NYC Defense Lawyers

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Attorneys

Reliable Legal Assistance for PPP Loan Issues

At Raiser and Kenniff, P.C., we have seen firsthand how PPP loans have helped many small businesses in the NYC area and across the US. However, since the program has ended, we have also seen the number of PPP fraud allegations rise, and many New York City businesses have been accused of PPP loan fraud without just cause. If this has happened to you or you are struggling with another PPP loan-related issue, we are here to help.

Our law firm has over 100 years of combined experience in nationwide business debt settlement representation and criminal defense. We are here to put our experience to work for you. Contact us online or call (888) 646-0025.

Understanding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a crucial initiative to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provided SBA-backed loans to help companies keep their workforce employed amid the economic downturn caused by the crisis. The loans were designed to cover payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities, ensuring that small businesses could maintain operations and support their employees.  

Notably, the PPP loans were incentivized by the possibility of forgiveness if certain conditions were met, such as retaining employees and using the funds for eligible expenses. After several extensions and modifications to address ongoing needs, the Paycheck Protection Program concluded on May 31, 2021.

Determining Eligibility for PPP Loan Forgiveness

Businesses that received PPP loans can determine their eligibility for loan forgiveness by assessing whether they meet specific criteria. Firstly, at least 60% of the loan proceeds must have been utilized for payroll costs, including salaries, wages, and employee benefits.  

Additionally, businesses must maintain their employee headcount and compensation levels during the covered period to qualify for forgiveness. Any reductions in workforce or pay could proportionately reduce the amount of loan forgiveness.

Moreover, PPP loans feature a low interest rate of 1% and a maturity of five years for any portion that remains unforgiven, making it crucial for businesses to comprehend and meet all forgiveness requirements to minimize financial liabilities.  

What is  PPP Loan Fraud?

PPP loan fraud involves obtaining Paycheck Protection Program funds through deceitful means or using the funds for unauthorized purposes. The U.S. government has intensified efforts to detect and prosecute such fraudulent activities to ensure financial assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.

Common types of PPP loan fraud include:

  • Providing false or misleading information on a PPP loan application.
  • Using a fake identity or stolen personal information to apply for a PPP loan.
  • Applying for multiple PPP loans using different business names or false information.
  • Using a PPP loan for unauthorized purposes, such as personal expenses.
  • Providing false or misleading information on a PPP loan forgiveness application.
  • Creating fake employees and inflating payroll costs to receive a larger loan amount.
  • Creating fake business expenses to receive a larger loan amount.
  • Creating fake documentation to support a PPP loan application or forgiveness application.

Those found guilty of committing PPP loan fraud can face severe consequences, including imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture.  

When to Seek Legal Guidance  

PPP fraud cases are often handled through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Consequently, the stakes are high. If you suspect you are under investigation for PPP fraud, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from a qualified firm like Raiser and Kenniff, P.C.. As a firm serving clients nationwide, we have the skill, resources, and experience to guide you.

Signs you may be under investigation for PPP loan fraud include:  

  • Receiving a subpoena: You or your business may receive a subpoena demanding documents or testimony related to your PPP loan.
  • Contact from law enforcement: Federal agents, such as those from the FBI or SBA-OIG, may contact you directly, seeking interviews or information.
  • Audit or review notification: The SBA or another oversight body may inform you of an audit or review of your PPP loan application and use of funds.
  • Account freezes or seizures: Unexplained freezes or seizures of your bank accounts could indicate that investigators suspect fraudulent activity.
  • Notification of lawsuit: Being named in a civil suit by the Department of Justice or any federal authority for PPP loan-related issues.
  • Unannounced visits: Unexpected visits by government agents to your business or home.

To learn more about how we can help you with PPP loan fraud allegations or charges, call our office at (888) 646-0025 or complete our online contact form. 

About Raiser and Kenniff, P.C.

At Raiser and Kenniff, we pride ourselves on our exceptional experience and dedication to providing top-tier debt settlement legal services to businesses in New York City and across the US. With over 100 years of combined experience, our distinguished team of attorneys has successfully handled a wide array of cases. Our meticulous approach is tailored to each client’s unique needs, enabling us to develop robust strategies in which clients can feel confident.

Our founding partners and award-winning team of attorneys bring a wealth of experience from their backgrounds as prosecutors and defense attorneys, providing our clients dealing with loan fraud allegations a strategic advantage that is hard to find elsewhere. We are committed to being accessible and responsive, offering our clients round-the-clock support to promptly address their questions and concerns.

Client Testimonials

Our Clients Rave About Their Results
  • They were always available quickly, to address my concerns. Having dealt with some law firms before, I really appreciated this.

    “Steven Raiser's law firm handled my case with excellence throughout the process. I had a SBA EIDL loan that got transferred to the Department of Treasury unexpectedly, and had a 30% penalty added to the amount due, and due very quickly, which was very stressful. After talking with Steven Raiser, and working with Harry Gill, who was absolutely brilliant in working with me and preparing the case, they were able to recall the case to the SBA. They were always available quickly, to address my concerns. Having dealt with some law firms before, I really appreciated this.
    Very grateful and appreciative to Steven Raiser and Harry Gill. Great work”

  • They Really Care

    “They treated me wonderfully and helped me out of a bind. I feel that this firm really cares.”

  • Give them a call!

    “Extremely professional and efficient lawyers.”

  • Top-Notch!

    “They go well above and beyond. Highly recommend.”

  • Integrity

    “Thomas Kenniff is a true definition of an attorney and a humanitarian.”




 




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    Our founding partners are both former New York prosecutors who bring unique experience and insights to every case, especially when it comes to going to trial.

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