PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Gloucester County — Federal Defense Strategies
A PPP loan fraud charge in Gloucester County is a serious federal offense prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and businesses accused of misusing Paycheck Protection Program funds. Federal penalties can include decades in prison, massive fines, and forfeiture.
PPP loan fraud allegations in New Jersey fall under federal statutes, including wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344). The charges stem from accusations of falsifying payroll records, misrepresenting business eligibility, or using loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes. The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which includes the Camden courthouse serving Gloucester County, handles these cases. A conviction carries severe consequences under the federal sentencing guidelines.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Laws on PPP Loan Fraud
The primary federal statutes used in PPP loan fraud prosecutions are wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and making false statements to a financial institution (18 U.S.C. § 1014). The CARES Act established the PPP, and violations are pursued as federal crimes. The government must prove you knowingly made a false statement or executed a scheme to defraud to obtain loan funds. Defenses often focus on lack of criminal intent, misunderstanding of rules, or clerical errors.
For the official text of the federal wire fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1343. For New Jersey federal court procedures, visit the U.S. District Court for New Jersey website.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents (FBI, IRS, SBA OIG) may subpoena records or conduct interviews.
- Target Letter or Indictment: You may receive a target letter or be arrested following a grand jury indictment.
- Arraignment & Detention Hearing: You will appear in U.S. District Court, enter a plea, and the court will address bail.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through plea agreements, but we prepare every case for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, considering loss amount and other factors.
Potential Penalties for PPP Loan Fraud
In federal court, PPP loan fraud convictions carry penalties based on the amount of loss, with potential sentences of years in prison and fines into the millions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (organization) | Restitution, Forfeiture, Probation |
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Restitution, Forfeiture, Probation |
| False Statements (18 U.S.C. § 1014) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Restitution, Forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Approach to Federal Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, defends clients in federal matters. Our firm’s experience includes handling cases involving financial documents and government investigations. We analyze the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, such as lack of intent or improper investigation tactics. We work with forensic accountants when necessary to contest alleged loss amounts, which directly drive sentencing.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in federal and state cases. While specific results depend on unique case facts, our strategic approach focuses on challenging evidence and protecting our clients’ rights at every stage. We prepare each case with the diligence required for federal court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Gloucester County, including Woodbury, Washington Township, Deptford, and Monroe Township. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. If you need a fraud charge defense lawyer Gloucester County or a white collar crime defense lawyer Gloucester County, contact us to discuss your situation.
PPP Loan Fraud Defense FAQs
What is PPP loan fraud?
It is a federal crime involving knowingly making false statements or certifying inaccurate information to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan, or using the loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes.
Who investigates PPP loan fraud?
Multiple federal agencies investigate, including the FBI, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), the IRS Criminal Investigation division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
What are common defenses to PPP fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good-faith misunderstanding of the demanding and changing PPP rules, reliance on professional advice, and challenging the accuracy or legality of the evidence gathered.
Can I go to prison for a PPP loan mistake?
Yes. Federal sentencing guidelines for fraud are severe and based largely on the loan amount. Even without malicious intent, prosecutors may pursue charges for false certifications, making a strong defense essential.
Should I speak to investigators if contacted?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a PPP loan fraud lawyer Gloucester County. Anything you say can be used against you.
What happens after a federal indictment?
You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court. The court will address detention or bail. Your attorney will then begin the discovery process, reviewing all evidence the government plans to use against you.
For more information, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Camden County and Burlington County. For other legal needs in Gloucester County, consider our services for business law or civil litigation.
Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.
Gloucester County cases are handled by our Virginia ppp loan fraud practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Gloucester 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 Gloucester County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Gloucester Vicinage (15th Vicinage), 70 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096, telephone (856) 853-3200, 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 Gloucester 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: Gloucester County NJ lawyers directory · PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.