Is PPP Loan Fraud a Federal Offense?

Yes, fraudulently obtaining or using funds from a PPP loan or providing false information to attain loan forgiveness may result in federal charges of fraud.

How Can New Jersey PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers Defend Against Charges of Fraud?

There are a number of possible defenses against charges involving PPP loan fraud, including lack of intent and insufficient evidence. Fraud requires knowingly attempting to deceive someone, so demonstrating that inaccurate information was a genuine mistake is one defense against fraud charges. In a criminal matter, the prosecution must present evidence that proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty. Pointing out holes and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case against the defendant and disputing evidence that was not attained through proper procedure may be part of a defense strategy.

Why Am I Being Investigated for PPP Loan Fraud?

You may be facing a fraud investigation because prosecutors have reason, rightly or wrongly, to suspect activities such as the following: Loan applications that contained inaccurate data, misrepresented the business’s eligibility for the program, or were not comprehensive Submissions of PPP loan applications to multiple lenders Loan funds that were used for fraudulent or unauthorized expenditures Loan forgiveness that was achieved through falsified certification Our PPP loan fraud defense attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, can help you understand the charges and evidence against you and plan a strong defense.

New Jersey PPL Loan Fraud Lawyers | PPL Loan Fraud Defense Attorneys Haddonfield, NJ

New Jersey PPL Loan Fraud Lawyers

Experienced PPP Loan Fraud Defense Attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, Assist Clients Facing Federal Fraud Charges

When you’re facing federal charges of loan fraud, your next steps matter. The fraud defense attorneys at Agre & St. John are familiar with the complexities of PPP loan fraud charges. We’re ready to represent and advocate for business owners who are under federal investigation for alleged fraud relating to the Paycheck Protection Program.

We can advise you of your rights and help you explore your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is PPP Loan Fraud?

The Paycheck Protection Program, also known as PPP, the Paycheck Protection Loan Program, or PPL, is a federal program that awarded small business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. Through this program, the federal government aimed to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus closings.

PPP loan fraud refers to any type of intentional misrepresentation or deception through which a person might wrongfully achieve or attempt to achieve financial gain through this federal program.

When facing federal charges, trust Agre & St. John's experienced attorneys to mount a vigorous defense and protect your rights in complex federal criminal cases. Call 856-454-8674 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation.

Facing PPP Loan Fraud Charges in Haddonfield, NJ

If you’re convicted of federal criminal charges stemming from Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud, the consequences are serious. Depending on the charges filed against you, you could be looking at 20 or even 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.

South Jersey residents who are being investigated over alleged fraud should turn to knowledgeable PPP loan fraud defense attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, for guidance. Having a lawyer on your side can help you understand and protect your legal rights. A criminal defense attorney can also help you avoid making any mistakes in the course of the federal government’s investigation that could make the situation worse.

Agre & St. John represents people facing PPP loan fraud investigations and other types of fraud charges throughout Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County, Cumberland County, and Salem County. We’re here to help you understand the implications of a federal fraud investigation and explore your legal options.

What Should I Do If I’m Being Investigated for PPP Loan Fraud?

If you’ve been notified of a federal PPP fraud investigation against you, don’t panic. Here are the next steps you should take.

Step 1: Gather and Keep Safe Your Documents

Getting rid of any documents involved in your PPP loan application or loan forgiveness certification could get you in more trouble. Make sure you have all of your documents together in a safe place.

Step 2: Contact Our New Jersey PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers

As soon as you become aware of an investigation against you, it’s worth speaking to experienced fraud attorneys. You need to know your legal rights and obligations and understand what the investigation process entails and what the criminal legal process looks like. We can answer your questions and help you understand what to expect.

If you end up facing charges, having an attorney who is already familiar with your case can help you quickly get the legal advice and representation you need.

Step 3: Cooperate With Investigators, But Be Cautious

When you’re the subject of a criminal investigation, you need to cooperate while remaining mindful that the investigator isn’t on your side, no matter how polite or pleasant they may seem. If you have already retained an attorney, count on your lawyer to help you navigate all interactions and requests for information.

Don't face federal charges alone – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's skilled defense team to understand your options and build a robust defense strategy.

What Charges Can Someone Face for PPP Loan Fraud?

The CARES Act that established the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses doesn’t encompass charges or sentences. Instead, federal investigators and prosecutors are using other statutes of federal criminal law to hold alleged offenders accountable.

That means you could face one (or more) of a number of different charges, such as the following:

Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States: Under 18 U.S. Code § 371, any person involved in a scheme between two or more persons to defraud the U.S. could face up to five years of jail time.
Fraud by wire, radio, or television: Under 18 U.S. Code § 1343, committing fraud through any of these means is punishable by up to 20 years of jail time, plus fines. If the offense is related to a presidentially declared emergency as defined in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (which COVID was declared on March 13, 2020) or it affects a financial institution, the potential penalties jump to jail times of up to 30 years and fines of up to $1,000,000.
Bank fraud: Under 18 U.S. Code § 1344, a person who commits bank fraud could face up to $1,000,000 in fines and up to 30 years in prison
False statements on loan and credit applications: Under 18 U.S. Code § 1014, a person convicted of knowingly making false statements on loan and credit applications generally (not specific to PPP loans) could face up to 30 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
Attempt and conspiracy: A person can face criminal charges and penalties even if they never received any money through the Paycheck Protection Program. Under 18 U.S. Code § 1349, attempting or conspiring to commit a crime like those described above could face the same penalties for those offenses.

Contact New Jersey PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers at Agre & St. John Today for a Free Consultation

A PPP fraud investigation could have serious consequences, including the potential for jail time and heavy fines if convicted. You need a strong defense to beat federal fraud charges.

For help from a PPP loan fraud defense attorney in Haddonfield, NJ, contact Agre & St. John online or call 856-454-8674 today.

PPP Loan Fraud Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

There are a number of possible defenses against charges involving PPP loan fraud, including lack of intent and insufficient evidence.

Fraud requires knowingly attempting to deceive someone, so demonstrating that inaccurate information was a genuine mistake is one defense against fraud charges.

In a criminal matter, the prosecution must present evidence that proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty. Pointing out holes and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case against the defendant and disputing evidence that was not attained through proper procedure may be part of a defense strategy.
You may be facing a fraud investigation because prosecutors have reason, rightly or wrongly, to suspect activities such as the following:
Loan applications that contained inaccurate data, misrepresented the business’s eligibility for the program, or were not comprehensive
Submissions of PPP loan applications to multiple lenders
Loan funds that were used for fraudulent or unauthorized expenditures
Loan forgiveness that was achieved through falsified certification
Our PPP loan fraud defense attorneys in Haddonfield, NJ, can help you understand the charges and evidence against you and plan a strong defense.

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