PPP Loan Fraud Attorneys in Miami
Starting in 2020, the CARES Act authorized loans to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were intended to help business owners make payroll so they could afford to pay their workers despite being severely limited or completely shut down by lockdown mandates. This is called the Payment Protection Program, which is why the loans are called PPP loans.
While the federal government provides these loans to struggling business owners, it also investigates cases of alleged fraud related to PPP loans. As with any federal criminal charges, a conviction for PPP loan fraud can have serious consequences for your freedom and reputation in South Florida’s business community.
At Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, we protect people accused of PPP fraud, contact us today.
VICTORY BEGINS WITH BECKHAM SOLIS
-
Felony Exploitation – Case DismissedThe Defendant was employed as social workers and assigned as the caretaker of several elderly people including the 68 years old victim. The Defendant was in a position of trust and had access to the social services office where the victim’s money was kept in a locked box. The box was checked on 07/22/2019 and was missing $200. The Defendant denied taking the money and was taken into custody on a separate charge. The Defendant then admitted to going into the victim’s box and stealing the $200 and was arrested, charged with felony exploitation of an elderly and disabled person.
-
Felony Attempted Burglary – Case DismissedAt 10:50 PM, law enforcement was dispatched in emergency mode to respond to a burglary in progress. The officer made contact with victim and he stated that he observed through the peep hole a male with a black shirt wearing a mask and hitting his apartment door with a hammer. The Defendant was attempting to gain force entrance. Victim 1 stated that the Defendant looked like his neighbor who had several disputes in the past with others neighbors and provide the officer with the Defendant’s apartment number #107. The officer made contact with the Defendant and his grandmother. The grandmother stated that the Defendant keeps the hammer in his closet and provide it to the officer. The witness who lives nearby said she heard a loud noise and stepped outside to see what it was. The witness observed the Defendant hammering the door and described the Defendant. She also stated she recognized him as a male who lives in APT#107. The Defendant matched the description and was arrested, charged with Felony Attempted Burglary of an occupied dwelling.
-
Felony Drug Possession – Case DismissedAt 3:47 AM, law enforcement officer observed the Defendant sitting on the bus stop past curfew. The officer conducted a subject check to find the reasons the Defendant was stationary at the location. The Defendant stated that he was playing a game that required him to be seated. The officer then conducted a pat down and a sharp pointy object was discovered in the Defendant’s left pocket. The Defendant identified the oil as liquid marijuana inside of the pen. The Defendant was then arrested as during curfew period no person shall make use of any streets or sidewalk for any purpose expect active duty, police, fire-rescue first responder, medical health care and utility repair person as well as those returning to their home from work of employment. Defendant charged with felony drug possession.
-
Strong Arm Robbery – Case DismissedAt 11:44 PM, law enforcement was called to respond to a possible suspect of robbery and battery. The Defendant had been observed by the victim earlier this day as the Defendant approached the victim while she was eating and having drinks with some friends. The Defendant told the victim she needed to leave the location and if not he would take her phone. The victim then told the Defendant she will not leave the place and he became enraged. The Defendant stroke the victim with a closed right fist in the face and grabbed the victim’s wallet and took without permission $200. The victim contacted the SweetWater Police department and advised them of the Defendants location and that the Defendants vehicle that was parked at the rear of the location where the Defendant was found. At a safe distance, the victim was able to positively I.D. The Defendant was then arrested and transported to TGK, charged with strong arm robbery.
-
Domestic Violence Strangulation – Case DismissedAt 4:38 PM law enforcement began to investigate, both the Defendant and Victim 1. The Defendant was taken into custody and taken into interview room for further questioning. The Defendant admitted that he and victim 1 were involved in a verbal dispute but denied that the incident ever became physical. The Defendant and the victims were inside the Defendants vehicle when the argument occurred. Victim 1 explained that the argument escalated when the Defendant slapped her on the left side of her face and moments later on twice on her left thigh. Upon arrival at their home, the Defendant grabbed victim 1 by her hair and shoved her on the bed and mounted her as she now laid next to victim 2. The Defendant then took a black semi-automatic handgun from his waist and stated aloud “Do you want to die today!” Victim 2 began to cry and Victim 1 fled the residence with their child. Victim 1 during the investigation disclosed the Defendant had battered her in the past and provided photographs of the three other events. The Defendant denied this accusations and advised that he was unaware she was injured on those dates. The Defendant was arrested and charged with domestic violence strangulation.
PPP Loans And Fraud
The Small Business Administration, which administers the Payment Protection Program, is on the lookout for two main types of fraud:
- Someone stealing the identity of a small business owner, receiving a loan in the business’ name and pocketing the money
- Business owners mismanaging or deliberately misusing the funds
Our team of attorneys has more than 60 years of combined experience in state and federal criminal law. We can help and advise you at every stage of your case, from the moment you discover you are under investigation through arrest, interrogation and getting charged. We know where to look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and what to do about them.
Protect Yourself And Your Small Business
High-profile claims of PPP fraud can put your reputation on the line, even if you are never convicted or even charged. Working with one of our lawyers can help you settle the accusations against you as quickly and smoothly as possible. You and your partners will be able to focus on business while we work as a team to deliver the most favorable outcome available.
If you are being investigated for alleged PPP loan fraud, you should start preparing your legal strategy as soon as possible.
Contact Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, at our Miami office to schedule your no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. Call (786) 244-8010 today.
hear how we made a difference
-
"They went above and beyond with closing everything in a timely manner."
The staff at Beckham Solis did an amazing job handling my case. They went above and beyond with closing everything in a timely manner. They were very reasonable with pricing and very flexible with payment. Barbara was very helpful answering any questions or concerns that I had. I highly recommend these law professionals to handle any legal matters you may need resolved.
- Joel D. -
"They made a difficult situation better."Few years back I ran into some legal trouble and was recommended to Beckham Solis by a friend. I had never had to deal with any of this so, it was quite terrifying, to be honest. I walked into his office a nervous wreck, walked out confident and taken care of. Great service. Answers all calls whenever you need help and advice; they made a difficult situation better. I greatly recommend this firm the best !- Carlens E.
-
"Great response rate, amazing customer service."Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, has always been available to answer all my questions. They offer a great response rate, amazing customer service, and a team that genuinely cares about its clients. Thank you, everyone, for everything!- Fabrizio Q.
-
"Professional, attentive, and efficient."Service has been top-notch since February. Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, are professional, attentive, efficient, experienced, and qualified. My case was quickly resolved, and I'm very thankful. Extremely happy with the outcome and highly recommend this firm.- Carolina G.
-
"Experience, expertise, and support."I worked with Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law, for two years. Their experience, expertise, and support helped me make the best decision to save my life. I was facing serious time, but it was all adjudicated. They got me out of the worst time of my life. Th- J.D.
-
"Knowledgeable, skilled professionals!"I'm so happy I found these lawyers on the Internet. I was very nervous and scared when I walked into the office, thinking a bad outcome could change my life drastically. They were able to get my case dismissed! I highly recommend Beckham Solis, Attorneys a- Leonel D.
-
"Thanks to their experience and hands on attitude my case was dismissed."
I highly recommended Beckham & Solis, for a top notch professional & straight forward criminal defense representation. They are fast, on point & available at anytime. Thanks to their experience and hands on attitude my case was dismissed. It is a total life changer. Thanks so much to the whole team you are the Best!
- Luis C. -
"Top notch attorneys and staff that are fully committed."
Top notch attorneys and staff that are fully committed to walking you through every step of the legal process. I would recommend this legal powerhouse to anyone who is seriously looking to challenge their case and expecting a positive outcome. Thank you for everything Beckham and Solis!!
- Steve B.
STAY IN THE KNOW
-
The effects of heat and dehydration on your blood alcohol content -
Sleeping in a car while under the influence can get you a DUI
-
Miami’s breakup with spring break and its DUI crackdown
Frequently-Asked QuestionS
-
Can you go to jail for PPP loan fraud?Loan fraud related to the PPP program is a crime. If convicted, you would face up to five years in prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000.
-
Who investigates PPP fraud?The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI investigate possible defrauding of the PPP program. In fact, in 2022 the Justice Department created a special department to investigate and prosecute fraud crimes related to the CARES Act and the federal COVID-19 response in general.
-
How do you know if you’re under investigation for PPP fraud?Your first indication that you are being investigated could be a request for information or a subpoena from the government. Once this happens, you should contact a defense attorney as possible. Even though you have not yet been formally charged, the fact that you are under investigation means your freedom is under potential threat. You need to navigate the process very carefully to preserve your rights and work toward a positive outcome.
-
How does a PPP loan get flagged?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) administered the PPP program and reviewed suspicious applications from business owners. Reasons the SBA might “flag” a loan application and possibly refer it for criminal investigation include:
- The applicant does not appear to be connected to the business they claimed to represent.
- The application contained false information or was missing important details.
- The application fraudulently claimed that the business was eligible for a PPP loan.
- The business seems to have made unauthorized expenditures with its PPP funds, which were supposed to go toward making payroll.
- The business submitted multiple loan applications to several lenders.
Possible signs of one or more of these activities could lead to criminal charges against you and your partners.
