SBA PPP Fraud Attorneys & Paycheck Protection Criminal Defense Lawyers
Nationwide PPP Lawyers and Criminal False Claims Act Defense Attorneys
Our SBA PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers Defend Business Owners Nationwide Who Are Under Investigation for False Claims Act PPP loan fraud, Received a Civil Investigative Demand or Subpoena, OR have been indicated and are heading to trial. We specifically defend small businesses with disputes under the SBA affiliation regulations and business ownership rule 13 CFR 121.301. If you fit any of these categories, Call Us Immediately at 1.866.601.5518.
PPP Loan Fraud Subpoena? Or Indicted? This is a Serious Threat to Your Business
You applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to keep your business afloat during unprecedented times. Now, instead of relief, you face a legal nightmare. A federal agent brings a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) or PPP loan subpoena to your door, accusing you of PPP loan fraud. The government scrutinizes your actions, threatening not just hefty fines but also the terrifying prospect of PPP loan fraud jail time.
This is a full-blown crisis that can dismantle your livelihood, stain your reputation, and strip away your freedom. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team of SBA PPP lawyers understands the gravity of your situation. As paycheck protection fraud lawyers, we are here to defend you against these serious allegations and help you navigate the legal maze.
Please Read Below Carefully
- PLEASE ONLY CALL IF YOUR SBA PPP LOAN WAS $150K OR MORE
- We ONLY HANDLE CASES WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY THE SBA OIG, FBI, OR DOJ (ISSUED A CID, OR SUBPOENA OR YOU / YOUR BUSINESS HAS BEEN INDICTED)
- WE DO NOT INVESTIGATE CLAIMS OF IDENTITY THEFT
If You Did Not Intend to Commit Fraud, Then You May Have a Defense to Your PPP Fraud Case. If you made an honest mistake or had professional direction, there may be arguments for an honest mistake, and you may be unaware that you were providing false information on your paycheck protection plan loan application. These are all the reasons why you must call us if you are investigated and/or charged with PPP loan fraud.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME
The Reality of PPP Loan Fraud False Claims Act Investigations
The PPP loan program was designed to provide swift financial aid during the pandemic. However, the rapid rollout led to complex rules that many businesses struggled to interpret. The government is now vigorously pursuing PPP loan fraud False Claims Act investigations, often treating innocent mistakes as criminal acts. If you’ve been targeted, the stakes are incredibly high. Federal authorities, including the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), are not just looking for repayment—they’re seeking criminal penalties. Our SBA PPP loan lawyers know how to build a defense that protects your rights and challenges the government’s case at every turn.
Types of PPP Loan Fraud Allegations
Businesses and individuals face a range of allegations under PPP loan fraud charges, including:
- False Certification of Business Size or Affiliates: Misrepresenting your business size or affiliation status under 13 CFR 121.301 can result in False Claims Act charges.
- Misuse of PPP Funds: Spending the loan on non-qualifying expenses, such as personal debts or unauthorized business activities, is a common accusation.
- Stacking Multiple PPP Loans: Securing multiple loans through different businesses or entities when ineligible is a violation often investigated as PPP fraud.
- False Information in Loan Applications: Providing inaccurate information about payroll, employees, or revenue is a red flag for investigators.
- PPP Business Ownership and SBA Affiliation disputes.
Watch this video about false claims actions. It is relevant to PPP loans.
Responding to a PPP Loan Subpoena or Civil Investigative Demand (CID)
Receiving a PPP loan subpoena or a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) can be alarming. These are not mere requests; they are demands for evidence and information indicating the government is seriously investigating you. How you respond is critical.
At Watson & Associates, LLC, our PPP loan fraud attorneys quickly analyze the nature of the CID or subpoena, guide you through the legal requirements, and develop a strategic plan to respond effectively.
The goal is to resolve the issue without escalating to criminal charges. Our proactive approach aims to clarify misunderstandings, present mitigating evidence, and negotiate with authorities to safeguard your business interests.
Federal Indictments and Criminal Charges: Facing the Worst-Case Scenario
You’re facing a severe and costly legal battle if you’ve been indicted for PPP loan fraud. Criminal Charges can include wire fraud, conspiracy, and violations of the False Claims Act. These allegations are not just paperwork—they represent an intent to prosecute, potentially leading to PPP loan fraud jail time.
Our team of PPP loan fraud lawyers at Watson & Associates, LLC understands the full scope of what’s at stake. We dive deep into the evidence, dissect the government’s case, and identify inconsistencies or overreaches in the prosecution.
We bring our extensive knowledge of SBA regulations and federal law to bear, crafting a defense strategy that aims to either dismiss the charges or significantly reduce penalties.
Minimize PPP Fraud Penalties: PPP Loan Frauds Jail Time and Fines
The consequences of a conviction for PPP loan fraud are dire. Individuals can face imprisonment, with sentences extending up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud. Financial penalties can be staggering, including triple damages under the False Claims Act and fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These penalties can cripple your business, destroy your personal finances, and strip away your freedom. With Watson & Associates, LLC’s paycheck protection fraud lawyers on your side, you have a team of PPP loan fraud lawyers committed to fighting for the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or courtroom defense.
How Can We Defend You in PPP Loan Fraud Cases
If you are facing federal charges for PPP loan fraud, Watson & Associates PPP criminal defense attorneys may be able to use various defense strategies to help defend your case.
Speak to PPP fraud attorney, Theodore P. Watson, Esquire. Practice Group Lead. At Watson & Associates, with law offices in Colorado and Washington, DC, our top-rated federal criminal attorneys have experience working for federal contracting agencies. We understand the nuts and bolts of the government’s investigation, PPP fraud indictment in criminal cases for affiliation violations on 13 CFR 121.301, and how the DOJ or even the SBA OIG develops a civil or criminal case against you.
A crucial aspect of our practice lies in the fact that many of our federal crime defense attorneys possess extensive experience as government contracting officials. We also understand how trial lawyers and federal prosecutors in federal agencies like the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office operate. Drawing on those valuable insights, our job is to deconstruct the government’s case and develop a legal defense in federal courts that can create leverage in the event of litigation.
Some potential PPP fraud defense strategies may include:
- Lack of intent: a potential defense is to argue that you did not intend to commit fraud. This may be a viable defense if you made an honest mistake or were unaware that you were providing false information on your loan application.
- Insufficient evidence: Another defense strategy is challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution. This may involve questioning the credibility of witnesses or pointing out inconsistencies in the evidence.
- Statute of limitations: If the government waits too long to bring charges, your attorney may be able to use the statute of limitations as a defense.
- Plea bargain: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution. This may involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
How Our PPP Fraud Attorneys Can Help You
Navigating False Claims Act PPP loan fraud investigations and charges is a complex process that demands specialized legal expertise. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our PPP lawyers offer a range of defense services tailored to the unique circumstances of each case:
- Immediate Analysis and Response: We conduct an in-depth review of the CID, PPP loan subpoena, or indictment to understand the scope of the investigation.
- Internal Investigation: We carry out a detailed internal investigation to gather evidence about your business relationships and SBA affiliation rules that supports your case, demonstrating compliance or mitigating circumstances.
- Challenging Government Evidence: Our team scrutinizes the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, procedural errors, or overreach.
- Negotiation with Authorities: We engage with federal authorities to seek resolutions that avoid criminal charges, such as settlements or reduction of allegations to civil matters.
- Courtroom Defense: If necessary, our paycheck protection fraud lawyers provide aggressive representation in court, using our knowledge of SBA regulations, including 13 CFR 121.301, to fight for your exoneration.
Protecting Business Owners and Corporations Nationwide
Our PPP loan fraud lawyers have successfully represented business owners, corporations, and executives across the nation. We specialize in cases involving SBA affiliation rules, ownership of multiple businesses, and compliance with the intricate regulations of the PPP loan program. We understand the critical nuances that can make the difference between a devastating outcome and a successful defense. Whether you’re accused of fraudulently securing multiple loans, misrepresenting your business’s size, or using PPP funds improperly, our paycheck protection fraud lawyers have the experience to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC as Your PPP Loan Fraud Criminal Defense Lawyers?
At Watson & Associates, LLC, we go beyond standard defense strategies. Our PPP loan fraud criminal defense lawyers bring deep expertise in SBA regulations and federal law, equipping us to handle complex issues like business affiliation and size certification under 13 CFR 121.301. Our experience with both civil and criminal defense uniquely positions us to challenge the government’s case and negotiate favorable outcomes. When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a defense team that understands the high stakes and will fight relentlessly to protect your business, your reputation, and your freedom.
Act Now: Your Defense Begins Here
Time is critical in PPP loan fraud investigations. Federal authorities are building their case, and every moment counts. Contact Watson & Associates, LLC today at 1.866.601.5518. Our seasoned PPP loan fraud lawyers are prepared to take immediate action to protect your rights, defend your business, and secure your future. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward an aggressive, strategic defense. Schedule a Confidential Free Consultation Online
CALL ONE OF OUR SBA PPP LOAN FRAUD LAWYERS FOR A FREE CONFIDENTIAL INITIAL CONSULTATION. CALL TOLL-FREE AT 1.866.601.5518.
Speak to Theodore Watson Immediately for Prompt Representation