investigation process inside and out. This allows us to poke holes in their evidence from day one.
• We have expert knowledge of all 50 states’ SNAP laws and policies. This comes in clutch for multi-state retailers.
• We maintain good relationships with many USDA field offices. A little networking can go a long way in negotiating favorable terms.
• We’re not afraid of taking cases to court if needed. Our litigators have successfully won at trial again and again.

At the end of the day, having a powerhouse SNAP violations firm like Spodek Law Group is your best insurance policy. Don’t risk your business‘s future on a DIY defense.

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

Common Defenses Against SNAP Violation Charges

So what kinds of arguments can we actually make to fight these charges? While every case is unique, here are some of the most common defense strategies we employ:

Lack of Evidence
Just because the USDA says you violated SNAP rules doesn‘t make it true. We’ll pour over their evidence with a fine-toothed comb, looking for any holes, inconsistencies, or lack of proof. If their case doesn’t hold water, we’ll make sure it gets thrown out.

Employee Misconduct
As the owner, you can‘t be held responsible for rogue employees going against your policies and procedures. We have methods for proving you maintained proper training and oversight.

Inadvertent Errors
Simple human mistakes like data entry errors or technical glitches with the EBT system shouldn’t constitute a violation. We know how to argue that no intentional fraud took place.

Affirmative Defenses
There are certain accepted “affirmative defenses” that can provide you full protection from penalties if applicable to your situation. An experienced lawyer will know whether you qualify.The bottom line? We’ve seen and defeated pretty much every type of SNAP violation case out there. Our attorneys know all the angles for poking holes in the government‘s arguments.