Arizona SNAP Violation Attorneys

If you are a grocer who accepts EBT payments at your store, there are many rules and regulations of which you are expected to abide. However, no matter how careful you may be, there are times when a potential violation may occur. Whether it’s a rogue employee accepting EBT payments from a person who has not been approved to use them, or perhaps they accept EBT payments in exchange for nonfood items such as tobacco or alcohol. Whatever the case may be, in most situations the USDA will become aware of it and send you a letter stating the alleged violations. Since you will only have 10 days to reply to the USDA, it’s crucial to speak with a SNAP violation lawyer promptly.

How SNAP Benefits are Distributed
Since replacing traditional paper food stamps in the 1990’s, SNAP participants are issued EBT debit cards that have a set amount of money loaded on them each month for food purchases. However, while most people use them for that purpose alone, others choose to commit fraudulent acts by using the cards for cash back services. If this happens at your store, it’s considered a major violation by the USDA and can lead to severe penalties. Known for strictly enforcing the rules and regulations surrounding SNAP, it’s a good bet the USDA will attempt to come down very hard on you and your business. Rather than let this happen, contact a SNAP violation lawyer to discuss the allegations against you and the legal options you may have to prove your innocence.

What is a SNAP Violation?
Unfortunately for retailers, there are many types of SNAP violations that can lead to serious consequences for your business. Whether you are alleged to have submitted false information on your application to accept EBT payments, redeemed more EBT payments than the amount of food actually sold, or taken part in trafficking EBT benefits through fraud or theft, you should never dismiss these allegations and ignore them. By doing so, you are essentially admitting guilt, and can expect to have harsh penalties handed down by the USDA. To keep this from happening, contact a SNAP violation lawyer as soon as possible to get the legal help you’ll need to deal with these complex cases.

How to Defend Against SNAP Violations
When you receive a violation letter from the USDA, you are given only 10 days to respond. If this happens, contact an attorney immediately, since they can handle future communication between you and the USDA. Along with this, they can listen to your side of the story, gather evidence in your favor, and draft a response to the government. If after doing so your initial response is denied, the USDA will grant you 10 days to appeal the decision. Again, your attorney will gather evidence and send a response to the USDA. In many cases the appeal will be denied, but that does not mean the end of your case. Instead, your attorney will take your case to federal court by filing a Judicial Review, where they will then be able to participate in discovery, file motions in your favor, and prepare the case for trial.

SNAP Violation Penalties
No matter whether or not you are innocent of the serious allegations brought against you, never under any circumstances choose to ignore a USDA violation letter or decide you do not need experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. If you do, there’s a good chance you will not only be facing substantial fines and possible disqualification from accepting EBT payments for as long as five years, but your business itself may be in jeopardy of closing. Rather than wait until it’s too late to do anything about your situation, contact a SNAP violation attorney who can do what it takes to clear you of any wrongdoing.

Contact a SNAP Violation Lawyer
Because these cases are very complex and the federal government is determined to make an example of anyone they believe has committed SNAP violations, choosing the attorney can make all the difference. Instead of standing by and letting the federal government decide the future of your business, work closely with a SNAP violation attorney to clear your name.