Spodek Law Group

Brooklyn Food Stamp Fraud Lawyers

The food stamp program is a way for people who don’t have a job or who are experiencing financial difficulties to get food for the family. Most of the time, it’s a temporary type of assistance until the person is able to get back to work. A review is submitted by the person receiving food stamps at least once a year. Most states require a review to be submitted every six months. When someone applies for food stamps or submits a review, there are some ways that the person can be charged with food stamp fraud. There are also actions that the person can take with the food stamp benefits that are received that can result in fraud charges.

Most of the time, food stamp fraud occurs when someone exchanges the benefits that are received for money. The money is then used for everything from toiletries for the home to drugs depending on what the person needs or wants to purchase. When someone commits this kind of act, it’s called trafficking and is often punished in a manner that is more severe than if someone were to lie on an application. Another type of fraud that occurs with food stamps is when someone gives false information on an application or a review in order to obtain more benefits. Retailers can also be found guilty of food stamp fraud if they continue to accept this form of payment when the retailer has been disqualified from the food stamp program.

When someone receives food stamp benefits, the amount is to be used to purchase food for the home. It’s not to be spent on items like beer, wine, cigarettes or toiletries. However, some people might exchange the benefits for cash so that they can get these items. This is a common form or fraud. Trafficking charges can result in disqualification from the food stamp program and being ordered to repay the amount that was received. The person can also be sentenced to jail or probation depending on the amount and the criminal history.

Another common type of food stamp fraud is when someone initially applies for benefits or submits a review and gives false information. Several details can be altered on the application that could result in the person getting food stamps when they shouldn’t or getting more benefits than they should receive. The person can claim less income to make it look as though there isn’t as much money coming into the home, which would result in a higher benefit amount. The person could also claim that there are more people living in the home than there really are, which would mean that the income bracket would increase. Even though social security cards are needed for each person on the application, the applicant can find friends who are willing to give their information in exchange for money or a portion of the benefit amount.

A Brooklyn food stamp fraud attorney can guide you through the process of the charges and submit information to explain what happened with the case. At times, the attorney might be able to find that a mistake has been made in filing the application and processing the information. If you are found guilty, the attorney can try to keep you out of jail by pleading for probation. You will likely not be able to apply for food stamps in the future, and you will usually have to pay back any amount that you fraudulently received.