PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense Strategy
If you are under investigation for PPP loan fraud in Bergen County, you face serious federal charges. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is governed by federal law, and allegations of fraud are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. A PPP loan fraud lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal PPP Loan Fraud Statutes and Penalties
PPP loan fraud is not a single crime but a series of potential federal offenses. Charges typically arise under statutes like wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), making false statements to a financial institution (18 U.S.C. § 1014), and making false statements to the SBA (15 U.S.C. § 645). The core allegation is that an applicant knowingly provided false information—about payroll, employee count, or business necessity—to obtain or forgive a PPP loan.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | Federal statutes are codified by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
Official Government Resources
For the official text of federal fraud statutes, visit the U.S. Code (official government site). For information on the U.S. District Court handling these cases in New Jersey, see the District of New Jersey court website.
handling a Federal PPP Fraud Case in Bergen County
Federal investigations often begin with a subpoena or search warrant executed by agencies like the FBI, IRS, or SBA Office of Inspector General. The case will be prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has divisions in Newark, Trenton, and Camden. The process is markedly different from state court, with strict procedural rules and severe sentencing guidelines.
- Initial Investigation: You may receive a subpoena for documents or an agent may contact you. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The prosecutor presents evidence to a federal grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: If indicted, you will be arraigned. The court will also determine if you will be released pending trial.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your defense lawyer will review all evidence and may file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which can mandate prison time.
Potential Penalties for Federal Loan Fraud
In Bergen County, PPP loan fraud prosecuted federally carries severe penalties, including decades in prison and fines into the millions of dollars.
| Charge (U.S. Code) | Maximum Incarceration | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | 20 years | $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, forfeiture |
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | 30 years | $1,000,000 | Restitution, forfeiture |
| False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1014) | 30 years | $1,000,000 | Restitution |
| Major Fraud Against U.S. (18 U.S.C. § 1031) | 10 years | $1,000,000 | Restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your PPP Loan 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 every case. We understand that a federal fraud charge defense lawyer Bergen County must be adept at dissecting financial records and challenging the government’s evidence. Our approach is direct and strategic, focusing on the specific details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.
Our Approach to Federal White Collar Defense
As a seasoned white collar crime defense lawyer Bergen County trusts, our strategy involves immediate action. We analyze the application materials, bank communications, and use of funds. We explore defenses such as lack of intent, misunderstanding of the rules, or good-faith errors. In federal court, having an attorney who understands the sentencing guidelines and can negotiate effectively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office is critical. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. | Bergen County Federal Defense
New Jersey Location
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Bergen County. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We provide 24/7 phone consultations—call (888) 437-7747—with meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, and Ridgewood.
PPP Loan Fraud Defense FAQs
What should I do if the FBI contacts me about my PPP loan?
Do not answer any questions. Politely state you wish to speak with your attorney and immediately contact a PPP loan fraud lawyer Bergen County. Anything you say can be used against you.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on my PPP application?
It depends. Prosecution requires proof of willful falsehood, not an honest mistake. A fraud charge defense lawyer Bergen County can argue lack of criminal intent by showing you acted in good faith, perhaps based on misunderstood guidance.
What are common defenses against PPP fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent, good-faith reliance on professional advice, ambiguous program rules, and improper investigation tactics. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Bergen County can evaluate which defenses apply to your case.
How long does a federal PPP fraud case take?
From investigation to resolution, a case can take 1 to 3 years. The Speedy Trial Act sets formal timelines after an indictment, but fraud cases often have extensions. Early legal intervention can sometimes shorten the process.
What is the role of a federal public defender in these cases?
If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court may appoint a federal public defender or a CJA panel attorney. They are often very capable, but a private PPP loan fraud lawyer Bergen County can typically provide more dedicated, individualized attention and resources.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal allegations, our firm also handles federal criminal defense in Bergen County. For state-level financial allegations, see our Bergen County criminal defense page.
Back to Hub: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer
Nearby Federal Defense: We also represent clients in Hunterdon County and Morris County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. The law changes. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on ppp loan fraud charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.