SBA Loan Fraud Lawyer Maryland, MD

You open your mail and find a letter from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Federal agents have flagged your loan application—maybe the Paycheck Protection Program loan you applied for during the pandemic, or an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Now they want to speak with you. A few days later, you learn that a grand jury has been convened. SBA loan fraud is a federal criminal offense, and a conviction can mean years in federal prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. The moment you suspect you are under investigation, you need experienced counsel. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent individuals across Maryland in SBA loan fraud investigations and prosecutions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Counsel appearing on criminal matters at the local court in Maryland, MD.

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What SBA Loan Fraud Means in Maryland

SBA loan fraud typically involves making false statements or submitting forged documents to obtain a loan or grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Common allegations include inflating payroll numbers, fabricating business revenue, misrepresenting the number of employees, or using loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes. These cases are often investigated by multiple federal agencies—the FBI, the SBA Office of Inspector General, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and sometimes the U.S. Secret Service. In Maryland, prosecutions are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with cases heard in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore or Greenbelt. Because Maryland is home to a high concentration of government contractors, healthcare providers, and small businesses, SBA loan fraud investigations are not uncommon here. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has its Maryland location in Rockville and appears in federal courts throughout the state.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle SBA Loan Fraud Cases

When you contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., an experienced attorney will sit down with you to understand exactly what happened. We review the loan application, supporting documents, and any communications with the SBA or its lenders. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel then analyze the government’s evidence—often through early discovery and proffer sessions—to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Because many SBA fraud charges turn on intent, a central part of the defense is showing that any misstatements were the result of mistake, confusion, or reliance on professional advice rather than a deliberate scheme to defraud. If a resolution before trial is in your best interest, Mr. Sris and his team negotiate with federal prosecutors to secure a favorable plea agreement or a deferred prosecution. And if your case goes to trial, the firm’s extensive trial experience means you have a defense team that is prepared to contest every element of the charge before a jury.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced criminal defense since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he regularly appears in Maryland’s federal and state courts. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team includes seasoned defense attorneys, several of whom have prosecutorial backgrounds. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm serves clients from its Rockville, Maryland location, by appointment. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a private consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SBA loan fraud?

SBA loan fraud is a federal crime that occurs when someone knowingly provides false information or uses deception to obtain or maintain a loan past results do not guarantee a similar outcome by the Small Business Administration. This can include PPP loans, EIDL advances, 7(a) loans, and other SBA programs. The fraud might involve fabricated payroll records, phony tax returns, false certifications about how the funds will be used, or identity theft. Because the loans are federally insured, these cases are prosecuted under federal statutes such as bank fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements to a federal agency.

What are the penalties for SBA loan fraud in Maryland?

Conviction for SBA loan fraud can result in substantial federal prison time, large fines, and orders of restitution. The exact penalty depends on the specific charges, the amount of loss, and the defendant’s criminal history. Federal sentencing guidelines are complex, and prosecutors often seek enhancements for the number of victims or the sophistication of the scheme. In addition to incarceration, a conviction can lead to forfeiture of assets and a long period of supervised release. Because the stakes are so high, it is critical to speak with an attorney as early as possible.

How does the government investigate SBA loan fraud?

Investigations are typically led by the SBA Office of Inspector General, often in coordination with the FBI, the IRS, and other federal agencies. Investigators may subpoena bank records, interview former employees, review tax filings, and execute search warrants. They frequently build a case by analyzing discrepancies between what a borrower reported to the SBA and what was reported to the IRS or state taxing authorities. If you receive a grand jury subpoena or a target letter, the government has likely been gathering evidence for months.

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

Yes. You should retain a lawyer the moment you learn you are under investigation. Anything you say to federal agents can be used against you, and well-meaning attempts to explain your situation often make the case worse. An experienced criminal defense attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, protect your rights, and begin building a defense before charges are filed. In some cases, early intervention by counsel can lead to a declination or a more favorable charging decision.

What should I do if I receive a target letter from the SBA Office of Inspector General?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak with investigators without counsel present. A target letter means the government has substantial evidence linking you to a crime and intends to seek an indictment. Preserve all relevant documents, including loan applications, email correspondence, and accounting records, but do not destroy anything—obstruction of justice carries separate, severe penalties. Your attorney will help you navigate the next steps, which may include a proffer session, plea negotiations, or preparing for trial.

Can an attorney help me negotiate a favorable resolution without a trial?

Yes, many SBA loan fraud cases are resolved through plea agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, or pretrial diversion. The government may be willing to reduce charges or recommend a lower sentence if you accept responsibility early, cooperate with the investigation, or make restitution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have experience negotiating with federal prosecutors in Maryland and can evaluate whether a non-trial disposition is realistic in your case.

What is the role of intent in an SBA loan fraud case?

Intent is often the central disputed issue in SBA loan fraud prosecutions. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted knowingly and with the intent to defraud. If you made a good-faith mistake, relied on inaccurate information from an accountant or loan preparer, or misunderstood complex SBA regulations, you may have a viable defense. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel carefully examine the evidence to determine whether the government can truly prove fraudulent intent.

How do I find an SBA loan fraud lawyer in Maryland?

Look for a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling federal fraud cases and who is familiar with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. You want counsel who understands how SBA programs work and who can challenge voluminous financial evidence. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been representing individuals in federal criminal matters since 1997. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.

Official resources:
Maryland Criminal Law Article |
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland |
SBA Office of Inspector General

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.