Honest Tampa SBA Loan Fraud Lawyer

Tampa SBA Loan Fraud Attorney

Facing accusations of SBA loan fraud is terrifying and can leave you feeling uncertain. This kind of fraud has landed small business owners in hot water across the country, especially in the years following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ins and outs of an SBA loan can be confusing, and whether you own a restaurant in Ybor City Historic District or run a bar near the Seddon Channel, a Tampa SBA loan fraud lawyer is here to protect your rights and future.

The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC: Protecting You and Your Business

At the core of our practice, The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC, is a firm built on decades of courtroom experience and aggressive trial representation. We have handled over 5,000 criminal and white-collar crime cases, including fraud, and our experience stands as a record of success that few other attorneys can match. When you work with us, we take the time to get to know you and the needs of your case, and we are here to build a defense that can stand up against federal prosecution.

Understanding SBA Loan Fraud in Tampa

In 2023, 59% of all small businesses applied for some kind of loan. In the United States, the Small Business Administration, or the SBA, is an agency run by the federal government that works to provide educational and financial support to small business owners across the country.

The SBA works to come behind small businesses and connect them with grant opportunities and loan lenders through major banking systems. There are a number of popular SBA loan programs available to small business owners in Tampa, including:

• SBA microloans
• SBA export loans
• SBA 7(a), of which Florida has received 36,416
• SBA 504
• Disaster loans

There are a number of ways SBA loan fraud can occur. Certain programs like EIDL loans also come with strict guidelines that business owners need to follow closely. At The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC, we have handled cases of SBA loan fraud originating from the following alleged acts:

• Receiving multiple loans. This fraud offense can occur when a small business owner submits a number of separate applications to a variety of lenders. If you have received multiple loans from different lenders, then you could find yourself facing a serious federal investigation and possible prosecution. 
• Improper use of funds. SBA loan funds are required to be used for specific business -related expenses and other related financial obligations. If it is discovered that you have used your SBA loan for other purposes, such as financial gain, then you could face prosecution from the federal government. 
• The submission of misrepresented materials. Certain SBA loans carry specific requirements that the business owner needs to meet. There are, unfortunately, some applicants who knowingly provide incorrect or misleading information in order to qualify, and they now may be facing criminal charges. 
• Other. Other acts of SBA loan fraud can include obtaining an SBA loan on behalf of a business that does not actually exist, misrepresenting the terms of the loan, or using the loan to pay off existing debts. Facing an SBA OIG investigation can feel overwhelming, but knowing what the process looks like locally helps take away some of the mystery.

How to Defend Against SBA Loan Fraud Accusations

At The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC, we are here to review your SBA loan case and help determine the right course of defense. Picking up on the signs you are under federal investigation early on allows your legal team to start preparing before things escalate. Over the years we have been in service, we have used the following defense strategies in SBA loan fraud cases and have protected countless clients:

• Lack of intent to defraud, arguing that you made an honest mistake or believed that the information you provided was correct
• Good faith reliance, meaning you relied on professionals like accountants, bookkeepers, and loan consultants when applying for the loan
• Insufficient evidence for prosecution, calling into question the validity of any digital evidence, documentation, and the credibility of witnesses

FAQs

Can I Be Charged With SBA Loan Fraud When I Made a Simple Mistake?

Yes, you can be charged with SBA loan fraud even when you have made a simple mistake, as many of these mistakes can trigger investigations. However, it is important to keep in mind that prosecutors need to prove criminal intent to secure a fraud conviction, and your attorney may be able to help distinguish a true error from alleged criminal conduct. 

When Do I Need to Hire a White-Collar Crime Attorney?

In Tampa, as soon as you find out you are being investigated for a white-collar crime, like SBA loan fraud, you need to hire an attorney. Some people grow concerned that hiring an attorney can make them look more suspicious. In reality, having an attorney on your side means you are afforded legal protection. 

What Is the First Step to Take When Facing SBA Loan Fraud Allegations?

When you are facing SBA loan fraud allegations, the first step you need to take is to hire a Tampa SBA loan fraud attorney. You can help your attorney in protecting your rights by gathering all relevant documentation, refraining from posting about the allegations on social media, and making sure not to hide or destroy any possible evidence. 

What Are the Punishments for SBA Loan Fraud?

While SBA loan fraud is typically considered a non-violent crime, the penalties one can face are still severe. If you are convicted of SBA loan fraud in Tampa, you can expect to face lengthy prison terms, sometimes totaling upwards of several decades, and possibly millions of dollars in fines. For individuals with a criminal record, there is also a 30% unemployment rate that they may face. 

Hire an SBA Loan Fraud Lawyer in Tampa Today

If you have been accused of SBA loan fraud in Tampa, you need to hire an SBA loan fraud lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in these situations, and the team at The Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC wants to be there to help. We know this is a stressful and uncertain time. Let us offer you the peace of mind you deserve by handling all the legalities of your case. We invite you to contact our offices by phone or via our online form today and schedule a free consultation.