Defense SBA PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer

FOR NATIONWIDE BUSINESS OWNERS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INVESTIGATED OR CHARGED WITH FALSE CLAIMS ACT PPP LOAN FRAUD. IF YOU RECEIVED A CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMAND (CID) OR PPP LOAN SUBPOENA, CALL US IMMEDIATELY. 

WHEN YOU DON’T INTEND TO DEFRAUD THE GOVERNMENT OR MAKE AN HONEST MISTAKE, YOU NEED HELP TO AVOID INDICTMENT OR JAIL TIME. CALL OUR PAYCHECK PROTECTION (PPP) FRAUD LAWYERS FOR IMMEDIATE HELP.

WAS YOUR LOAN OVER $100K? WE LITIGATE SBA SMALL BUSINESS AFFILIATION MATTERS THAT COULD CHANGE THE OUTCOME OF YOUR PPP INVESTIGATION OR CRIMINAL CASE.

Many loan recipients, like yourself, make honest mistakes. The PPP loan rules were quickly put into place. Yet, the federal authorities look past this fact and pursue criminal and civil sanctions. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, dealing with the news of a PPP fraud investigation certainly doesn’t make you feel this way.  When you are served with a subpoena or civil investigative demand (CID), you are still upset, frustrated, or even afraid. You are targeted by the US government, this is not a good situation to be in. Therefore, you must quickly position yourself to defend your rights.

If you have taken out a PPP loan for $100K or more and have received a PPP False Claims Act civil investigative demand (CID)or PPP Loan subpoena, please call us to find out how we can help. We can represent businesses nationwide that have taken out PPP loans and are charged with PPP fraud.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our federal defense lawyers and PPP loan fraud defense attorneys handle cases where loans are over $100K or the applicant owns more than one business, and these cases are also investigated under SBA affiliation rules.  If You Are Charged With False Claims Act PPP Loan Fraud or Under OIG or DOJ Investigation Because of SBA Affiliation Fraud and Business Control Under 13 CFR 121.301.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PPP LOAN FRAUD CASES

SBA PPP cases generally focus on two types of claims related to PPP loans: civil False Claims Act cases and criminal fraud cases. In the civil cases, the courts generally apply a four-factor test to determine whether you violated the False Claims Act:

1.  whether there was a false statement or fraudulent course of conduct;
2.  made or carried out with the requisite scienter;
3. that was material; and
4. hat caused the government to pay out money or to forfeit amounts of money due

For example, in United States v. Bailey’s Trucking LLC, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the government, finding that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by submitting false information in order to obtain a PPP loan and have it forgiven.

In the criminal cases, the government generally must prove the elements of wire fraud, which include:

1. the existence of a scheme to defraud;
2. the use of wire, radio, or television to further the scheme; and
3. a specific intent to defraud.

For example, in United States v. Sarfo, the court rejected the defendant’s argument that the indictment for wire fraud failed for vagueness, finding that the government had provided sufficient evidence to establish the elements of wire fraud.

DOJ’s PPP Fraud investigation in relation to the False Claims Act Under 13 CFR 121.301.?

The DOJ has ramped up its investigation into potential false claims related to fraudulent SBA PPP loans issued (and forgiven) from the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOJ is investigating clients specific to the Small Business Administration (SBA) affiliation rules under 13 CFR 121.301 involving PPP loans.

When investigated for PPP loan fraud, the DOJ believes that some PPP applicant impermissibly applied for and received multiple loans under the SBA PPP program. The. main reason is because when applying the business size and affiliation rules under 13 CFR 121.301 , some small business applicants were ineligible due to their size.

How Does the DOJ Investigate PPP fraud applications under 13 CFR 121.301?

As part of its PPP loan fraud investigation under 13 CFR 121.301, the DOJ has been looking at how the processing company reviewed and applied SBA affiliation rules when completing loans for approval and forgiveness.  The DOJ also looks at any correspondence between the SBA and your involvement that is relevant to the affiliation issue.

At Watson & Associates, LLC, our 13 CFR 121.301 lawyers help applicants’ consultants and banking institutions when they are under investigation for SBA PPP loan fraud.

Call Our SBA PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers Today at 1.866.601.5518

In these unprecedented times, small businesses across the nation have relied on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic. However, as government agencies intensify their scrutiny of PPP loan forgiveness applications and usage, businesses find themselves facing potential PPP loan fraud investigations and allegations of fraud. That’s where we come in – as experienced PPP loan lawyers, we are here to defend your business and protect your rights.

Limited Focus

At Watson & Associates, LLC,  our PPP loan fraud attorneys. and SBA lawyers primarily focus on handling False PPP loan fraud cases with a focus on Small Business Administration (SBA) issues and PPP loan fraud investigations related to owning multiple businesses, business control, and SBA affiliation rules under 13 CFR 121.301.

As seasoned government contract paycheck protection fraud lawyers who deal with SBA affiliation and control issues on a daily basis, we are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional legal defense services that go beyond what local criminal defense attorneys with limited experience in SBA small business affiliation laws can offer.

When your business is at stake, you need legal professionals who understand the intricacies of PPP loan fraud cases and have a proven track record of success with SBA business affiliation and control cases. As top paycheck protection fraud PPP federal defense lawyers, we will form a team of dedicated PPP criminal defense attorneys who possess the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of SBA regulations and effectively advocate for your interests.

Nationwide Criminal and Civil Fraud – Affiliation SBA Lawyers:: SBA OIG or DOJ Criminal and Civil Investigative Demands (CID)

 

The first thing you must after receiving a PPP loan subpoena is to focus on getting a resolution that avoids federal criminal fraud charges – This could be terminating the investigation without any liability, keeping the investigation only civil in nature, or focusing on settlement.

One of the key areas where we can excel is assisting clients with criminal PPP loan subpoenas and civil investigative demands (CID) related to PPP loan forgiveness fraud. Facing a CID can be overwhelming, but with our expertise by your side, you can confidently respond and protect your rights throughout the False Claims Act PPP investigation process.

As SBA paycheck protection fraud lawyers, we work diligently to gather evidence, analyze the allegations against your business, and craft a strong defense strategy to mitigate potential civil or criminal charges.

In cases where PPP loan fraud indictments and PPP fraud charges have been filed, our paycheck protection SBA fraud lawyers. step in to mount a vigorous defense. We understand the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences involved.

Our team of SBA PPP False Claims Act defense attorney conducts a thorough review of the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the government’s case, and leverages our knowledge of SBA regulations to challenge the allegations against your business. We strive to secure the best possible outcome, whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea deal or aggressively fighting for your innocence in court.

What are Main Reasons for SBA PPP Loan Application Fraud? We are SBA Small Business Size Affiliation Experts – 13 CFR 121.301

Applicants who have multiple businesses and improperly certify their “affiliates”  or “affiliated companies” under SBA rules can be charged with SBA PPP loan application fraud. You are under federal investigation for allegedly submitting a fraudulent PPP loan application fraud, you should help from one of our PPP Investigation fraud defense lawyers or you could face prosecution as well. Other reasons for being charged with False Claims Act PPP loan application fraud include:

• Misrepresenting the number of company employees
• False certification under SBA size standards and affiliation regulation 13 CFR 121.301
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors falls below the 500-employee threshold; and,
• Misclassifying SBA NAICS COdes and small business size standard eligibility.
• Misrepresenting the company’s payroll costs to increase the loan amounts
• Using PPP funds for fraudulent purposes
• PPP loan Subpoena
• PPP Loan Warrant Defense

Scott D. Lovelock. Mr. Lovelock brings a wealth of proven knowledge and experience helping clients address issues of risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory compliance as well as a savvy level of business and military experience that gives him a unique perspective to help government contractors succeed and avoid most of the costly mistakes that are encountered when failing to understand and implement required compliance programs or understanding the nuances of working with government agencies. 

A retired Air Force officer, with extensive operational experience with procurement law for contractors in both the field, Numbered Commands, Air Force Headquarters and the Joint Staff, he brings a unique and focused perspective of DoD operations in how he serves our clients. 

 

Walter H. Foster, Of Counsel, is a seasoned attorney and former Army colonel with deep experience orchestrating teams, imparting clarity and counsel, and executing on behalf of both private enterprise and the federal government. From managing technical construction in Iraq to prosecuting terrorists for the Pentagon, Walter brings mission focus to every challenge.

Moving to the Pentagon as Lead Trial Counsel, Walter was tapped to spearhead the high-profile prosecution of an Al Qaeda operative who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay. Walter established and managed a busy practice in Tampa, working the entire case lifecycle for 3,000 bench trials and 80 jury trials over nine years. While focusing largely on criminal defense, civil litigation. 

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

Nationwide SBA PPP Fraud Investigation Lawyers  – Understand 13 CFR 121.301 and Avoid Costly Legal Mistakes

When small businesses are investigated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) OIG or DOJ for government fraud under 13 CFR 121.301, they can encounter a range of challenges and problems that may have serious consequences for their operations and reputation. Understanding these issues is crucial for small business owners to effectively navigate the False Claims Act PPP investigation process. If you are a small business under investigation or served with a PPP loan subpoena or civil investigative demand, call our United States PPP loan fraud investigation defense lawyers immediately at 1.866.601.5518.

1. Complex Regulations: SBA loan regulations, particularly under 13 CFR 121.301, can be complex and difficult to interpret. Small businesses may struggle to understand the specific requirements related to size standards, business control, and affiliation. The intricacies of these regulations can lead to unintentional violations, making it vital for businesses to seek legal guidance to ensure compliance.

2. Lack of Awareness: Many small businesses may not be fully aware of the regulations and requirements outlined in 13 CFR 121.301. They may unintentionally engage in practices that trigger SBA PPP investigations, such as entering into inappropriate business relationships with other companies or failing to properly document changes in ownership or control. Lack of awareness of SBA affiliation rules can exacerbate the risk of non-compliance and potential fraud allegations.

3. Burden of Proof: In SBA False Claims Act PPP fraud investigations, the burden of proof often falls on the small business to demonstrate compliance with size standards and other relevant regulations. Collecting and presenting the necessary evidence to refute allegations of fraud can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for businesses with limited resources or knowledge of the process.

4. Adverse Consequences: If a small business is found to be non-compliant with SBA regulations, the consequences can be severe. These may include fines, repayment of government contracts, loss of preferential contracting opportunities, suspension or debarment from government contracts, and damage to the business’s reputation. It is crucial for small businesses to take any SBA fraud investigation seriously and seek legal counsel from SBA PPP loan fraud defense lawyers to protect their interests.

5. PPP Subpoena and Civil Investigative Demand Investigative Process: SBA PPP fraud investigations can be intrusive and disruptive to a small business’s operations. Investigators may request extensive documentation, conduct interviews with key personnel, and scrutinize financial records. Small businesses may find it challenging to balance the demands of the investigation while continuing to operate effectively.

6. Need for Legal Expertise: Given the complex nature of SBA affiliation regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance with SBA size standards, small businesses facing SBA loan fraud investigations should seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals who specialize in government contract law and SBA compliance. Local criminal defense attorneys with little to no experience in SBA small business affiliation laws may not have the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of the PPP investigation process and protect the business’s interests effectively.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME

CALL WATSON & ASSOCIATES SBA AFFILIATION PPP LAWYERS, SBA LOAN FRAUD ATTORNEYS AND CRIMINAL PPP LOAN SUBPOENA DEFENSE LAWYERS 

Get immediate help civil investigative demands, PPP Subpoeanas with PPP loans being investigated for small businesses and a confidential free initial consultation: Need help defending a federal criminal case involving SBA affiliation and PPP loans for allegedly abusing COVID-19 relief programs under 13 CFR 121.301 SBA affiliation rules?  To find the best White Collar federal criminal defense attorneys and SBA PPP lawyers who understand the federal system and SBA small business  PPP loan fraud lawyers or need help defending a federal crime involving PPP fraud, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the best government contractor PPP attorneys at Watson & Associates, LLC. 

Schedule a Confidential Free Consultation Online With one of our SBA Loan Fraud Lawyers and Federal Criminal Defense PPP Loan. Subpoena or Civil Investigative Demand Lawyers or Call Toll- Free 1-866-601-5518.