PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Burlington County
You need a PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Burlington County immediately if you face federal investigation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. —Advocacy Without Borders. Federal charges in Burlington County carry severe prison terms and fines. SRIS, P.C. defends clients against SBA and DOJ allegations. Our Burlington County Location provides direct access to federal court. Contact us now for a case review. (Confirmed by SRIS, P.C.)
Statutory Definition of PPP Fraud in New Jersey
Federal law defines PPP fraud under multiple criminal statutes. The primary charges involve wire fraud, bank fraud, and false statements. These cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The U.S. Attorney’s Location handles all federal prosecutions in Burlington County. You need a lawyer who understands this federal jurisdiction.
18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud) — Felony — Maximum 20 years imprisonment. This statute is the workhorse for PPP fraud cases. It criminalizes schemes to defraud using interstate wire communications. Submitting a fraudulent PPP application via an online portal satisfies the jurisdictional element. The government must prove intent to defraud beyond a reasonable doubt.
18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud) — Felony — Maximum 30 years imprisonment. This applies to defrauding a financial institution. Since PPP loans were issued by banks, this charge is common. Each false document submitted can be a separate count. Aggregating loan amounts can increase sentencing exposure dramatically.
15 U.S.C. § 645 (False Statements to SBA) — Felony — Maximum 2 years imprisonment. This statute specifically targets misrepresentations to the Small Business Administration. Inflating payroll numbers or employee counts violates this law. Even a single false statement on the SBA Form 2483 can trigger charges. This is often charged alongside the broader fraud statutes.
What constitutes PPP loan fraud in Burlington County?
PPP fraud involves any material misrepresentation to obtain SBA-assured funds. Common examples include falsifying payroll records, inventing employees, or misusing loan proceeds. Using loan money for unauthorized personal expenses is a major red flag. The DOJ scrutinizes applications from Burlington County businesses intensely. Any inconsistency can lead to a federal grand jury subpoena.
Is PPP loan fraud a state or federal crime in New Jersey?
PPP loan fraud is exclusively a federal crime in New Jersey. The program was created by the federal CARES Act. The SBA and Department of Justice have sole jurisdiction. Burlington County cases are filed in the Camden vicinage of U.S. District Court. You will face federal prosecutors, not county attorneys. Learn more about Virginia legal services.
What agencies investigate PPP fraud in Burlington County?
The SBA Location of Inspector General leads PPP fraud investigations. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation division are heavily involved. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service may investigate if mail was used. These agencies collaborate through the Justice Department’s COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force. They share data and conduct joint operations in Burlington County.
The Insider Procedural Edge in Burlington County Federal Court
Your case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage. The address is 401 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08101. This court handles all federal criminal matters for Burlington County. You must understand its specific rules and timelines. Missing a deadline here has catastrophic consequences.
The federal procedural timeline is rigid and fast. An indictment typically follows a grand jury presentation. Arraignment occurs swiftly after the indictment is unsealed. Discovery is governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Motions must be filed according to strict scheduling orders. Trial dates are set early and rarely moved.
Filing fees are not typically assessed in criminal cases. However, the cost of defense is substantial. Federal sentencing guidelines require careful preparation. The Pre-Sentence Investigation Report (PSR) is critical. Your lawyer must engage with the U.S. probation office immediately. Procedural specifics for Burlington County are reviewed during a Consultation by appointment at our Burlington County Location.
What is the timeline for a federal PPP fraud case?
A federal PPP fraud case can take 12 to 24 months from indictment to resolution. The Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day clock for trial after arraignment. This timeline is often extended by complex motion practice. Plea negotiations can occur at any point before trial. The sentencing phase alone can take several months after a conviction. Learn more about criminal defense representation.
Where is the federal courthouse for Burlington County?
The federal courthouse for Burlington County is in Camden. The Mitchell H. Cohen Building & U.S. Courthouse is at 401 Market Street. All initial appearances, arraignments, and hearings occur there. Trials may be held in this building or in Newark. Your lawyer must be familiar with both locations and their procedures.
Penalties & Defense Strategies for PPP Fraud
The most common penalty range for a single count of PPP fraud is 24 to 30 months imprisonment. Federal sentencing guidelines calculate penalties based on the “loss amount.” For PPP fraud, the loan amount is typically used as the loss figure. This directly drives the recommended prison sentence under the guidelines. Fines can reach $250,000 per count for individuals.
| Offense | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Up to 20 years prison; $250,000 fine | Common for electronic application submission. |
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Up to 30 years prison; $1,000,000 fine | Applied per transaction; enhanced penalties. |
| False Statements (15 U.S.C. § 645) | Up to 2 years prison; $250,000 fine | Often a lesser-included charge. |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) | Mandatory 2 years consecutive | If real person’s identity was used falsely. |
| Restitution | Full loan amount + interest | Mandatory upon conviction; no discharge in bankruptcy. |
[Insider Insight] Burlington County federal prosecutors focus on “impact” and “deterrence.” They prioritize cases with clear, provable falsehoods and large loan amounts. They are less likely to offer favorable plea deals in cases involving multiple loans or identity theft. Early engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Location is critical. An experienced PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Burlington County can identify weaknesses in the government’s loss calculation.
Defense strategies must attack the core element of intent. We argue lack of fraudulent intent, mistake, or reliance on professional advice. Challenging the government’s loss amount is a primary tactic. We file motions to suppress evidence obtained improperly. We negotiate for charges that avoid mandatory minimum sentences. We prepare for trial while seeking the best possible pre-trial resolution.
What are the fines for PPP loan fraud?
Fines for PPP loan fraud can reach $250,000 per count for an individual. For organizations, fines can be $500,000 per count. The court also imposes a special assessment of $100 per felony count. Restitution for the full loan amount is mandatory. The court has discretion to impose fines within the statutory maximums. Learn more about DUI defense services.
Can you go to jail for a PPP loan mistake in Burlington County?
You can go to jail for a PPP loan mistake if the government proves criminal intent. An honest error or misunderstanding is a defense. The prosecutor must show you knowingly made a false statement. The line between mistake and fraud is a key battleground. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Burlington County can frame the narrative around mistake.
Why Hire SRIS, P.C. for Your Burlington County PPP Fraud Defense
Our lead attorney for federal fraud cases is a former state prosecutor with over 15 years of trial experience. He understands how the government builds cases from the inside. He knows the tactics of federal investigators in Burlington County. This perspective is invaluable in developing a counter-strategy.
Lead Federal Defense Attorney: Extensive experience defending clients in U.S. District Court. He has handled numerous complex fraud investigations. He focuses on challenging the government’s evidence before indictment. He negotiates directly with Assistant U.S. Attorneys. His goal is to resolve cases without a trial when possible.
SRIS, P.C. has a dedicated Burlington County Location for federal criminal defense. We have represented clients in the Camden federal courthouse for years. Our firm differentiator is direct access to your attorney. You will not be handed off to a junior associate. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This posture strengthens our position in negotiations.
Our approach involves immediate case assessment and evidence preservation. We engage forensic accountants to review your financial records. We analyze SBA and bank communications for procedural errors. We identify potential witnesses and interview them early. We build a defense narrative that counters the prosecution’s story from day one. Learn more about our experienced legal team.
Localized FAQs for PPP Fraud Charges in Burlington County
What should I do if I am contacted by the SBA OIG about my PPP loan?
Do not speak to agents without your lawyer present. Politely decline to answer questions. Contact a PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Burlington County immediately. Any statement you make can be used against you. Preserve all documents related to your loan application and use.
How long does the DOJ have to file PPP fraud charges?
The federal statute of limitations for wire and bank fraud is typically five years. For PPP fraud, the clock starts when the loan was obtained. However, conspiracy charges can extend this period. The timeline can be tolled for various reasons. Assume the government has ample time to investigate.
Can I settle a PPP fraud case without criminal charges?
Yes, through civil settlement or the SBA’s loan forgiveness review process. The DOJ may decline prosecution if full restitution is made. This requires skilled negotiation before an indictment is filed. A fraud charge defense lawyer Burlington County can initiate these discussions. The outcome depends on the strength of the government’s evidence.
What is the difference between civil and criminal PPP fraud?
Civil fraud involves repaying the loan with penalties and interest. Criminal fraud requires proof of intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases are handled by the SBA and Department of Justice Civil Division. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Location. You can face both simultaneously.
Will I lose my professional license for a PPP fraud conviction?
Yes, a felony fraud conviction will trigger license review proceedings. New Jersey state licensing boards view fraud crimes as moral turpitude. Lawyers, doctors, accountants, and real estate agents are at high risk. License revocation is a common collateral consequence. Your defense must consider this from the start.
Proximity, CTA & Disclaimer
Our Burlington County Location is strategically positioned to serve clients facing federal charges. We are accessible from Mount Holly, Moorestown, and Marlton. The federal courthouse in Camden is a direct drive via I-295. We provide focused legal representation for Burlington County residents and businesses.
If you are under investigation or charged with PPP loan fraud, act now. Consultation by appointment. Call 856-334-1094. 24/7. Our team at SRIS, P.C. will review your case details immediately. We develop defense strategies specific to the Burlington County federal jurisdiction.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
—Advocacy Without Borders.
Burlington County Location
Phone: 856-334-1094
Past results do not predict future outcomes.