PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
PPP loan fraud in Howard County, Maryland, is prosecuted under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1344, bank fraud; 18 U.S.C. § 1341, mail fraud; 18 U.S.C. § 1343, wire fraud) and carries severe penalties including up to 30 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County.
Understanding PPP Loan Fraud Under Federal Law
PPP loan fraud involves knowingly making false statements or misrepresentations to obtain Paycheck Protection Program funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Federal prosecutors in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division) pursue these cases under statutes including 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud). Penalties can include up to 30 years in prison, substantial fines, and mandatory restitution. A fraud charge defense lawyer Howard County relies on must understand both federal sentencing guidelines and local court procedures. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | justice.gov
Official Legal References
- 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Bank Fraud) — U.S. Department of Justice (official site)
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud) — U.S. Department of Justice (official site)
Insider Knowledge: How Federal Fraud Cases Proceed in Howard County
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely use grand jury indictments to build PPP fraud cases. We have observed that early engagement with a white collar crime defense lawyer Howard County residents trust can significantly affect outcomes.
- Contact a PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Howard County immediately upon receiving a target letter or subpoena.
- Preserve all documents related to your PPP loan application and use of funds.
- Do not speak with investigators without your attorney present.
- Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office pre-indictment to potentially avoid charges.
- If indicted, your attorney will file pretrial motions challenging the government’s evidence.
- Explore plea negotiations or trial strategy based on the strength of the government’s case.
In Howard County, PPP loan fraud carries severe federal penalties including imprisonment, fines, and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | None directly | Restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release |
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | None directly | Restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release |
| False Statements to SBA (15 U.S.C. § 645) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Restitution, debarment from federal programs |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your PPP Loan Fraud Defense?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. As a white collar crime defense lawyer Howard County, our team understands the details of federal fraud investigations. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects our commitment to providing aggressive representation regardless of jurisdiction.
Kristen M. Fisher
Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), joined the firm in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. She is admitted to the Maryland Bar and Virginia Bar. Her prosecutorial background provides unique insight into how federal fraud cases are built and defended.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 15 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt Division), with access via I-95 and Route 29. Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against PPP loan fraud charges?
Defense strategies for PPP loan fraud in Maryland may include challenging the government’s evidence, examining procedural compliance by federal agents, negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced fraud charge defense lawyer Howard County evaluates the specific facts under federal law to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing PPP loan fraud charges in Howard County?
If facing PPP loan fraud charges in Howard County, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action.
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Last updated: 2026-04-29