You’ve Been Accused of a SNAP Violation – 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 violations are serious business, with major consequences if not handled properly. But, we’re here to walk you through it, step-by-step.First thing‘s first, what exactly is a SNAP violation? It’s when the USDA alleges you broke the rules of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – you know, the program that gives low-income families financial aid to buy food. Common violations include:
Trafficking SNAP benefits (illegally exchanging them for cash or ineligible items)
Buying inventory with SNAP benefits
Allowing unauthorized people to use SNAP benefits
Providing false information on your SNAP retailer application
Sounds pretty bad, right? Well, it can be – but not if you know how to handle it correctly. That’s where we come in.
The Clock is Ticking – You Have 10 Days to Respond
Look at that violation notice again – see that date? Yeah, you only have 10 measly days from that point to submit your official response to the USDA. Miss that deadline, and say hello to penalties like temporary disqualification or fines. Yikes.But don‘t panic, we’ve got a gameplan:
Read the full notice carefully – it’ll outline exactly what violations you’re accused of, and what evidence the USDA is using against you. Highlight anything confusing to go over with your lawyer.
Gather your own evidence – dig up inventory records, camera footage, past compliance policies – anything that could counter the USDA’s claims. The more ammunition you have, the better.
Get a SNAP violation lawyer ASAP – This isn’t a battle you want to fight alone. An experienced lawyer knows the ins-and-outs of SNAP regulations, and can craft a killer response to maximize your chances of getting those violations tossed.
Trying to go it alone against the USDA is like bringing a water pistol to a gunfight – you need serious firepower on your side. An attorney who specializes in SNAP violations can:
Analyze the notice and evidence to identify weaknesses in the USDA’s case
Gather additional evidence and documentation to support your defense
Craft a thorough, legally sound response addressing each violation
Negotiate with the USDA to reduce penalties or dismiss violations entirely
Represent you in any appeals or hearings if the case escalates
Don’t make the mistake of thinking any old lawyer will do. SNAP regulations are their own beast, filled with complex rules and processes. You need someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff daily.At Spodek Law Group, SNAP violations are our bread and butter. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience taking on the USDA. We‘ve successfully defended over 300 retailers nationwide from these types of charges – so you know we’ve seen it all before.1
Common SNAP Violation Defenses
So what kind of arguments can actually get SNAP violations dropped or penalties reduced? Here are some of the most common defenses we use:Lack of Evidence The USDA’s case is entirely circumstantial, with no hard proof you knowingly violated SNAP regulations. We’ll push for dismissal if their evidence doesn’t meet the strict “burden of proof” requirements.Established Compliance Program If you had a written compliance policy and training program in place before the alleged violations occurred, it shows you took active steps to follow SNAP rules – which could lead to reduced penalties.Rogue Employee Misconduct Occasionally an employee goes rogue and starts doing shady stuff behind the owner‘s back. If you can prove you had no knowledge of violations committed by a single bad apple, you may be able to escape punishment as the owner.Incorrect Interpretation of Violations SNAP regulations are a dense, confusing web of legalese. We frequently win cases by showing the USDA misinterpreted certain rules or transactions as violations when they weren‘t.Excessive Punishment If the penalties levied seem disproportionate to the alleged violations, we can argue for more reasonable sanctions based on precedent from similar cases.But remember, every case is unique. An experienced SNAP lawyer knows how to analyze the specific details and craft a defense strategy accordingly. Don‘t try to wing it and fit a square peg into a round hole.
Hiring a SNAP violation attorney is an investment – one that could save your business tens of thousands in fines and lost revenue from being disqualified. The potential consequences are just too severe to risk going at it alone as a cost-saving measure.At Spodek Law Group, we offer flexible payment plans to make sure money isn‘t a barrier to getting elite legal representation. We’re upfront about costs from the start, with no hidden fees. And because we fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome, you can view the cost as an investment that pays dividends.
What If I’m Found Guilty of SNAP Violations?
Even if the USDA doesn’t outright dismiss the violations, having a lawyer gives you a much better shot at minimizing the damage through negotiated penalties or reducing charges down to lesser offenses.For example, we could potentially get a permanent disqualification knocked down to a temporary suspension, allowing you to eventually restore your SNAP certification. Or have trafficking charges reduced to lesser offenses not involving permanent disqualification.And if you disagree with the final ruling, your lawyer can file appeals and represent you all the way up through the court system if needed.The bottom line: Having a SNAP specialist in your corner keeps your options open and prevents a minor issue from snowballing into an existential threat to your business.
Don’t Let Inexperience Sink Your Defense
We get it, lawyers are expensive, and hiring one specifically for SNAP violations may seem excessive. But the consequences of inexperienced counsel are just too severe:
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
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.
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!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Missing key deadlines and losing by default
Failing to submit proper evidence and documentation
Not understanding how to effectively negotiate with the USDA
Overlooking legal technicalities that could get charges dismissed
Providing ineffective defense arguments due to lack of expertise
When your business and livelihood are at stake, you can’t afford to roll the dice with a general practice lawyer who has limited SNAP experience. It’s just not worth the risk of permanent disqualification or bankrupting fines.Spodek Law Group has SNAP violation cases down to a science. We’ve been through this process hundreds of times – so we know exactly what it takes to win.
