PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Near Me

If you are searching for a PPP loan fraud lawyer, you may be facing a federal investigation, a grand jury subpoena, or a criminal charge arising from a Paycheck Protection Program loan application. Federal prosecutors treat PPP loan fraud as a priority enforcement area, and the United States Department of Justice has dedicated task forces focusing on CARES Act fraud across the country. Conviction under the applicable federal statutes—including wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, and false statements to a financial institution under 18 U.S.C. § 1014—can result in substantial terms of imprisonment, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, represents individuals and business owners under federal investigation for PPP loan fraud in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For a confidential consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What PPP Loan Fraud Means in Federal Court

The Paycheck Protection Program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for payroll and certain operating expenses. The program was administered by the Small Business Administration, with participating banks and financial institutions processing applications and disbursing funds. Because the program moved quickly and relied heavily on borrower self-certifications, federal investigators have since identified a substantial number of applications containing alleged misrepresentations.

PPP loan fraud allegations typically involve claims that an applicant misrepresented the number of employees, inflated payroll costs, fabricated tax documents, applied for multiple loans across different lenders, or used loan proceeds for ineligible expenses. In the federal system, these cases are investigated by agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, and the SBA Office of Inspector General. Prosecutions are brought by the United States Attorney’s Office in the district where the alleged conduct occurred—in Maryland, that means the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, sitting in Baltimore or Greenbelt.

Federal criminal charges related to PPP loan fraud carry significant potential penalties. Wire fraud and bank fraud each carry a maximum term of thirty years of imprisonment, though actual sentences are determined by the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the particular facts of each case. Charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1014 for false statements to a financial institution carry a maximum term of thirty years. Additionally, federal prosecutors routinely seek forfeiture of assets traceable to the alleged fraud, including real property, bank accounts, and business assets. There is no parole in the federal system, and early engagement with experienced defense counsel can materially affect the trajectory of a case, including the possibility of a pre-indictment resolution.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle PPP Loan Fraud Cases

Federal fraud investigations often begin well before charges are filed. You may first learn of an investigation through a grand jury subpoena directed to your business, a search warrant executed at your home or place of business, a formal target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, or contact from a federal agent. Each of these events calls for an immediate and strategic response. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to engage early in the investigation, seeking to understand the scope of the government’s inquiry, preserve relevant documents, and communicate with prosecutors in a manner that protects the client’s interests without creating additional exposure.

Once charges are filed, the case proceeds through the federal criminal process: initial appearance and arraignment before a United States Magistrate Judge, pretrial motions including evidentiary challenges and discovery motions, plea negotiations under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and if necessary, trial before a United States District Judge. The sentencing phase in federal court is governed by the advisory Sentencing Guidelines, and effective advocacy at sentencing requires a thorough understanding of the guideline calculations, including potential upward and downward departures, the role of acceptance of responsibility, and the possibility of a variance under the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). Mr. Sris brings a background in accounting and information systems to financial fraud matters, which can be particularly relevant in cases involving loan applications, payroll records, and tax documentation. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional experience across multiple federal districts.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings experience in criminal trial work and a background in accounting and information systems that applies directly to complex financial and technology-related cases. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris maintains a limited personal caseload to allow meaningful involvement in each matter he accepts.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced litigators who collaborate with Mr. Sris on federal criminal defense matters across all five jurisdictions. Each Of Counsel attorney brings over a decade of practice experience, contributing to a collaborative approach that draws on diverse perspectives from prior prosecutorial roles, law enforcement backgrounds, and extensive courtroom advocacy. For a confidential consultation about a PPP loan fraud matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PPP loan fraud?

PPP loan fraud refers to federal criminal charges alleging that an individual or business made false statements or submitted fraudulent documentation to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan under the CARES Act. Common allegations include misrepresenting payroll expenses, fabricating the number of employees, submitting false tax records, or using loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes. These cases are prosecuted under federal fraud statutes including wire fraud, bank fraud, and false statements to financial institutions. The government has devoted substantial investigative resources to PPP fraud enforcement, and charges can carry significant penalties under the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Do I need a lawyer if I am under investigation for PPP loan fraud?

Yes—you should seek legal representation immediately if you learn of a federal investigation into a PPP loan application you submitted or certified. Federal investigators may contact you directly, serve a grand jury subpoena on your business, or execute a search warrant. Speaking with agents before consulting an attorney can create additional exposure, even when you believe you have done nothing wrong. Early engagement with defense counsel allows for a strategic response to the investigation and may create opportunities to resolve the matter before charges are filed. For a confidential consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What federal agencies investigate PPP loan fraud?

Multiple federal agencies investigate PPP loan fraud, including the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, and the SBA Office of Inspector General. These agencies work through task forces and coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the district where the alleged conduct occurred. Investigations may involve forensic accounting, review of bank records, analysis of tax filings, and interviews of employees, business partners, and other witnesses. The scope and duration of an investigation depend on the complexity of the alleged scheme and the amount of loan funds involved.

What are the potential penalties for PPP loan fraud in federal court?

Federal PPP loan fraud charges carry substantial potential penalties, including imprisonment, fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture. Wire fraud and bank fraud each carry a statutory maximum of thirty years of imprisonment, though actual sentences are determined under the advisory Sentencing Guidelines. Conviction also typically requires full restitution of the loan proceeds, and prosecutors may seek forfeiture of property traceable to the alleged fraud. There is no parole in the federal system. The specific sentencing exposure in any case depends on factors including the loss amount, the defendant’s role in the alleged offense, and whether any aggravating factors apply.

Can PPP loan fraud charges be resolved before trial?

Yes, many federal criminal cases resolve through plea negotiations, pretrial motions, or pre-indictment resolutions rather than proceeding to trial. In PPP loan fraud cases, early engagement with prosecutors may lead to a resolution that addresses the government’s concerns while mitigating potential penalties. Possible outcomes include deferred prosecution agreements, plea agreements to reduced charges, or in some cases, declination of prosecution. The specific resolution options depend on the facts of the case, the strength of the government’s evidence, and the quality of the advocacy on behalf of the client. Results may vary.

How do I find a PPP loan fraud lawyer near me?

When searching for a PPP loan fraud lawyer, look for an attorney with experience practicing in federal court and familiarity with the federal criminal process in the district where your case is pending. Because PPP loan fraud is prosecuted federally, local state-court criminal defense experience may not translate to the distinct procedures, sentencing guidelines, and pretrial practices of the federal system. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in federal criminal matters across Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

For additional information on federal criminal defense, visit our Maryland federal criminal defense page or our multi-state federal practice overview. You may also find relevant information on Virginia federal criminal defense.

Outbound authority references: 18 U.S.C. § 1343 — Federal Wire Fraud Statute | 18 U.S.C. § 1344 — Federal Bank Fraud Statute | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

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Last reviewed: July 2026