PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Mercer County — Federal Fraud Charge Defense

If you are under investigation for PPP loan fraud in Mercer County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud) and § 1344 (bank fraud). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against allegations of misusing Paycheck Protection Program funds. Our PPP loan fraud lawyer Mercer County team, led by Mr.

Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature

Federal PPP Loan Fraud Statutes and Penalties

PPP loan fraud is prosecuted under multiple federal statutes, primarily as wire fraud, bank fraud, or making false statements to a financial institution. The core law is the federal wire fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1343, which criminalizes schemes to defraud using interstate wire communications. Since PPP applications and disbursements were processed electronically, this statute is commonly applied. Charges can also be brought under 18 U.S.C. § 1014 for false statements on loan applications or 18 U.S.C. § 1344 for bank fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice has prioritized investigating fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs, making these cases a high-stakes federal matter.

Potential penalties are severe. A conviction for wire or bank fraud can result in up to 30 years in federal prison and fines of up to $1,000,000 per count. The court will also order restitution for the full loan amount, plus forfeiture of any assets purchased with the funds. Sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loan amount, the defendant’s role, and other factors.

Official Legal Resources

For the official text of the federal wire fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1343 on the Legal Information Institute’s .gov site. For information on the U.S. District Court in New Jersey where these cases are tried, visit the District of New Jersey court website.

handling a Federal PPP Fraud Investigation in Mercer County

Federal investigations for PPP loan fraud in Mercer County typically begin with subpoenas for records from the SBA, your bank, or your business. Agents from the FBI, IRS, or SBA Office of Inspector General may conduct interviews. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, often out of the Newark or Trenton divisions. The court is the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Early intervention by a PPP loan fraud lawyer Mercer County is critical, as strategies to challenge the government’s evidence or negotiate a resolution must begin before an indictment is filed.

1. Secure immediate legal counsel upon learning of any investigation or subpoena.
2. Preserve all business, bank, and tax records related to the PPP loan and its use.
3. Do not speak to federal agents or investigators without your attorney present.
4. Your attorney will analyze the application and fund usage to identify defenses.
5. We will engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating evidence early.
6. Prepare a strong defense strategy for potential indictment, plea negotiations, or trial.

In Mercer County, a federal PPP loan fraud conviction can lead to decades in prison, massive fines, and mandatory restitution under 18 U.S.C. § 1343.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Fraud Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal cases like PPP fraud. We understand that these charges threaten your liberty, finances, and reputation. Our approach is to meticulously dissect the government’s case, challenge the evidence of intent to defraud, and explore all avenues for a favorable resolution, whether through pre-indictment negotiation, motion practice, or trial.

Our Approach to PPP Loan Fraud Cases

Our defense strategy begins with a complete forensic review. We examine your PPP application, the supporting documentation you submitted, and every transaction involving the loan proceeds. The central issue in most cases is intent. We work to demonstrate that any errors were mistakes, not a willful scheme to defraud. In one firm-wide matter handled by our team, we successfully argued for a substantial downward departure at sentencing by presenting evidence of the client’s prior legitimate business operations and community standing. Results may vary. For a fraud charge defense lawyer Mercer County residents can rely on, our team provides aggressive and informed representation.

Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Mercer County, including Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing, and Lawrence. We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, and the NJ Turnpike. As a dedicated PPP loan fraud lawyer Mercer County and surrounding areas trust, we offer strategic defense close to home.

PPP Loan Fraud Defense FAQs

For more information on related defenses, see our page on New Jersey Criminal Defense. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Hunterdon County and Somerset County. If you are facing other federal allegations, our Mercer County federal criminal lawyer team can help.

Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.