So, what do you do, if you get hit – with one of these things? A SNAP violation notice from the USDA can feel like a punch in the gut. But, take a deep breath. We’re here to walk you through it.There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. We’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service, and case results for our clients. Our SNAP violation lawyers are focused on servicing a very curated clientele, that expects high class service and exceptional understanding of the law.We have experience handling the toughest legal situations – that require experience, and excellence, in order to get the best possible legal outcomes for our clients. We have over 50 years of combined experience handing legal situations – nationwide, and even internationally.

What is a SNAP Violation?

First things first, let’s get on the same page about what exactly a SNAP violation is. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides crucial food assistance to millions of low-income Americans.However, the federal government takes any misuse of SNAP benefits seriously. Violations can range from accidentally making mistakes on your application to intentionally trafficking (illegally exchanging) SNAP benefits for cash.Common SNAP violations include:

Lying about your income, assets, household size, etc. on your application
Selling or trading SNAP benefits for cash, drugs, or other goods
Using SNAP benefits to purchase ineligible items like alcohol or tobacco
Allowing someone outside your household to use your SNAP benefits

Sounds pretty serious, right? It is. SNAP violations can lead to harsh penalties like temporary disqualification from the program, having to repay benefits, fines, or even criminal charges for large-scale trafficking.

The First Steps

You got that dreaded SNAP violation notice in the mail. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. You only have 10 days to respond, so act fast.First, read through the notice carefully. It will outline the specific violation(s) you’re accused of and the evidence against you. Take a deep breath, then give us a call.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled hundreds of SNAP violation cases nationwide. Our team can walk you through your options and next steps, like:

Requesting a hearing to dispute the charges
Negotiating a reduced penalty
Building a strong defense if you’re facing criminal charges

The key is responding quickly and letting an experienced attorney take the lead. The USDA’s resources dwarf what most individuals can muster, so you need a pro in your corner.

Your Rights and Potential Penalties

If the USDA pursues a SNAP violation case against you, you have rights. You’re entitled to proper notice, a fair hearing to dispute the charges, and the ability to appeal an unfavorable ruling.An intentional program violation can lead to temporary disqualification from SNAP for:

12 months for the 1st offense
24 months for the 2nd offense
Permanent disqualification for the 3rd offense

For more serious violations like trafficking over $500 in SNAP benefits, you could face permanent disqualification on the first offense, fines up to $250,000, and potentially jail time.But, don’t assume the worst yet. An experienced SNAP violations attorney can often get penalties reduced, especially for first-time offenders with mitigating circumstances. Trying to go it alone against the federal government is a losing battle. You need a tenacious advocate who understands SNAP regulations inside and out.

How a Lawyer Can Help

At Spodek Law Group, our SNAP violations team can:

Thoroughly review your case and the evidence against you
Identify any errors or violations of your rights by the USDA
Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
Represent you at any hearings or appeals
Fight for a full dismissal if the charges are unfounded

We get it, nobody wants to spend money on a lawyer. But with so much at stake, it’s an investment worth making to protect your benefits, finances, and freedom.Of course, the best way to deal with a SNAP violation is to avoid one in the first place. Be upfront and honest on all applications and reports about your income, expenses, household size, etc.Never trade SNAP benefits for cash or use them to purchase anything other than eligible food items. And never, ever let someone outside your household use your SNAP card or benefits.If your circumstances change, report it to your caseworker immediately. A little proactive honesty can prevent a huge headache down the road.For retailers, training your staff on SNAP rules and monitoring for any suspicious transactions is crucial. Implement strict policies and controls to stay compliant.

Preventing Future Violations

Know the Rules
If you want to avoid the threat of a permanent disqualification from the USDA, the best thing to do is know the rules pertaining to EBT and SNAP. Time after time, trafficking cases stem from a lack of understanding about what is and isn’t allowed.Educate Employees
Make sure every single employee at your store understands SNAP rules inside and out. Conduct regular training sessions and have staffers sign an acknowledgment stating they know the policies.Monitor Transactions
Using software, regularly review EBT transactions for any red flags like excessive numbers of low-value purchases or unusual patterns. Addressing issues quickly can prevent bigger problems.Implement Controls
Enact strict controls like checking IDs, not allowing cash payouts for EBT purchases, and separating SNAP-eligible from ineligible inventory. The fewer opportunities for violations, the better.Stay Compliant
If you operate multiple locations, make sure all stores follow the same SNAP compliance protocols. Consistency is key when it comes to avoiding penalties that could impact your entire business.

Spodek Law Group, P.C. - NYC Criminal Attorneys

5.0

Based on 745 reviews

George Fernandez

14:16 30 Apr 24

Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.

Raj

21:33 24 Apr 24

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!

Yelva Saint-Preux

19:26 19 Apr 24

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.

Katherine Sun

18:08 18 Apr 24

my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional

Nun ya

17:48 18 Apr 24

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.

Keisha Parris

20:45 15 Mar 24

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

16:26 15 Mar 24

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!

K Mar

01:37 25 Jan 24

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.

The Spodek Law Group Advantage

It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. Every single client should know what he, or she, potentially faces and what the outcome of their case could be – before hiring a criminal defense attorney.Our SNAP violation lawyers have experience handling cases nationwide, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC. Our philosophy is fair and simple – every single law firm should adhere to it – but most don’t.Most criminal defense attorneys will take on any client possible who can pay — regardless of whether they can help the client. Not us. We only take on clients who we can truly help. We are selective about the number of clients we work with, and only work with clients who we can truly help.This is different from other law firms, who take on every single client – irrespective of the outcome. When you reach out to our law firm – the process begins with a risk free consultation in person, or over the phone. During this consultation – you can ask us anything – regardless of how long it takes. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask the tough questions – which allow us to show you our understanding of the law.We are available to help you 24/7. The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles. Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice.Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.At Spodek Law Group – we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.It’s crucial you don’t want to seek legal representation when preparing your defense. Only an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can build an aggressive enough defense.How do federal criminal charges differ from state offenses? There are differences in the ways that investigations of federal crimes are handled.

The US Attorney’s Office, and DOJ, are responsible for prosecuting and litigating federal cases. They follow federal rules of criminal procedures. Federal judges have to follow sentencing guidelines, and mandatory minimum sentences.

They don’t get to use any of their discretion.The right federal lawyer will work with you, every step of the way, and keep you informed. What to expect during a federal arrest and the court process? Criminal cases handled by federal courts follow a different process than those handled by state courts.If the investigation by federal authorities results in enough evidence to make an arrest, the individual who is charged will be brought into custody, and then interviewed.

The accused then appears in court for an arraignment in front of a federal judge. The judge then decides whether or not to grant the defendant bail, and is responsible for setting conditions of the release. The result of the arraignment depends on the details of the crime and case. The judge will look at information gathered during the pretrial interview, the nature of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other relevant information.Attorney Todd Spodek is a well known, and well respected, second generation NYC criminal defense attorney who has immense legal experience. His experience has led to him successfully handling 1000’s of cases that were tough, and hard to win. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Insider.com, Bloomberg, WSJ, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special series about one of Todd Spodek’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Why Clients Nationwide Choose Spodek Law Group

Every potential client has multiple criminal defense options when choosing their next lawyer. Spodek Law Group is a well known, top pick, because we offer white glove service and are unafraid of fighting for our clients.Other law firms care more about their reputation with the prosecutor, and other court officials – we are focused on our clients, and getting them the best outcome possible. Every client who works with Spodek Law Group is aware they have a problem, and need to pick a fighter who will help them.

Kansas City SNAP Violation Defense Lawyers