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Food Stamp Fraud Lawyer in New York City

Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx & Staten Island

As a food stamp fraud lawyer in New York City, I've helped many families out of difficult situations. My clients are typically accused of not reporting income or not reporting the man of the household on their application and recertification for welfare benefits.

If you were contacted by the Department of Social Services Bureau of Fraud Investigation, the most important thing to do is to not panic and not call the investigator. Instead, it makes sense to discuss the situation with an attorney. The consultation is free.

If you would like to discuss your case with me personally, feel free to call me anytime at 212-233-1233. I am a private attorney. I don't work for the government. Everything you say to me is confidential by law.

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Food Stamp Fraud Lawyer

Don't Wait: Food Stamp Fraud Cases Escalate Quickly

Warning Sign #1

A letter from the Bureau of Fraud Investigation that can lead to criminal charges if ignored

Warning Sign #2

Investigators conducting home visits or interviews when they already have evidence against you

Warning Sign #3

Investigators building a case that they can refer to the District Attorney's office

Don't risk criminal charges, jail time, or permanent records that can affect employment and housing.

Talk to an Attorney Now

Why Hire Us as Your Food Stamp Fraud Attorney

Our Perfect Record

100%

Success Rate

0

No Clients Arrested

0

No Clients Sent to Jail

0

No DA Escalations

0

No IPV Penalties

Our Service

With us, you'll have peace of mind knowing we have a 100% record of success.

  • We take care of the entire case from start to finish
  • Our flat fee includes the entire representation
  • We stand by our clients and provide 100% support throughout the process
Showing SNAP letter to attorney

Our Track Record of Success

With over 15 years of experience handling food stamp fraud cases in New York City, we've successfully helped hundreds of New Yorkers navigate SNAP fraud investigations. Our firm has developed trusted relationships with most investigators and supervisors in the system.

Our record of past results speaks for itself:

  • None of our clients have gone to jail
  • None of our clients had their case escalated to the District Attorney's office
  • None of our clients received an IPV (Intentional Program Violation) penalty
  • None of our clients have been arrested
  • None of our clients has gotten a criminal record or arrest record from their SNAP case
  • None of our clients have been reported to their employer (even clients working for the City of New York or NYPD)
  • None of our clients have been reported to immigration authorities

How We Work With Clients

We understand that going through a food stamp fraud investigation is stressful. That's why we make our process as convenient and supportive as possible:

  • We communicate through email, phone, and text messages
  • We offer video conferencing through our website
  • We provide easy scheduling through our online calendar
  • We handle all communications with investigators
  • We handle all paperwork and documentation
  • We handle all negotiations on your behalf
  • We keep you informed throughout the process

While we believe our services are excellent, you don't have to hire us—there are many good SNAP fraud attorneys in New York City. What's most important is that you have professional legal representation during this challenging process.

Our Process: What to Expect When You Hire Us as Your Food Stamp Fraud Lawyer

  1. 1

    Free Initial Consultation (Same Day)

    We'll discuss your specific situation, review any letters you've received, and explain your options. You'll understand exactly where you stand legally and what outcomes are possible for your case.

  2. 2

    Case Assessment & Strategy (1-2 Days)

    After hiring us, we immediately contact the investigators to halt any direct communication with you. We then assess your case, determine the best defense strategy, and begin preparing necessary documents.

  3. 3

    Representation & Negotiation (2-8 Weeks)

    We handle all communications with investigators, attend any required meetings (you will only have to attend the final settlement meeting), gather and present evidence in your favor, and negotiate for the best possible outcome. You'll receive regular updates throughout this process.

  4. 4

    Case Resolution & Follow-up

    We finalize your case with the best possible resolution. If repayment is required, we negotiate payment plans when possible. We ensure all paperwork is properly filed and provide guidance on any follow-up actions you may need to take.

We resolve most cases within 2-3 months without any criminal charges or court appearances.

Start Your Defense Today

Free Consultation - Act Now Before Your Case Escalates

Every day matters. Investigators are building their case right now.

Food stamp fraud investigations can move quickly. The Bureau of Fraud Investigation won't wait, and neither should you. Get professional legal representation before it's too late.

✅ Same-day consultations available
✅ We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours
✅ Most clients see immediate relief from investigator contact

Get Your Free Consultation Now

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Food Stamp Fraud FAQ

Common questions about food stamp fraud investigations in New York City, based on our extensive experience helping clients through this process.

Can a food stamp fraud lawyer in New York City really beat an investigation?

There are ways to beat a food stamp fraud investigation. We have a successful track record of helping clients resolve their investigations without criminal charges. Our approach includes some of the following strategies:

9 Things We Always Do:

  • Act quickly to protect your rights
  • Communicate with investigators as your legal representative
  • Analyze all evidence thoroughly
  • Challenge improper evidence collection
  • Present mitigating circumstances
  • Negotiate favorable resolutions
  • Keep your information confidential
  • Protect you from self-incrimination
  • Secure the best possible outcome

5 Things Our Clients Should Never Do:

  • Never speak to investigators without your attorney
  • Never sign any documents they present
  • Never provide additional information unless advised by counsel
  • Never consent to searches without legal advice
  • Never ignore official notices or letters

If I just ignore the letters, will the case go away?

If you've received a letter from the Bureau of Fraud Investigation, ignoring it is never the solution. The investigation won't simply disappear—continued neglect of these communications can lead to your case being escalated to the District Attorney's Office with potentially severe consequences.

The best way to resolve a food stamp investigation is to have a food stamp fraud lawyer handle it for you. Food stamp fraud lawyers are trained to protect your rights.

If you have received a letter from the Bureau of Fraud Investigation, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful resolution.

Reading SNAP letter

Questions About the Investigators

Should I contact the investigator?

In my opinion, it is best not to contact the investigator. They are trained to get you to provide incriminating information that can be used against you in court. If you talk to the investigator, they will ask to provide more information and will ask to provide documents. They will continue working the case until they build enough of a case to take to court and secure a criminal conviction.

Food Stamp Fraud Lawyer Investigator in New York City

A food stamp fraud investigator is not an easy person to deal with. They have many strategies to make you talk.

They may or may not ultimately settle the case with no criminal liability. But one thing is for sure - they like to build a strong criminal case against you, and they will do their best to do so. Which is something that you would rather do without.

I already talked to the investigator. Am I in big trouble?

If you already talked to the investigator, it's not the end of the world, and there is no need to despair. But speak to a food stamp fraud attorney as soon as you can, to have the best strategy to remedy the situation.

Should I tell the investigator that I'm hiring an attorney?

If a Department of Social Services investigator tries to contact you, you can simply tell them that you cannot talk to them. There is no need to worry about disappointing the investigator. They understand that remaining silent is your right.

What kind of evidence do they already have against me?

Here is the kind of evidence the Department of Social Services investigator typically already has:

  • Records of everyone who resides in your household
  • Records of everyone's income, from tax returns and employment records
  • Records of everyone's assets, from bank statements and deeds
  • Copies of leases
  • DMV records
  • Records of everyone's addresses and actual physical place of residence and employment
  • Records of usage of the benefits card, including date, time and location
  • Photos, videos and recordings
  • Social media information
  • Public records from various agencies

Investigator Strategies

An investigator has years of training and experience that you do not have. They have many strategies at their disposal:

  • They can pretend to be friendly
  • They can lie to you
  • They can threaten you
  • They will try to get you to reveal incriminating information
  • They can detain you
  • They can show their true face and let you know what kind of trouble you're really in
  • They can work in pairs and play good cop-bad cop
  • They can make you sign a statement
  • They will record everything you say
  • They can testify to what you've said
  • They have the time to be persistent

What NOT To Do

And what strategies do you have? None. Here's what we tell our clients not to do:

  • Do not talk to the investigator
  • Do not be friendly with them
  • Do not cry
  • Do not give them excuses
  • Do not try to show them that you're a real person, not a criminal from TV
  • Do not think that if you're honest and provide incriminating information, they will let you go
  • Do not tell them you're a single mom
  • Do not beg for their sympathy
  • Do not tell them you didn't know
  • Do not tell them someone else told you to fill out the application this way

If you continue talking to the investigators, you will crack under pressure. Everyone does.

Legal Consequences & Penalties

Will I go to jail?

Some people have gone to jail for food stamp fraud. But that does not mean that you will. What this does mean is that you should speak to a food stamp fraud lawyer immediately and discuss your legal strategy. Since food stamp fraud is a crime, Department of Social Services investigations can be escalated and referred to the District Attorney's office by the Department of Social Services investigator. It is crucial to hire a Food stamp fraud lawyer who is familiar with criminal investigations, in order to increase your chances of a good defense.

What is the penalty for food stamp fraud?

New York Penal Law 155 describes the sentencing guidelines for someone committing Food stamp fraud. The sentence depends on the total amount received. For most people, the amount received from food stamp is between over $3,000 and under $50,000, which according to the guidelines can carry a sentence of up to seven years in jail.

If you are prosecuted by the District Attorney's office and get sentenced, then you will not only have to go to jail but would also have to pay back the benefits received as restitution.

Food Stamp Fraud Sentencing Guidelines

Amount Received Degree of Welfare Fraud Felony Class Penalty
$1,000 - $3,000 Fourth Degree Class E Felony up to 4 years in prison
$3,000 - $50,000 Third Degree Class D Felony up to 7 years in prison

Do I have to pay back the benefits?

The important thing to remember is that the priority is to avoid criminal liability. Having said that, the amount of payback is also important. In some cases, especially when the total amount is very high, and the beneficiary's eligibility is questionable but plausible, reducing the amount owed for money expended by the Department of Social Services for food stamp benefits may be possible.

If we can prove to the Department of Social Services that you were eligible in the first place, then it may be possible to avoid benefit payback, and it may be possible to keep your services and benefits. However, most investigated cases have a solid foundation and are difficult to challenge in a significant way.

Can I pay back in installments?

The investigation department's priority is to collect as much as they can with as much of it upfront as possible. It is possible in some cases to enter into an installment agreement, with assistance from an experienced food stamp fraud lawyer.

Can I reapply for benefits later?

If you do not have an intentional program violation (IPV), you can go to your local food stamp office and reapply if you have just become eligible, even if you were not eligible before.

Household Related Questions

If a person does not reside in the household, can the department investigation still say that they do?

Even if you claim that a person does not reside in the household, the Human Resource Administration Bureau of Fraud Investigation administration can still consider them to be a part of the household and target them as a part of the food stamp investigation process. We often see a person not listed as part of the household receiving a food stamp investigator letter as well.

A children's father is considered to be a part of the household often just by virtue of being the father, and often with the following additional factors:

  • Spends time in the household
  • Married to the mother of the children
  • Lists the household address on his tax returns
  • Claims children as dependents
  • Claims the mother of the children as a dependent
  • Has his name on the deed, lease or the utility bills
  • Provides material support for the family

We're separated living together?

We live together, but I am of the opinion that we form separate households, we are two different families, why is the Department of Social Services saying that we are in one household?

The DSS views everyone living in the household as being the same household, even if the people themselves don't consider themselves that way. The Department of Social Services would be especially concerned if the people in the house are related – let's say, grandmother or uncle. It's different if people are just roommates. In a situation where there is a family, especially where the father of the children is not listed on an application or recertification, a fraud investigation is a frequent occurrence.

Attorney Albert Goodwin

About the Author

Albert Goodwin, Esq. is a licensed New York attorney with over 15 years of experience handling food stamp fraud and Medicaid investigations and protecting clients' rights in NYC. His extensive knowledge of HRA and DSS regulations and investigation procedures has helped numerous clients successfully resolve their cases.

He can be reached at 212-233-1233 or [email protected].

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Recognition & Credentials

Albert Goodwin gave interviews to and appeared on the following media outlets:

ProPublica Forbes ABC CNBC CBS NBC News Discovery Wall Street Journal NPR

Client Reviews

Verified feedback from our clients

Mr. Goodwin is everything you want in an attorney: professional, honest, thorough, and genuinely caring. He always explains things clearly, so I understood exactly what was happening and what to expect next. His attention to detail and persistence really stood out. Looking back, I feel lucky to have found him. He guided me through the whole process expertly, and I deeply appreciate all his hard work. Would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.

Sarah M

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Thanks to Mr. Albert Goodwin's hard work and smart thinking, I finally won my case, which has been a long time coming. He figured out solutions that no one else could see. I'm really impressed by his strong ethics - something that's rare these days. As my lawyer, he went above and beyond what I expected. I'm so grateful I found him and would definitely recommend him to anyone needing legal help.

Lawrence H

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From our first meeting, I knew I was in great hands with Albert and his associate Katrina. They handled my case with incredible skill and efficiency, even though they took it over from another firm. What impressed me most was how quickly Albert responded to my questions with honest, clear answers - no sugarcoating, just straight talk. They managed a huge workload under tight deadlines, and their fees were very reasonable for such high-quality work. Beyond his legal expertise, Albert's wit and personality made a difficult process much easier to handle. I'm deeply grateful for their hard work and would absolutely choose them again. If you need legal help in New York, you won't find better representation than Albert's firm.

Adam F

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