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
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Aggravated Battery on an Elderly Person – Charges DismissedAt 4:53 pm officers responded to a disturbance and upon arrival met with the elderly victim who stated that the Defendant and her had gotten into a verbal disagreement which then escalated into a physical altercation. The Defendant had struck the victim with a broom stick, a piece of a door frame and slapped her several times in the face with an open palm. The Defendant also placed a cloth towel into the victim’s mouth and held it there as she began to choke. Victim had an abrasion on her left forearm, lower back pain and shoulder pain. The Defendant was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on an elderly person.
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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.
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Grand Theft, Domestic Violence, and Aggravated Battery – Case DismissedAt 11:30 AM, law enforcement was dispatched in emergency mode in reference to a domestic battery. The officer made contact with the Defendant who stated that he and the victim got into a verbal argument. The victim decided to leave with the child. The victim stated that the Defendant began to argue with her reference to her being pregnant. The victim explained that he got aggressive, grabbed her by the neck and chocked her. The victim also states that he let her go when he noticed she couldn’t breathe. The Defendant was arrested and transported to TGK, charged with Grand Theft, domestic violence strangulation, and aggravated battery on a pregnant woman.
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2nd Degree Murder – Case DismissedAt 7:43 PM, the Defendant who was a Miami-Dade Public Transit employee surrendered at the Miami-Dade Police Department. The Defendant and the victim engaged in a heated verbal dispute over which exit door the victim was supposed to utilize. The victim was belligerent and yelled obscene remarks to the Defendant who remained on the driver’s seat. The victim reached the Defendant driver’s side window and states the Defendant yelled “F****, Die b****, Jesus is going to kill you.” The Defendant proceeded to intentionally drive and steer the bus in the direction of the victim, cause the bus to run over the victim, leaving the victim under the bus. The victim was transported to Aventura Hospital in critical conditions. The victim sustained fractures to his left foot, left acetabular fracture, C5/ 6 interior superior end plate fractures, C4 transverse process fracture, left pulmonary contusions, contusions to the right hip, and abrasions to the right knee. The Defendant was charged with 2nd degree attempted murder.
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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.
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
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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Frequently-Asked QuestionS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.