# SNAP Violation Attorneys > (833) 762-7529 --- ## Pages - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://usda.attorney/frequently-asked-questions/): Frequently Asked Questions SNAP Violation Defense Charge Letters and Initial Allegations Expand What is a SNAP violation? A SNAP violation... - [SNAP Violation Letter](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-letter/) - [SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-2/): Proven results, superior knowledge and experienced SNAP Violation Attorney with Metropolitan Law Group. Learn about your case and how to protect your store. - [Legal News & Updates](https://usda.attorney/legal-news-updates/) - [SNAP Violation Attorney - SNAP Trafficking Attorney](https://usda.attorney/): Proven SNAP Defense results, expert knowledge: SNAP Violation Attorneys with Metropolitan Law Group. Learn about your case and how to protect your store. - [Madera California SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/madera-california-snap-violation-attorney/): Expert California SNAP Violation Attorney - Hire an Expert to Protect Your Store from SNAP Violations &Disqualifications. Free Consult Today. - [Montgomery Alabama SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/montgomery-alabama-snap-violation-attorney/): Expert SNAP Violation Attorney - Hire an Expert to Protect Your Store from SNAP Violations and Disqualifications. Free Consultations Today - [Merced California SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/merced-california-snap-violation-attorney/): Expert SNAP Violation Attorney - Hire an Expert to Protect Your Store from SNAP Violations and Disqualifications. Free Consultations Today - [Detroit SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/detroit-snap-violation-attorney/): SNAP Trafficking Defense: Beat the Odds A Detroit, Michigan SNAP Retailer There were 1,372 transactions listed in the EBT Analysis... - [Agriculture Lawyer](https://usda.attorney/agriculture-lawyer/): Our Agriculture Lawyers have worked with the USDA for years in administrative matters, and have experience litigating insurance disputes. We can help today. - [What is SNAP Trafficking? Here is what you need to know:](https://usda.attorney/snap-trafficking-everything-you-need-to-know/): SNAP Trafficking guide book for retailers who have been accused of trafficking. Our expert attorney can help your store prevent a permanent disqualification - [Noninsured Crop Claims](https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-claim/): Noninsured Crop Claims denial? Our Agriculture Attorneys can help appeal your case. Nationwide representation and free consultations daily. Learn more today - [SNAP Violation: Avoid Permanent Disqualification](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation/): SNAP Violation cases are specialized. Trust your case and your store to the most accomplished SNAP Violation firm in the country. Learn more about your case - [EBT Retailer Application](https://usda.attorney/ebt-retailer-application/): Complete this online application to start the process of getting your store an EBT license today! Our experience will help your store's application. - [Noninsured Crop Disaster Free Consultation](https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-disaster-free-consultation/): If you have a noninsured crop disaster assistance program claim, get a free consultation with our Agriculture Law attorneys today. Click for more info. - [Non-Insured Crop Disaster (NAP) Claims](https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-disaster-attorney/): Has the USDA denied your NAP claim? Our Non-Insured Crop Disaster Attorneys can appeal your case and help get the award you deserve. Learn more about us. - [National Resource Conservation Service](https://usda.attorney/national-resource-conservation-service/) - [USDA National Appeal Division](https://usda.attorney/usda-national-appeal-division/) - [Insights](https://usda.attorney/insights/): Legal Insights SNAP & EBT Fraud Defense for Minnesota Store Owners By Mariah Corpus | May 14, 2026 When the... - [About Us](https://usda.attorney/our-usda-snap-firm/): About Our Firm A Full Service USDA SNAP Firm The attorneys with Metropolitan Law Group have unique experience with USDA... - [SNAP Violations](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations/): SNAP Violation Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation?... - [SNAP Violations in Florida](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-florida/): SNAP Violations Facing a SNAP violation, EBT trafficking charge, or Civil Money Penalty from the federal government? Our experienced SNAP... - [SNAP Violations in Georgia](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-georgia/): SNAP Violations in Georgia Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice... - [SNAP Violations in Texas](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-texas/): SNAP Violations in Texas Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice... - [SNAP Violations in California](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-california/): SNAP Violations in California Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice... - [SNAP Violations in Illinois](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-illinois/): SNAP Violations in Illinois Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice... - [SNAP Violations in Pennsylvania](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-pennsylvania/): SNAP Violations in Pennsylvania Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice... - [SNAP Violations in New York](https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-new-york/): SNAP Violations in New York Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a... - [SNAP Violation Defense Free Consultation](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-defense-free-consultation/): SNAP Violation Defense Free Consultation - [Our Team](https://usda.attorney/our-team/): Meet Our Team Andrew Tapp, ESQ Andrew Tapp is a member of the Florida Bar Association and can appear in... - [Thank You](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-defense-free-consultation/thank-you/): Thank You Thank you for completing our questionnaire. A member of our team will review your information and then contact... --- ## Posts - [Federal Judge Strikes Down SNAP Restrictions on Sugary Drinks and Candy Nationwide](https://usda.attorney/legal-news-updates/federal-judge-strikes-down-snap-restrictions-on-sugary-drinks-and-candy-nationwide/): Can I buy Soda or Candy? What You Need to Know – What the Court Decided A federal judge has... - [SNAP & EBT Fraud Defense for Minnesota Store Owners](https://usda.attorney/legal-news-updates/snap-ebt-fraud-defense-for-minnesota-store-owners/): Snap Lawyer Defends Minnesota Store Owners Minnesota is quickly becoming a target for federal food stamp enforcement and small business... - [SNAP Reauthorization Denial](https://usda.attorney/snap-reauthorization/snap-reauthorization-denial/): Overcoming SNAP Reauthorization Denial: A Win for a St. Louis, Missouri Store SNAP Retailer Representation Have you ever faced a... - [SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? How to Fix a Withdrawal](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-authorization-withdrawn/): SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? We can help your retail food store restore its SNAP license today. Expert advice & representation, free consultation. - [Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/philadelphia-snap-violation-attorney/): Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney - How an Expert Attorney Turned a Six-Month Disqualification into a Warning Letter. Learn More! - [Georgia SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/georgia-snap-violation-attorney/): Expert Georgia SNAP violation attorneys - Free Consults - Permanent Disqualification Reversal: Major Win in Georgia Retailer's Case. Read more! - [Pennsylvania SNAP Violation Defense Attorney](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/pennsylvania-snap-violation-defense/): Pennsylvania SNAP Violation Defense: How We Overturned a Permanent Disqualification for Alleged Trafficking SNAP Retailer Representation If you’re a retailer... - [SNAP Disqualification: EBT Retailer Violations](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation/snap-disqualification-ebt-retailer-violations/): Learn about your case from a SNAP violation expert. We successfully handle cases across the nation & protect stores license from suspension. Free Consults. - [SNAP Trafficking Undercover Investigation Win](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-trafficking-undercover-investigation-win/): A Small SNAP Store There was a small grocery store in Ruskin, Florida that operated as a neighborhood staple. It... - [SNAP Trafficking: What You Need to Know](https://usda.attorney/trafficking-in-snap-benefits/what-is-snap-trafficking/): Expert Attorneys in the nation's largest SNAP Trafficking Defense firm. Learn how to protect your store from permanent disqualification. - [SNAP Violation Charge Letters - What Not to Say to the USDA](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-charge-letter-dont-say/): It's hard respond to a SNAP Violation Charge Letter. Learn from a specialist the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of how to protect your store and how to win your case. - [SNAP Violation: Retailer's Response Guide to Trafficking](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-violation-guide-trafficking/): SNAP Violation legal experts at Metropolitan Law Group have compiled a complete guide to Charge Letter responses. Learn more about how to win your SNAP case - [SNAP Trafficking Attorney: Retailer's Guide](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-trafficking-attorney-explanation-guide/): Trafficking letters from the USDA are serious. Our SNAP trafficking attorney has a guide for you. Learn about what trafficking is and how to win your case. - [SNAP Violation: Permanent SNAP Disqualification Letter](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-violation-permanent-disqualification-reversal/): Get the most experienced SNAP violation attorney in the country to protect your store. Free case information and consults daily. Learn more today. - [SNAP Violation Letters - What Not to Do](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-letter/): Responding to a SNAP Violation Charge Letter is not easy. Learn the Do's and Don'ts of how to protect your store, and how to win your case from a specialist - [SNAP Disqualification: Delivery Routes](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-disqualification-delivery-route/): 5 Star Avvo Client Rated National SNAP Law Firm, specializing in Delivery Route and Retailer Representation - Defend Against Your SNAP Disqualification - [SNAP Permanent Disqualification](https://usda.attorney/trafficking-in-snap-benefits/snap-permanent-disqualification/): Our 5-Star Rated SNAP Law Firm Has Protected Millions of Dollars of SNAP Revenue for Stores Just Like Yours. Learn about SNAP Permanent Disqualifications - [SNAP Reauthorization - Dairy Requirements](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-retailer-dairy-requirements/): What to do if the USDA tells you your dairy inventory isn't sufficient: SNAP authorization problems and help from the best in the industry. Get Help Today! - [SNAP Retailer Requirements for SNAP Reauthorization](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-reauthorization-for-retailers/): We can help you navigate through SNAP Reauthorization & make sure your store doesn't lose its license! Get more information, helpful tips & free consults. - [SNAP Violation Defense](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-defense/): Our Winning SNAP Violation Defense Firm Can Help You with your SNAP Violation Case. Call Today To Protect Your Store. Free Consultations (833) 762-7529 - [SNAP Disqualification Retailer Defense](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-defense-of-a-grocery-store/): Proven results, experienced representation in SNAP Disqualification cases. Our SNAP violation attorneys can protect your store and respond to SNAP Charges. - [Dismissal of Trafficking Charges](https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-trafficking-violation-dismissed/): Answer to Charging Letter For a number of years, a small Pensacola, Florida convenience store operated in a 1,500 square... - [SNAP Violation Attorney](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-attorney/): A SNAP Violation Attorney can make all the difference to your store. Learn more about what your store is charged with, and consult with a professional today - [SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-trafficking-charge-letter/): Don't make a costly mistake when contacting the USDA about your SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter. Call us immediately for a free consultation! (813) 228-0658 - [Food Stamp Fraud?](https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/food-stamp-fraud/): Has your store been charged with trafficking in SNAP benefits or food stamp fraud? Your time may be running out to save your store! Call us (813) 228-0658 - [USDA SNAP Violation Letter: How to Respond](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/usda-snap-violation-response/): Responding to a USDA SNAP Violation letter is not easy. Learn what you need to know from the nation's only SNAP specialist law firm: 1-(833) SNAP-LAW - [Protecting Against USDA SNAP Violation](https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/protecting-usda-snap-violation/): You have only ten (10) days to respond to a USDA SNAP Violation. Learn more about what is required of you, what your solutions are, and how best to proceed. --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2026-06-30 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://usda.attorney/frequently-asked-questions/ Frequently Asked Questions SNAP Violation Defense Charge Letters and Initial Allegations Expand What is a SNAP violation? A SNAP violation occurs when the USDA's Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) alleges that a retailer has broken program rules - most commonly trafficking benefits for cash, selling ineligible items in exchange for SNAP benefits, or other authorization violations. Retailers typically first learn of an alleged violation through a Charge Letter from the USDA. What should I do if I receive a SNAP Charge Letter? Don't respond to the USDA without first speaking to an attorney experienced in SNAP regulatory law. What you say in your response can be used against you, and there are strict deadlines - including a 10-day window to request a Civil Money Penalty in lieu of disqualification. Contact our firm immediately for a free consultation before submitting any response. How does the USDA detect SNAP trafficking? The Food and Nutrition Service uses computer algorithms (EBT transaction data analysis) to flag retailers with patterns that resemble trafficking, such as unusually large transactions or repeated transactions in round dollar amounts. These systems are often wrong, and many innocent retailers are flagged due to legitimate business patterns the software misreads. What's the difference between trafficking and selling ineligible items? Trafficking refers to exchanging SNAP benefits for cash or non-food items. Selling ineligible items means allowing SNAP benefits to be used for items the program doesn't cover, such as alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared food, or non-food household goods, without necessarily involving a... --- > Proven results, superior knowledge and experienced SNAP Violation Attorney with Metropolitan Law Group. Learn about your case and how to protect your store. - Published: 2026-06-25 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-2/ SNAP Violation Defense Lawyers(833) SNAP-LAW Our firm has handled more SNAP Violation cases and SNAP Civil Monetary Penalty cases than any other firm in the country. Our quick and decisive representation can help you address allegations and prevent a loss of revenue or customers. You can trust our team to protect your store. FREE Consultation What is a SNAP Violation? OUR PRACTICE AREAS Our firm is focused on everything within the SNAP and EBT program. We handle SNAP applications and fight EBT violation charges. The Food & Nutrition Service (FNS), the federal agency that oversees SNAP, is aggressively cracking down on retailers. They use computer programs to determine what stores are illegally exchanging cash for food stamp benefits, but they're often wrong. As a result, many of our clients are innocently caught up in their net. Our attorneys have represented retailers against program violation allegations since 2013, including cases involving food stamp trafficking. Furthermore, many of our clients continue to accept EBT while we fight their cases. SNAP Civil Money Penalty If you have received a SNAP Violation Letter, (or a “Charging Letter”), there’s a good chance that the letter mentions something about a Civil Money Penalty. Though the letter doesn’t do a very good job of explaining what a SNAP Civil Money Penalty (or “CMP”) is, or whether you qualify for one, the USDA expects you to apply for the issuance of a Civil Money Penalty within ten (10) days of receiving your charging letter. What is a Civil... --- > Proven SNAP Defense results, expert knowledge: SNAP Violation Attorneys with Metropolitan Law Group. Learn about your case and how to protect your store. - Published: 2025-11-22 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://usda.attorney/ SNAP Violation Attorney(833) SNAP-LAW Our firm has successfully defended more SNAP Violation cases and SNAP Civil Monetary Penalty cases than any other firm in the country. Our quick and decisive representation can help you address allegations and prevent a loss of revenue or customers. You can trust our SNAP violation attorneys to protect your store. FREE Consultation What is a SNAP Violation? EXPERT SNAP VIOLATION ATTORNEYS The Most Wins in the NationMetropolitan Law Group features the most SNAP retailer success stories of any firm in the nation. For more than a decade, SNAP retailers have trusted our firm to protect their interests. No other firm has as many wins in SNAP trafficking, ineligible items, and authorization withdrawals than we do. Best Pricing in the IndustryOur firm features fixed-fee pricing for our SNAP Violation Attorneys' representation to avoid large costs to our clients. A recent survey of other firms specializing in EBT licensing found that our prices were consistently lower than all of the other firms, and featured higher quality representation. Industry Leading Legal StrategySince 2012, our attorneys have pioneered the best and most successful SNAP violation strategies in the nation. Our novel approaches to SNAP trafficking defense, ineligible item sales defense, and SNAP license application denials have resulted in hundreds of success stories for clients who otherwise would have lost their licenses. Nationwide RepresentationOur SNAP Violation attorneys represent retail food stores in all 50 states. We handle administrative cases, as well as Administrative Reviews, Judicial Reviews, and appeals. Our attorneys... --- > Expert SNAP Violation Attorney - Hire an Expert to Protect Your Store from SNAP Violations and Disqualifications. Free Consultations Today - Published: 2023-04-11 - Modified: 2023-04-12 - URL: https://usda.attorney/montgomery-alabama-snap-violation-attorney/ SNAP Trafficking Lawyers The Montgomery Alabama SNAP Retailer On January 19th, 2023, a successful brand-name convenience store and gas station in Montgomery, Alabama, received a letter from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The store was the anchor retailer for a small strip plaza, but more importantly, was the only store of significant size for miles. That's not to say that there weren't other retailers nearby, but none were as well stocked as this store was. So, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households that lived nearby would come to the store to make purchases. That's why it was surprising for the store's owner to receive this letter from the USDA. In it, the agency stated that an "analysis of the records, including a review of your store's characteristics, food stock, and store pricing gathered from visit(s) to the store, reveal Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions that establish clear and repetitive patters of unusual, irregular, and inexplicable activity for your type of firm. " "Based on this information, we are charging your firm with trafficking. " Trafficking in SNAP Benefits Trafficking? The owner wondered what the store had done that warranted such a claim. Certainly, none of his employees had violated the regulations. The Charge Letter didn't have any attachments that indicated someone had witnessed trafficking, or had specifically committed a SNAP violation. What in the world made the USDA think he was trafficking? The Department had based its allegations on three ALERT Scan categories - groups of transactions... --- > Expert SNAP Violation Attorney - Hire an Expert to Protect Your Store from SNAP Violations and Disqualifications. Free Consultations Today - Published: 2023-04-10 - Modified: 2023-04-11 - URL: https://usda.attorney/merced-california-snap-violation-attorney/ SNAP Trafficking Defense: Protect Your Store A Merced, California SNAP Retailer Tucked inside a low-income neighborhood, and well away from other retail food stores, our client's store was a neighborhood staple. Though it was not more than about 1,250 square feet in size, the converted gas station offered a variety of groceries and food items that the local Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) participants liked. The store sold common foods like soda and energy drinks by the pack, and frozen foods and pizzas to EBT households. However, unlike other stores in the area, this store had a large variety of staple food groceries that the average convenience store didn't. Instead of focusing on just chips, soda and candies, our client's store had fresh fruits and vegetables, pre-made sandwiches and an entire cooler of dairy items. Our client didn't know every customer by name, but he knew them by sight. Many of these households had lived in the area for years. Often, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance households would include multiple generations from the same family. Nearly everyone in the household would shop at our client's store. Sometimes they'd shop together, while other times they would come in separately. SNAP Transactions Our client's customers came into the store with friends or family and were usually in a good mood. Shopping was a pastime and when the EBT benefits were deposited into their accounts every month, the first two weeks would bring a flood of happy customers. Some SNAP customers would come in several... --- - Published: 2022-03-12 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://usda.attorney/detroit-snap-violation-attorney/ SNAP Trafficking Defense: Beat the Odds A Detroit, Michigan SNAP Retailer There were 1,372 transactions listed in the EBT Analysis Charge Letter that our client received in September of 2021. His store wasn't huge, but it was big for the local area. He had about 3,000 square feet of retail space and storage, which made him bigger than the gas stations that surrounded his store, but still smaller than the distant supermarket. He didn't have shopping carts, or shopping baskets. Our client was proud of the store, and his customers noticed the time and effort he invested into it. The USDA didn't know much about his store though. They didn't know that he had worked in the store since 1992, starting as just a clerk and saving to buy a piece of the store in 1997. A decade of hard work and saving later, our client bought the rest of the business in 2007. This store was his life's work - his largest asset, and his family's source of income. But the store was dependent on its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers. This program used to be known as the Food Stamp Program, but the name changed when paper stamps were changed to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Now, the USDA threatened to destroy his business by prohibiting him from accepting EBT because it didn't like how his transactions appeared. Details of the Charge Letter Like most other EBT Analysis Charge Letters, this letter included the allegation that trafficking... --- > Our Agriculture Lawyers have worked with the USDA for years in administrative matters, and have experience litigating insurance disputes. We can help today. - Published: 2019-12-15 - Modified: 2020-02-08 - URL: https://usda.attorney/agriculture-lawyer/ Agriculture Attorneys Professional Representation for Producers and Farmers Agriculture Lawyers for Any Occasion Agriculture is one of the most regulated industries in the United States. Between Crop Insurance disputes, Non-Insured Crop Disaster Claims, loans, contracts and business problems, today's producers and farmers need steady and affordable representation. Our agriculture practice is designed to help your farm with just about any problem it could face. Furthermore, we offer free consultations, on-site meetings at your convenience, and personal service. We are a boutique practice that is perfect for your needs. Our Practice Areas Noninsured Crop Disaster ClaimsThe non-insured crop disaster program grants monetary relief to producers whose crops have been damaged by a natural disaster. Our attorneys can file claims on behalf of your farm in the event of losses resulting from these disasters. Crop Insurance DisputesIn the event of a crop loss that was supposed to be covered by insurance, we help producers file and resolve claims with insurance companies. Our representation includes everything from negotiation to arbitration or litigation. Contract Drafting & DisputesOur attorneys have more than a decade of contract and complex business planning and litigation. We help farmers draft, review and build contracts to avoid problems before they occur. In the event problems have already come up, our agriculture attorneys practice in state, federal and appellate courts. Environmental & EPA IssuesOur agriculture attorneys assist farmers and producers with water and environmental issues that are raised by the county, state or federal government. Our assistance can help to keep... --- > SNAP Trafficking guide book for retailers who have been accused of trafficking. Our expert attorney can help your store prevent a permanent disqualification - Published: 2019-12-01 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-trafficking-everything-you-need-to-know/ SNAP Trafficking: Everything You Need to Know Trafficking in SNAP Benefits Trafficking in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is the most serious SNAP violation in the program. It is also the most common type of charge that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will file against a store. If the USDA finds that trafficking has occurred at your store, it's very likely that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will issue your store a permanent disqualification. Because this type of charge is so common, we have put together this complete explanation guide. If your grocery store or convenience store has been charged with trafficking, this guide will help you learn about the process. In our years of experience, we have advised and counseled more than seven-hundred retail food stores. Many of these stores had been accused of trafficking. Though each store functions differently, our firm utilizes our industry leading best practices, and presents the strongest cases possible for our clients. This guide will help show you how we successfully defend stores, and help you understand what to do. What is Trafficking in SNAP? The definition of "trafficking" can be found in the SNAP regulations at 7 C. F. R Section 271. 2. However, the definition isn't very clear. Before we start to talk about what trafficking is, we need to identify what trafficking is not. To begin with, trafficking is not a sale of ineligible items on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Selling non-food items on EBT... --- > Noninsured Crop Claims denial? Our Agriculture Attorneys can help appeal your case. Nationwide representation and free consultations daily. Learn more today - Published: 2019-11-25 - Modified: 2019-12-22 - URL: https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-claim/ Noninsured Crop Disaster Attorneys 1-833-762-7529 If your noninsured claim has been denied, our Attorneys can help you today. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a program designed to help provided financial assistance to producers who have non-insurable crops. If a natural disaster results in a lower yield or crop loss, or prevents crop planting, you can apply for financial assistance. Our Agriculture Attorneys represent producers, farmers, and sharecroppers in filing for coverage, filing claims for crop loss, and appealing claim denials. Our NAP appeals attorneys work with your farm or production facility to provide thorough and detailed representation. Our firm has specialized in working with and against the USDA for years to protect our clients business and livelihood. Free Consultation Which Crops Are Covered? The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program doesn’t cover every type of crop. It also doesn't or every type of entity. However, financial assistance to producers can be given to landowners, tenants or sharecroppers who share in the risk of producing an “eligible crop. ” Crops eligible for this program must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available. These crops include: Crops Grown for Food This includes food items like grains, fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption. However, they must not be insurable. Crops Grown for Fiber Crops like cotton and flax, except it does not include trees. Specialty Crops Crops like honey and maple sap are included in this category. Industrial Crops Crops used in manufacturing or grown... --- > SNAP Violation cases are specialized. Trust your case and your store to the most accomplished SNAP Violation firm in the country. Learn more about your case - Published: 2019-10-15 - Modified: 2019-12-15 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation/ SNAP Violation Defense EBT & SNAP Violations The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is overseen by the USDA through the Food & Nutrition Service (FNS). This division is responsible for retailer licensing and SNAP violation enforcement. EBT Violation charges come from FNS in a letter delivered by UPS in overnight mail. If you have received this letter, you have ten (10) days from the date UPS delivered the letter to respond. If you don't respond, you could face permanent disqualification. Each food stamp fraud letter sent by FNS includes allegations of different types of SNAP violations. These include (1) sale of ineligible items; (2) trafficking in SNAP benefits; (3) payment of credit with EBT benefits; and (4) reciprocal disqualifications from WIC. The charge letter from FNS typically states that FNS "has compiled evidence that your firm has violated the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regulations. " You can find the SNAP violation regulations here. 0% 90% of Unrepresented Stores are Disqualified. SNAP Violation: Trafficking in Benefits The most serious of the violations that are contained in a SNAP charge letter is trafficking. Loosely defined, trafficking means an exchange of cash for EBT benefits. This could be in the form of cash back or the purchase of an EBT card. Recently, fraud investigations for trafficking have focused retailer purchases of inventory which was bought initially with benefits. This qualifies as trafficking and will result in a permanent disqualification. Trafficking charges come with one of two types of evidence: (1) transaction patters/categories... --- > Complete this online application to start the process of getting your store an EBT license today! Our experience will help your store's application. - Published: 2019-08-09 - Modified: 2025-12-11 - URL: https://usda.attorney/ebt-retailer-application/ Apply for EBT for Your Buiness Please complete the information below to start your EBT license application process. Once you submit this information, an attorney from Metropolitan Law Group will review your application to make certain that no issues will arise, and then contact you for verification. Please be aware that an attorney-client relationship is not created simply by submitting information on this form, nor will your application be submitted by Metropolitan Law Group until you give us permission to do so. "*" indicates required fields When did or when will the store open for business under your ownership? * MM slash DD slash YYYY Store Name:*Doing Business As (If Different from Store Name):Chain Store Number (if applicable):Store LOCATION Address:* Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Store MAILING Address:* Same as Location Address Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechia Farmer's Market Food Buying Cooperative Seafood Market Produce Market Delivery Route Direct Marketing Farmer (Farm Stand/Stall/U-Pick) Type of Ownership (must select only one):* Privately Held Corporation Sole Proprietorship Limited Liability Company Nonprofit Organization Publicly Owned Corporation Partnership Government Owned Is your company legally organized as a nonprofit entity? *YesNoIf yes, does your firm have 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status? *YesNoCorporation or Government Agency InformationIf your firm... --- > If you have a noninsured crop disaster assistance program claim, get a free consultation with our Agriculture Law attorneys today. Click for more info. - Published: 2019-08-01 - Modified: 2019-12-18 - URL: https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-disaster-free-consultation/ Your Name* First Last Best Contact E-Mail* Best Phone Number*Farm or Business NameFarm or Business Adress* Street Address Address Line 2 City/County State ZIP / Postal Code Natural Disaster Causing the Loss*To qualify for a Non-Insured Crop Disaster, one of the following events or circumstances must be present, and be the cause of the crop loss. Please select which of the following apply to you. Damaging weather, such as drought, freeze, hail, excessive moisture, excessive wind or hurricanes. Adverse natural occurrences, such as earthquakes or floods. Conditions related to damagine weather or adverse natural occurrences, such as excessive heat, plant disease, volcanic smog or insect infestation. Date of the Disaster or Loss*Select the EARLIEST date on which any of the following occurred: the natural disaster; the final planting date if planting is prevented by a natural disaster; the date that damage to the crop or loss of production became apparent; or the normal harvest date. YYYY slash MM slash DD Primary Type of Crop(s) Involved in Loss*Crop AcreageApproved YieldNet ProductionSecondary Type of Crop(s) Involved in LossSecondary Crop AcreageSecondary Crop Approved YieldSecondary Crop Net ProductionType of Coverage You Selected*Choose OneBasic CoveragePremium CoveragePlease indicate which type of Non-Covered Crop Disaster coverage you selected. Would You Like a Free Consultation? * Yes. CAPTCHA gform. initializeOnLoaded( function {gformInitSpinner( 17, 'https://usda. attorney/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_17'). on('load',function{var contents = jQuery(this). contents. find('*'). html;var is_postback = contents. indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(! is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_wrapper_17');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_17'). length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.... --- > Has the USDA denied your NAP claim? Our Non-Insured Crop Disaster Attorneys can appeal your case and help get the award you deserve. Learn more about us. - Published: 2019-07-25 - Modified: 2019-12-22 - URL: https://usda.attorney/noninsured-crop-disaster-attorney/ Noninsured Crop Disaster Attorneys 1-833-762-7529 If your claim has been denied, our Noninsured Crop Disaster Attorneys can help you today. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a program designed to help provided financial assistance to farmers and providers who have noninsurable crops. If a natural disaster results in a lower yield or crop loss, or prevents crop planting, you can apply for financial assistance. The program is designed to protect farmers from crop losses that would threaten their ability to continue to operate their farms. Our Agriculture and Crop Attorneys represent producers, farmers, and sharecroppers in filing for coverage, filing claims for crop loss, and appealing claim denials. Our NAP appeals attorneys work with your farm or production facility to provide thorough and detailed representation. Our firm has specialized in working with and against the USDA for years to protect our clients business and livelihood. Put our experience to work for your claims today. Free Consultation What Crops Are Covered by the NAP? The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program doesn’t cover every type of crop, or every type of entity. However, financial assistance to producers can be given to landowners, tenants or sharecroppers who share in the risk of producing an “eligible crop. ” Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available. Crops eligible for the non-insured crop disaster assistance program (NAP) fit any one of the following descriptions: Crops Grown for Food This category encompasses a number of food items,... --- - Published: 2019-05-08 - Modified: 2026-05-26 - URL: https://usda.attorney/insights/ Legal Insights SNAP & EBT Fraud Defense for Minnesota Store Owners By Mariah Corpus | May 14, 2026 When the Government Comes Knocking: SNAP & EBT Fraud Defense for Minnesota Store Owners SNAP & EBT Fraud Defense for Minnesota Store Owners Minnesota is quickly becoming a target for federal food stamp enforcement and small business owners are caught in the crossfire. A jaw-dropping case recently emerging from the Twin Cities serves as a... Read More » SNAP Reauthorization Denial By SNAP Admin | December 22, 2025 Read More » SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? How to Fix a Withdrawal By SNAP Admin | December 18, 2025 SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? How to Fix it A Real Case Study SNAP Retailer Representation If you run a store that accepts SNAP benefits, getting a notice that your SNAP authorization is withdrawn can feel like a punch to the gut. It stops your business from helping customers who rely on food assistance. But there’s hope... . Read More » Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney By SNAP Admin | December 15, 2025 Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney How We Turned a SNAP Six-Month Disqualification into a Warning Letter SNAP Retailer Representation If you’re a retail grocery store in Philadelphia facing a SNAP violation Charge Letter from the USDA, you know how devastating it can feel to receive that letter. One minute your business is growing and successful, the... Read More » Georgia SNAP Violation Attorney By SNAP Admin | December 9, 2025 Georgia SNAP Violation Attorney Secures Major Win... --- - Published: 2019-05-07 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://usda.attorney/our-usda-snap-firm/ About Our Firm A Full Service USDA SNAP Firm The attorneys with Metropolitan Law Group have unique experience with USDA SNAP Violations and regulatory law. However, our services are not limited to USDA regulatory law. Instead, our office has meaningful experience in: commercial transactions; corporate governance; business start ups; business sales; real estate transactions; commercial and business litigation; complex business litigation and appeals. While we are ready to assist you with the USDA SNAP issues that may affect your store, we can also assist you in all general areas of representation that affect your business on a day to day basis. If you have any questions, we offer free consultations five days a week. (813) 228-0658. A Nationwide Administrative Law Practice Our USDA SNAP representation on an administrative level is available across the United States. This includes: answering Charging Letters from the USDA, preparing Administrative Appeals for SNAP disqualifications and suspensions; preparing appeals of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Assessments by the USDA; assisting in the preparation of USDA SNAP retailer applications. Most of our preparation can be conducted through telephone, Skype and e-mail – eliminating the need for cross country travel to represent your store in the matter. Statewide Representation Our attorneys are members of the Florida Bar Association and can appear in court on behalf of clients in Florida. Such courts include any and all State of Florida County, Circuit and District Courts, in addition to the Florida Supreme Court. Some of our attorneys are members of the Federal... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-05-08 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations/ SNAP Violation Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. We understand the nuances of SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. We can also make sure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for legal representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United States. Our quick and decisive representation can help you address any allegations from the USDA while... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-florida/ SNAP Violations Facing a SNAP violation, EBT trafficking charge, or Civil Money Penalty from the federal government? Our experienced SNAP violation lawyer defends grocery stores, small grocery stores, and specialty food stores nationwide. FREE consultation available. Call today. SNAP Violation Law Firm   Experienced SNAP Violation Defense Attorney Has your company or small grocery store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP violation in Florida? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important that store owners take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group's unique focus on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle Charge Letters from the federal government. As an experienced SNAP violation lawyer, we are fully prepared to defend grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty food stores against allegations brought by the Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA. formerly FNS). More than just SNAP Violation Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. Whether you are facing allegations of SNAP trafficking, the sale of ineligible items, unauthorized EBT transactions,... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2025-08-18 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-georgia/ SNAP Violations in Georgia Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in Georgia? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-02-05 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-texas/ SNAP Violations in Texas Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in Texas? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-11-24 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-california/ SNAP Violations in California Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in California? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-02-05 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-illinois/ SNAP Violations in Illinois Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in Illinois? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-02-05 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-pennsylvania/ SNAP Violations in Pennsylvania Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in Pennsylvania? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout the United... --- - Published: 2019-02-05 - Modified: 2019-02-05 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violations-new-york/ SNAP Violations in New York Experienced SNAP Defense Attorney Has your company or store received a charging letter or a notice of an alleged SNAP Violation in New York? If so, you have to act fast. In case you aren't aware, you only have 10 days to submit an appeal! It is very important to take these notices very seriously because there are no extensions, no deferments, and no considerations offered to you. But, you can take advantage of our free consultation to find out how we can help protect your store(s) today. The Metropolitan Legal Group’s unique focus on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) violations in Florida positions our firm as one of the best in the nation to handle charging letters. More than just SNAP Defense We understand the nuances of filing SNAP applications and can help you navigate the red tape associated with these situations. We can even assist you in the creation of store policies and provide SNAP Training education for employees to help prevent any violations from occurring or reoccurring. Our team works to ensure that your store is compliant with the records and training standards set by the USDA, as well as your local state's agency that oversees the administration and enforcement of these programs. If you have a need for SNAP defense representation, you can trust us to aggressively defend you through the entire process. We have successfully defended more than 300 SNAP violations for convenience stores throughout... --- - Published: 2018-06-18 - Modified: 2019-05-07 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-defense-free-consultation/ SNAP Violation Defense Free Consultation "*" indicates required fields FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. General InformationFirst Name*Last Name*Email* Phone*Business InformationIs this case for your store? *Yes, this is for my store. No, this is for my personal SNAP benefits. Business Name*What state is your business located in? What state is your business located in? AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces PacificSNAP Violation InfoTell us about your store*Helpful information includes: (1) how big the store is; (2) what foods and products the store sells; (3) how long the store has been in business; (4) how many shopping carts does your store have; (5) does your store have a food storage area (a storage room); and (6) are there any special factors about your store that other stores near you don't have? What date did you receive your USDA Charging Letter? Month Day Year This is not necessarily the date of the letter, but rather when the letter was delivered to you. Has the USDA Alleged that your store with: Has an unusual number of transactions occurring over a set period of time? Has an unusual number of transactions ending in the same number of cents? Upload a Copy of Your Charge Letter Drop files here or Select files Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, Max. file size: 499 MB, Max. files: 3. You may use a mobile application like Microsoft Office Lens to... --- - Published: 2018-06-17 - Modified: 2026-07-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/our-team/ Meet Our Team Andrew Tapp, ESQ Andrew Tapp is a member of the Florida Bar Association and can appear in court on behalf of clients in Florida. Such courts include any and all State of Florida County, Circuit and District Courts, in addition to the Florida Supreme Court. For USDA SNAP appeal purposes, if your store is located within the State of Florida, he can most likely represent you through the entire process from initial charging letter and through the Judicial Appeal. Mr. Tapp focused his law school studies in the areas of business and commercial litigation. He began practicing USDA regulatory law in 2013 after an exhaustive search, when he found no other attorneys in the United States that had significant experience in that area. His personal mission has been to protect the rights of small and medium businesses. Since then, Andrew has represented and been involved in hundreds of USDA SNAP enforcement actions. He regularly assists other attorneys and accounting professionals across the nation, proudly representing clients in 49 states and two U. S. territories. Admissions: United States Federal Court Middle District of Florida Southern District of Florida Northern District of Florida Eastern District of California (Pro Hac Vice) Southern District of California (San Diego) (Pro Hac Vice) Central District of California (Los Angeles) (Pro Hac Vice) Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Pro Hac Vice) Central District of Pennsylvania (Pro Hac Vice) Western District of Pennsylvania (Pro Hac Vice) Eastern District of New York (Pro Hac Vice) Western District... --- - Published: 2018-01-11 - Modified: 2018-06-19 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-defense-free-consultation/thank-you/ Thank You Thank you for completing our questionnaire. A member of our team will review your information and then contact you as soon as we can. --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2026-06-24 - Modified: 2026-07-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/legal-news-updates/federal-judge-strikes-down-snap-restrictions-on-sugary-drinks-and-candy-nationwide/ - Categories: Legal News & Updates Can I buy Soda or Candy? What You Need to Know -   What the Court Decided A federal judge has delivered a significant ruling that directly affects millions of SNAP recipients across Florida and Nationwide. If you've been confused about what you can and cannot buy with your benefits, well you've already had purchases wrongly rejected at the register. This is why it is important to know about what you can buy with SNAP and EBT-here's what you need to know about this landmark decision and your rights under federal law. On June 24, 2026, U. S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled that the Trump administration overstepped its legal authority when it moved to restrict Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) recipients from purchasing candy, soda, and other sugary drinks using their benefits. This has always been the highest items bought with SNAP. The judge ruled that because federal law already defines what foods qualify under SNAP, the administration could not unilaterally redefine those boundaries. Under existing federal statute, SNAP benefits can generally be used to purchase any food intended for home consumption, of course with narrow exceptions for things like alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared foods. Judge Jackson made clear her ruling was grounded in the law itself, not in a judgment about whether limiting sugary foods would or wouldn't benefit public health. This could mean a decrease in sales for these items across all stores. The decision immediately blocks restrictions that were either already in effect or... --- - Published: 2026-05-14 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://usda.attorney/legal-news-updates/snap-ebt-fraud-defense-for-minnesota-store-owners/ - Categories: Legal News & Updates Snap Lawyer Defends Minnesota Store Owners Minnesota is quickly becoming a target for federal food stamp enforcement and small business owners are caught in the crossfire. A jaw-dropping case recently emerging from the Twin Cities serves as a stark warning: a neighborhood grocery operator now faces federal prosecution tied to an alleged million-dollar benefit exploitation scheme involving fraudulent EBT transactions. Prosecutors are not pulling punches, and neither should you when your livelihood is on the line. Read more about how this Minneapolis SNAP fraud case unfolded. Understanding How SNAP Enforcement Actually Works Most store owners don't fully understand how deeply the federal government monitors SNAP and EBT activity until it's too late. The United States Department of Agriculture oversees the entire SNAP program at the federal level, working alongside state agencies to audit retailer compliance, investigate suspicious transaction patterns, and initiate enforcement actions against grocery stores suspected of violating federal law. What many retailers don't realize is that the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service division maintains sophisticated data systems capable of flagging unusual purchasing patterns - including transactions that fall outside the boundaries of eligible items approved under the program. Under federal law, SNAP benefits may only be used to purchase specific eligible items - primarily household food products intended for home preparation and consumption. The moment a retailer is suspected of processing transactions involving ineligible items, allowing benefit trafficking, or facilitating fraudulent EBT activity, the United States Department of Agriculture has the authority to launch a formal investigation that... --- - Published: 2025-12-22 - Modified: 2026-06-25 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-reauthorization/snap-reauthorization-denial/ - Categories: SNAP Reauthorization Overcoming SNAP Reauthorization Denial: A Win for a St. Louis, Missouri Store SNAP Retailer Representation Have you ever faced a SNAP Reauthorization denial that threatened your business? For many small stores, getting hit with a SNAP Reauthorization denial can feel like a big setback. This happened to a market in St. Louis, Missouri, when the USDA pulled their SNAP authorization over stock issues. But with our representation, they turned it around. At Metropolitan Law Group, we specialize in these cases, and we recently won a reauthorization denial case for this St. Louis, Missouri store. We'll explain here how a SNAP Reauthorization denial can happen, why it did in this case, and how we fought back. If you're dealing with a SNAP Reauthorization denial from the Food & Nutrition Service, our firm is the right place to go for help. Attorney Andrew Tapp is specialized in these SNAP cases, Many stores in places like St. Louis, Missouri, rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions and revenue to keep their store profitable. However, many are denied SNAP authorization because of a claimed lack of dairy varieties. This was just such a case. EXPERT SNAP VIOLATION ATTORNEYS The Most Wins in the NationMetropolitan Law Group features the most SNAP retailer success stories of any firm in the nation. For more than a decade, SNAP retailers have trusted our firm to protect their interests. No other firm has as many wins in SNAP trafficking, ineligible items, and authorization withdrawals than we do. Best Pricing... --- > SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? We can help your retail food store restore its SNAP license today. Expert advice & representation, free consultation. - Published: 2025-12-18 - Modified: 2026-05-15 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-authorization-withdrawn/ - Categories: Our Results SNAP Authorization Withdrawn? How to Fix it A Real Case Study SNAP Retailer Representation If you run a store that accepts SNAP benefits, getting a notice that your SNAP authorization is withdrawn can feel like a punch to the gut. It stops your business from helping customers who rely on food assistance. But there's hope. Our team at Metropolitan Law Group has handled EBT license reauthorization cases just like yours. In this article, we're going to discuss how we won a recent case where the USDA issued a SNAP authorization withdrawal against a Pensacola, Florida authorized retailer. The USDA first denied the retail food store's license reauthorization application, but we fought back. In the end, the withdrawal was rescinded and the store got its license reauthorized for another five year term. This article will walk you through what a SNAP authorization withdrawal means for your store, why it happens, and how we use creative strategies to fix it. If you're facing this issue, read on. We offer help and an assistance program for SNAP reauthorization. CALL METROPOLITAN LAW NOW or ONLINE CONSULTATION REQUEST Understanding SNAP Authorization Withdrawals The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income families buy food. Accordingly, Congress authorized the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to license retail food stores to participate in the program. An initial authorization is difficult to get, but once your application is granted you are licensed for 5 years. Every five years after the store is authorized, you must... --- > Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney - How an Expert Attorney Turned a Six-Month Disqualification into a Warning Letter. Learn More! - Published: 2025-12-15 - Modified: 2026-05-15 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/philadelphia-snap-violation-attorney/ - Categories: Our Results Philadelphia SNAP Violation Attorney How We Turned a SNAP Six-Month Disqualification into a Warning Letter SNAP Retailer Representation If you're a retail grocery store in Philadelphia facing a SNAP violation Charge Letter from the USDA, you know how devastating it can feel to receive that letter. One minute your business is growing and successful, the next minute you have 10 days to save your retail store. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is crucial for many communities, but strict regulations mean even minor slip-ups can lead to severe penalties like disqualifications that threaten your business. As a leading Philadelphia SNAP violation attorney, Attorney Tapp has a proven track record of defending SNAP retailers against these charges. For more than a decade, he has protected family businesses from the USDA. In the case we're discussing today, our firm successfully challenged a proposed six-month disqualification, and converted it to just a warning letter. This outcome not only saved the retailer's operations but also highlighted the importance of expert legal strategies in navigating USDA investigations. In this article, we'll dive into the details of this SNAP violation case, explain our approach as a Philadelphia SNAP violation attorneys, and share why timely, strategic intervention can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a SNAP violation letter with allegations of accepting SNAP benefits for ineligible items or a permanent disqualification, understanding these processes will help you protect your store. If you're in Philadelphia and need help with a SNAP violation, don't hesitate to reach... --- > Expert Georgia SNAP violation attorneys - Free Consults - Permanent Disqualification Reversal: Major Win in Georgia Retailer's Case. Read more! - Published: 2025-12-09 - Modified: 2025-12-06 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/georgia-snap-violation-attorney/ - Categories: Our Results Georgia SNAP Violation Attorney Secures Major Win Against USDA in Trafficking Case SNAP Retailer Representation As a Georgia SNAP violation attorney, I've seen firsthand how allegations from the USDA can threaten the livelihood of small food store businesses. At Metropolitan Law Group, we specialize in defending retail stores against trafficking SNAP benefits charges, and our recent victory in a high-stakes case demonstrates our expertise. This win not only reversed a permanent disqualification but also highlighted flaws in the government's process, offering hope to other Georgia grocery store owners facing similar issues. Understanding SNAP and Trafficking Violations The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps millions of low-income families access nutritious food. Retailers in Georgia must follow strict rules to participate, including not exchanging benefits for cash or ineligible items. This is called "trafficking SNAP benefits," and is the most serious SNAP violation offense. As a Georgia SNAP violation attorney, I often explain that trafficking-defined as swapping SNAP benefits for cash or non-food items-can lead to severe penalties, including permanent bans from the program. In Georgia, where thousands of stores rely on SNAP transactions, violations can stem from employee mistakes or misunderstandings. The USDA investigates these claims rigorously, but their evidence isn't always solid. That's where a skilled Georgia SNAP violation attorney comes in, challenging weak cases and protecting your business. The Case Background: A Georgia Retailer's Ordeal In April 2025, the USDA issued a charge letter to a Georgia SNAP retail store, alleging two trafficking incidents dating back to 2021.... --- - Published: 2025-12-06 - Modified: 2025-12-06 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/pennsylvania-snap-violation-defense/ - Categories: Our Results Pennsylvania SNAP Violation Defense: How We Overturned a Permanent Disqualification for Alleged Trafficking SNAP Retailer Representation If you're a retailer in Pennsylvania facing a SNAP violation accusation, you know how devastating it can be. The loss of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) transactions for any period of time is difficult for grocery stores. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the USDA, has strict rules, and allegations of trafficking-exchanging benefits for cash or ineligible items-can lead to permanent disqualification from the program. This not only cuts off a vital revenue stream but can also tarnish your business's reputation. At Metropolitan Law Group, we specialize in Pennsylvania SNAP violation defense, helping stores fight back against unfair charges. Recently, we secured a major victory in a case where the USDA reversed a permanent disqualification, finding insufficient evidence of wrongdoing. This article breaks down the case, our approach, and why our strong Pennsylvania SNAP violation defense is essential for protecting your livelihood. Understanding SNAP Trafficking Allegations and the Stakes Involved SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, allows low-income households to purchase eligible food items using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Retailers authorized to accept SNAP must follow regulations outlined in 7 CFR § 271. 2, which defines trafficking as any unauthorized exchange of benefits. Common triggers for investigations include irregular transaction patterns flagged by the USDA's Anti-Fraud Locator using EBT Retailer Transactions (ALERT) system. These might involve multiple transactions from the same household in a short time or unusually large purchases based on... --- > Learn about your case from a SNAP violation expert. We successfully handle cases across the nation & protect stores license from suspension. Free Consults. - Published: 2024-01-12 - Modified: 2026-07-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation/snap-disqualification-ebt-retailer-violations/ - Categories: SNAP Violation SNAP Disqualification Defense for EBT Retailers: How to Avoid a Permanent Ban Avoid Permanent Disqualifications, Six Month Disqualifications and Permanent Authorization Denials. Our firm is the most experienced SNAP firm in the nation. We have prevented SNAP disqualifications for convenience stores, small grocers, supermarkets, delivery routes, seafood stores and meat markets. We offer expert representation in SNAP disqualification cases. Call for a Free Consultation Retailer SNAP Disqualifications The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits to households. These EBT benefits are supposed to be used to purchase eligible food items. Formerly called Food Stamps, these benefits are designed to cover purchases of meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and grains. However, SNAP participants frequently attempt to use these benefits for other purposes. If a SNAP retailer accepts SNAP benefits for something other than eligible food, then a SNAP violation has occurred. Different types of violations have different types of SNAP disqualifications. There are two basic types of disqualifications: (1) term disqualifications; and (2) permanent disqualifications. All of the rules for disqualifications can be found in the USDA's regulations. Permanent SNAP DisqualificationA permanent SNAP disqualification is the most severe action that the USDA can take. This disqualification type is reserved for stores that have been found guilty of trafficking in SNAP benefits. In the case of a permanent SNAP disqualification, the word "permanent" means forever. Once you are disqualified, your disqualification will last for the rest of your life. These types of cases almost always require professional representation... --- - Published: 2022-03-12 - Modified: 2022-03-12 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-trafficking-undercover-investigation-win/ - Categories: Trafficking in SNAP Benefits, SNAP Violation, Violation Defense A Small SNAP Store There was a small grocery store in Ruskin, Florida that operated as a neighborhood staple. It wasn't big by any stretch of the imagination, but the store sold fresh meat, large bags of rice and a number of cooked chicken and Spanish meals. The store owners poured years of hard work, money and effort into the store and were very proud of how it grew. Because the neighborhood was poor, the store applied for a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) license. They were granted the SNAP license and began processing EBT transactions a few years ago. Not long after that, the store was investigated by the USDA. Trafficking in SNAP Benefits In April of 2021, the small Ruskin grocery store received a letter from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In it, the USDA claimed that the store had been charged with trafficking. "Your Firm is charged with trafficking, as defined in Section 271. 2 of the SNAP regulations. As provided by Section 278. 6(e)(1) of the SNAP regulations, the sanction for the trafficking violation(s) noted in the Exhibits is permanent disqualification. " USDA Trafficking Charge Letter As the store owner turned the pages of the letter, he found a set of affidavits from an undercover investigator. In each of the affidavits, the investigator outlined what allegedly occurred in the visits to the store. He stated that a particular store clerk had sold him ineligible items (plastic plates and forks) a number of times. On... --- > Expert Attorneys in the nation's largest SNAP Trafficking Defense firm. Learn how to protect your store from permanent disqualification. - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-03-12 - URL: https://usda.attorney/trafficking-in-snap-benefits/what-is-snap-trafficking/ - Categories: Trafficking in SNAP Benefits SNAP Trafficking Trafficking in SNAP Benefits is the worse offense an EBT retailer can be accused of. It's also the most common SNAP violation that the USDA charges. If your store has been accused of trafficking, the penalties are harsh (permanent disqualification at least) and swift. It is also possible that criminal charges could be involved. However, trafficking SNAP benefits isn't just a claim that your store misused a customer's EBT card. There are a number of different actions that the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service has included in the trafficking definition. Typically, trafficking involved the exchange of SNAP benefits for cash, either directly or indirectly. The USDA's Trafficking definition spells out six different types: Buying/Selling/Stealing an electronic benefit transfer EBT card (or its numbers) for cash (or other items of value) is trafficking; Exchange guns, ammunition, explosives or drugs for SNAP benefits or an EBT card is trafficking; Purchasing items that have a bottle refund, discarding the contents and exchanging the bottle for the refund is trafficking; Purchasing eligible food (or things like Red Bull) with an EBT card for purposes of selling the food to someone else is trafficking; and When an EBT participant purchases food with their card and exchanges it to a SNAP retailer store for cash or credit, that's trafficking. Giving "cash back" on an EBT transaction, regardless of whether or not the store receives a financial benefit from the transaction. Have I Been Charged with Trafficking? As a retailer, there are three ways to... --- > It's hard respond to a SNAP Violation Charge Letter. Learn from a specialist the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of how to protect your store and how to win your case. - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2026-06-26 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-charge-letter-dont-say/ - Categories: Violation Defense SNAP Violation Charge Letters A SNAP Violation Charge Letter from the USDA looks simple enough when you receive it from UPS. There are either specific allegations about a store visit, or a list of categories for "suspicious transactions" your store has run. In appearance, it isn't much different from what other state agencies and departments send out. But in practice, it is a completely different process and mindset on the part of the USDA. The USDA Wants to Shut Down Your Business In 2013, the USDA conducted a study that indicated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) fraud (or "food stamp fraud") was at a twenty year high. To fix this, the Department stepped up its fraud detection and prevention efforts in two areas. (1) an increase in undercover investigations and (2) an increase in utilization of the ALERT system. If you received a SNAP Violation charge letter with written transaction descriptions, then your store has been shopped by an undercover agent. If your SNAP Violation charge letter has just a list of transactions attached to it, then the Department utilized its ALERT system. In either case, the USDA decided to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy and start permanently disqualifying as many stores as it could. Congress agreed with the Department's approach. So by law, it required the USDA to crack down on SNAP violations. Accordingly, the Department is now out to disqualify and suspend as many stores as it can. Although most store owners are not involved in the alleged violations... --- > SNAP Violation legal experts at Metropolitan Law Group have compiled a complete guide to Charge Letter responses. Learn more about how to win your SNAP case - Published: 2020-04-07 - Modified: 2020-04-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-violation-guide-trafficking/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP, SNAP Violation, Violation Defense - Tags: snap violation SNAP Violation: Retailer Response Guide to Trafficking So, you have a SNAP Violation Charge Letter, and hopefully you've read Part 1 of this guide. Now that you understand what the USDA is accusing you of, and what they're using to accuse you, it's time to figure out your response. You have a 10% chance to win an electronic benefits transfer case like this on your own. That win percentage is what the Department has testified to under oath. Such a low success rate is scary, but true in our experience. We have a number of stores that call us after they tried to respond to the Charge Letter on their own. By that point, their store has been permanently disqualified and lost its EBT machine. When we are retained late, it is very difficult to figure out where the response went wrong. But, there is hope. We win cases with all types of stores, and all types of program violation allegations. Our success is because we have a decade of experience with retail food store SNAP violation responses. Our process and our topics are targeted to what each Section Chief wants. The documents we provide are what each Program Specialist tells us they like to see. The analysis that we send to the USDA contains the factors they must consider. This guide will give you an idea of how we represent our authorized retailers, and avoid monetary penalties that FNS may impose. What a SNAP Violation Response Should Have When... --- > Trafficking letters from the USDA are serious. Our SNAP trafficking attorney has a guide for you. Learn about what trafficking is and how to win your case. - Published: 2020-02-06 - Modified: 2020-02-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-trafficking-attorney-explanation-guide/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP, Violation Defense SNAP Trafficking Attorney: Retailer's Guide Did you get a letter from the USDA charging you with SNAP trafficking? My name is Andrew Tapp and I am an attorney with Metropolitan Law Group. My firm and I represent more Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers in the United States than any other firm. We have built this guide to help you understand what the USDA is accusing you of, and what to do about it. Our firm has been handling SNAP violation cases on behalf of retail food stores and convenience stores since 2013. We are proud to currently represent hundreds of stores across the country in these cases. Our experience as SNAP attorneys and professionals has been included in this guide. However, this is a difficult area of practice. It's very hard to win these cases if you don't have experience working with the USDA. Before we get started, there are few things you need to know: This letter is very serious. The Food and Nutrition Service is not looking for a casual answer to how or why the transactions occurred. They want to permanently disqualify your store. Calling the Department is okay, but only to ask questions. The Program Specialists are very nice people, and most of them do the best job they can. But make no mistake, they are already certain your store is violating the regulations. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent you the letter. If they start asking you questions, its to help build a case against... --- > Get the most experienced SNAP violation attorney in the country to protect your store. Free case information and consults daily. Learn more today. - Published: 2019-10-13 - Modified: 2019-11-26 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-violation-permanent-disqualification-reversal/ - Categories: Our Results SNAP Violation: Expert SNAP Disqualification Defense A Metropolitan Law Group SNAP Violation Representation Result Reversal of a Permanent Disqualification FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, a small grocer in Lexington, Kentucky participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a retailer. The store had never had a SNAP disqualification letter before, or so much as a SNAP violation warning letter. When the small grocer began participating, the program was based around physical food stamps exchanged for eligible food items, like fruits & vegetables. But over time both the program and the grocer shifted to accepting payments with an EBT machine. As the years passed, the grocer became a neighborhood staple. In order to grow further he offered even more foods that were SNAP eligible. In response, the local residents turned into regular customers of the store. The small grocer's business flourished. Three and a half years earlier... an on-site investigation of the retailer's store was conducted by the USDA's Office of Inspector General. This agency is responsible for law enforcement and regulatory enforcement. They seek out stores involved in intentional program violations on behalf of the Federal Government. They conduct undercover investigations, posing as SNAP household members looking to commit program violations. These investigations are conducted over a period of time, using multiple benefit cards to thoroughly test the retailer's compliance. However, the purpose of these investigations is to find criminal behavior. They're not intended to deal with the retailer's compliance with SNAP regulations. Because of this, the investigators do... --- > Responding to a SNAP Violation Charge Letter is not easy. Learn the Do's and Don'ts of how to protect your store, and how to win your case from a specialist - Published: 2019-05-23 - Modified: 2020-02-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-letter/ - Categories: Violation Defense SNAP Violation Letters A SNAP Violation Letter from the United States Department of Agriculture looks like a simple letter when you receive it in the mail. There are either specific allegations about an undercover investigation, or a list of categories for "suspicious transactions" that have occurred at your store. In appearance, the letter and its contents are informal, but it is a completely different process and mindset on the part of the Food and Nutrition Service that sent you the letter. One such example is as follows: The USDA Wants to Permanently Disqualify Your Store The Department has stepped up enforcement of EBT violations since 2013. The USDA conducted a study a few years ago which found that trafficking was more common. Specifically, the Department found that more than 11% of SNAP retailers were trafficking in food stamps. To fix this, the Department became more aggressive in its efforts in two areas: (1) an increase in undercover investigations and (2) an increase in utilization of the ALERT system. If you received a SNAP Violation charge letter with written transaction descriptions, then your store has been shopped by a Retail Investigative Branch (RIB) investigator. If your SNAP Violation charge letter has just a list of transactions attached to it, then the Department utilized data analysis with the Investigative Analysis Branch (IAB). In either case, the USDA wants to be known as a tough enforcer. It adopted a "zero tolerance" policy in order to disqualify as many stores as possible. Over the... --- > 5 Star Avvo Client Rated National SNAP Law Firm, specializing in Delivery Route and Retailer Representation - Defend Against Your SNAP Disqualification - Published: 2019-05-17 - Modified: 2019-05-17 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-disqualification-delivery-route/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP SNAP Disqualification: Delivery Routes About once a year, the USDA comes out with a portion of the retailer market that it wants to reduce in size. Typically, they focus on smaller stores and smaller business owners who don't have the ability to defend themselves the way Walmart does. The Department's goal is usually to issue a SNAP disqualification to stores that fit their preferred description. In 2017, FNS went after small convenience stores. In 2018, it was seafood stores. Now, in 2019, it's delivery routes. According to a new post on the Department's website, FNS is moving to disqualify a number of delivery route retailers from SNAP for whatever violations they can find. What this means is that the USDA is going to be using a number of tools to specifically target delivery routes that have SNAP, and look to disqualify them or find them to be ineligible for reauthorization. The disqualifications are likely to come in the form of SNAP disqualifications or reauthorization denials on the grounds of: SNAP Trafficking; Sale of Ineligible Items; Acceptance of EBT Payments for Credit; Improper Handling of Vouchers; and Insufficient Business Integrity. All of these disqualifications or reauthorization denials are a problem for delivery retailers who are legitimately operating their businesses, but still bear the brunt of the Department's efforts to eliminate their market. If you own a delivery route, here are some steps you need to take: SNAP Retailer Training SNAP Retailer training is an under utilized avenue to both improve compliance,... --- > Our 5-Star Rated SNAP Law Firm Has Protected Millions of Dollars of SNAP Revenue for Stores Just Like Yours. Learn about SNAP Permanent Disqualifications - Published: 2019-05-13 - Modified: 2019-05-13 - URL: https://usda.attorney/trafficking-in-snap-benefits/snap-permanent-disqualification/ - Categories: Trafficking in SNAP Benefits Permanent Disqualification from SNAP Permanent disqualification from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a big problem. It doesn't just limit your store's ability to accept EBT, it impacts your personal credit and reputation for the rest of your life. To add insult to injury, it will also result in a Transfer Civil Money Penalty (TCMP) fine if you sell your store to someone else after you receive a disqualification. SNAP Permanent disqualifications can be prevented, and can be addressed and mitigated. The trick is to be organized, prepared, and careful in how you handle these types of disqualifications. When are Permanent Disqualifications Issued? The USDA issues permanent disqualifications under only a handful of circumstances: (1) a violation of the SNAP rules, specifically SNAP trafficking; (2) owner or manager ineligibility under the SNAP authorization guidelines; or (3) repeated violations of the SNAP rules and regulations. Any of these can land you on the permanent disqualification list with as little as ten (10) days' notice. SNAP trafficking is the most common cause of a permanent disqualification. In these cases, the USDA has determined that your store has exchanged cash for SNAP benefits (or something similar), and the Department decided they don't want you to participate in the program anymore. This type of case can be the result of undercover investigations or data analysis. However, once the decision has been made that trafficking occurred, permanent disqualification is the most likely outcome. The USDA has very little flexibility on this point. Owner and... --- > What to do if the USDA tells you your dairy inventory isn't sufficient: SNAP authorization problems and help from the best in the industry. Get Help Today! - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2020-02-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-retailer-dairy-requirements/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP SNAP Reauthorization: SNAP Dairy Inventory Deficiency Did you receive a licensing authorization letter from the USDA for dairy inventory problems? Often, the USDA will claim that your store doesn't satisfy the criteria because it lacks dairy products. Over the past year, this claim by the USDA has been very common. It is a result of the rule change that occurred in January 2018, which required stores to carry more inventory. One of the weaknesses the USDA discovered was dairy inventory in small stores. Dairy expires, is expensive, requires refrigeration and the profit margins aren't great. So, the USDA is using this method to thin out the number of participating stores - especially small stores. Our offices have represented and prevailed on a number of these SNAP re-authorization denials since the rule changes. We have a long track record of being able to reverse these decisions and get our client's EBT machines functioning again. Dairy Stocking Requirements for SNAP Reauthorization There are two ways to qualify to be a SNAP retailer: Criterion A sets out a list of inventory requirements, which if you meet them, then you qualify; and Criterion B, which requires your store to sell more than 50% of your revenue in "staple foods. " Most stores qualify under Criterion A, which is why the dairy requirement is important. According to the rules, under Criterion A, a SNAP retailer is required to have seven (7) different varieties of food in the Dairy Category. A variety is a different type... --- > We can help you navigate through SNAP Reauthorization & make sure your store doesn't lose its license! Get more information, helpful tips & free consults. - Published: 2019-01-25 - Modified: 2026-06-30 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-reauthorization-for-retailers/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP USDA SNAP Retailer Reauthorization Free Consultations Navigating Through the SNAP Reauthorization Process Current SNAP Retailers If you are an authorized retailer, you are required to submit a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP reauthorization application every five years. This is designed to determine your continued eligibility to participate as a SNAP retailer. Without a successful re-authorization, you'll lose your EBT sales. If you want to continue to accept EBT at your store, we're here to help. Over the years, the authorization requirements for SNAP have changed. Just because your store qualified the last time doesn't mean it will again. In fact, the USDA has sought to cut the number of authorized small business SNAP retailers. The Food and Nutrition Service has done this by making the inventory requirements more strict and by limiting seafood stores and meat markets. Often, FNA on-site inspectors and field offices come to your store to find reasons to deny its reauthorization. As a result, this process is not as easy as it used to be. Is your store eligible to participate? To qualify for reauthorization now, your store must meet the requirements set forth in Criterion A or B described below: SNAP Application Criterion A To qualify, a retailer must have at least 7 varieties of eligible food items in each of the 4 staple food categories. One of these 7 varieties must be perishable (fresh, frozen or refrigerated). Each variety must have a minimum depth of stock of 3 stocking units. The 4 staple food... --- > Our Winning SNAP Violation Defense Firm Can Help You with your SNAP Violation Case. Call Today To Protect Your Store. Free Consultations (833) 762-7529 - Published: 2017-10-10 - Modified: 2020-02-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-defense/ - Categories: Violation Defense SNAP Violation Defense What You Need to Know: Unlike many other state and federal agencies, the USDA is not a business friendly agency. Since 2013, the Department has spent a considerable amount of time seeking to disqualify small stores. It is their belief that the majority of trafficking that occurs on SNAP happens at small stores in urban areas. Accordingly, these stores are targeted for both undercover investigations and for data analysis evaluations. If either of these investigations indicate that a violation has occurred, a Charge Letter is sent out to the store. If your store receives this letter, you will be given ten (10) days to compile a response to the charges. The best chance you have to prove your store's innocence is with a SNAP Violation Defense Attorney. There are four different types of SNAP violation cases, including: (1) trafficking in SNAP benefits; (2) Sale of ineligible items on EBT; (3) Accepting EBT payments on credit accounts; and (4) reciprocal disqualification from Women, Infant and Children care (WIC). Can I Handle My Own SNAP Violation Defense? It's difficult to win a case that you handle without assistance from either a SNAP Violation Defense Attorney. The overall success rate of fighting the SNAP Violation for stores without representation was roughly ten percent (10%) in 2018. Successful appeals of disqualifications handled by stores without assistance was even lower - four percent (4%). To make matters worse, the result of the Charging Letters is usually very bad. In 2016, the USDA... --- > Proven results, experienced representation in SNAP Disqualification cases. Our SNAP violation attorneys can protect your store and respond to SNAP Charges. - Published: 2016-10-15 - Modified: 2019-08-11 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-defense-of-a-grocery-store/ - Categories: Our Results SNAP Disqualification of a Grocery Store The store owner of a large Asian grocery store in Minnesota was proud of how she had grown her company. Since the 1990's, her grocery store had moved from a 3,000 square foot space into a 20,000 square foot commercial building. The store boasted nearly a hundred employees and four specialty departments. Its customers drove from all over town to purchase imported foods and specially prepared meats. It had never had a problem with SNAP disqualification, nor had it ever been in any trouble. Most of the grocery store's customers were immigrant families who were Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. As a result, the store accepted SNAP and EBT payments, which were run through digital point-of-sale registers. In all, the store was well maintained and run. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP Violation As with many grocery stores that offer ethnic foods to under-served communities, this grocery store was reliant upon its sales to SNAP participants. Without the regular monthly EBT transactions, the store would struggle to make ends meet. Accordingly, when the store received a SNAP Violation Charge Letter from the USDA, the store owner became immediately concerned about the long term viability of her store. Her biggest investment and most significant asset was threatened with a permanent disqualification from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and she had only ten days to respond. Specifically, the USDA alleged that it had found the supermarket trafficking in SNAP benefits: On March 25th, a store... --- - Published: 2016-10-14 - Modified: 2019-05-08 - URL: https://usda.attorney/snap-violation-attorney-results/snap-trafficking-violation-dismissed/ - Categories: Our Results Answer to Charging Letter For a number of years, a small Pensacola, Florida convenience store operated in a 1,500 square foot space. The store was one of six owned by a local gentleman. Each store operated similarly with a number of flat fee (bulk item) sale prices. Further, the store was located in the middle of a low income neighborhood, and was within walking distances of a number of duplexes. Accordingly, the store owner stocked the shelves with a number of grocery items, many of which were canned or frozen goods. The local population became regular customers because the store offered reasonable prices and was within walking distance of their homes. For years, the store operated this way. Allegations of SNAP Trafficking In the store's eighth year of operations, it received a SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter in which the USDA accused the store of fraudulently accepting benefits. The specific charges fell into three categories: A significant number of transactions occurred at the store in which the total ended in the same cents value (for example: ending in ". 00" or ". 99"); A series of transactions at the store happened on the same individual benefit accounts in unusually short time frames (less than twenty-four hours); and Excessively large purchase transactions occurred at the store more frequently than the USDA believed they should ($30 or more). Attached to the letter were three different groups of transactions. Each group correlated to one of the categories listed on the front page. Though the... --- > A SNAP Violation Attorney can make all the difference to your store. Learn more about what your store is charged with, and consult with a professional today - Published: 2016-10-11 - Modified: 2026-07-09 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/snap-violation-attorney/ - Categories: Our Results, Violation Defense SNAP Violation Lawyer for retailers responding to USDA SNAP Violations SNAP Violation Defense Attorney Many small grocers and convenience stores rely on the revenue they receive from their EBT transactions. That's why good legal representation makes all the difference when the USDA sends a SNAP Violation Charging Letter. As an experienced SNAP violation lawyer since 2012, Andrew Tapp has successfully handled hundreds of cases for grocery stores and convenience stores across the United States, including New York, California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, Washington, Oregon, Indiana, and Oklahoma, among others. He has represented clients ranging from chain supermarket stores to small convenience stores and food delivery services. What sets Mr. Tapp apart from other attorneys is his wealth of experience with the federal government and the USDA. He was the first attorney in the country to depose most of the USDA's FNS Section Chiefs, and has been responsible for adding nationally to the case law benefiting store owners facing SNAP violation letters. He has pioneered new approaches to SNAP law and violation defense cases, and has worked tirelessly with the Department to resolve cases favorably for the SNAP retailers he has represented. He is respected by members of the Department for his integrity, and by his clients for his creative and thorough approaches to case preparation. Experienced SNAP Violation Attorney In 2013, the United States Congress received a report from the USDA detailing the extent of SNAP trafficking in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program between 2009-2011. This SNAP... --- > Don't make a costly mistake when contacting the USDA about your SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter. Call us immediately for a free consultation! (813) 228-0658 - Published: 2016-08-12 - Modified: 2019-05-08 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/snap-trafficking-charge-letter/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP What to do with a SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter So, if you're reading this you have probably received a SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter. The first thing to do is call our offices or fill out an e-mail consultation form. Though it sounds self-serving for me to tell you to call me, we offer free consultations with no obligation. Too many of my clients pick up the phone and call the USDA immediately. Often, they say mistakenly say something that may be used against them by the USDA. So, rather than risk a mistake, our office can advise you as to what your rights are and how the process works. Though, in my experience over the years, the Department's personnel are friendly and helpful, they're using your words against you. For example, I had a client who called, informed the Department that if any trafficking had occurred, it must have been one of his employees. The USDA determined that this meant the store did traffick in food stamps, just because the owner acknowledged it was possible. Don't lose your business to careless wording. What does the SNAP Trafficking Charge Letter mean? These letters are automatically generated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Each letter is automatically sent out to a SNAP retailer when one (or more) things happen: The ALERT system (USDA's computer program) detected a number of transactions that were "unusually large. " I have seen transactions in this category for as little as $9. 00, and for as... --- > Has your store been charged with trafficking in SNAP benefits or food stamp fraud? Your time may be running out to save your store! Call us (813) 228-0658 - Published: 2016-03-28 - Modified: 2019-05-08 - URL: https://usda.attorney/understanding-snap/food-stamp-fraud/ - Categories: Understanding SNAP Food Stamp Fraud: Trafficking in SNAP Benefits In the past two years, I have run across a number of claims by the USDA against retailers for "trafficking in SNAP benefits. " My clients always ask me what that means, and the answer is simple: it's food stamp fraud. While food stamps themselves haven't been used in about a decade (they were replaced with Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards, or EBT for short), the classic concept of fraud with food stamps hasn't changed. Technically speaking, food stamp fraud can occur on either the beneficiary's side of the transaction, or on the retailer's side. As it pertains to SNAP retailers, trafficking or food stamp fraud is defined by 7 C. F. R. §271. 2 as: The buying, selling, stealing, or otherwise effecting an exchange of SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) issued and accessed by EBT cards, for cash or items/services of value other than eligible food, regardless of whether or not the violator committed the act directly themselves, indirectly through other means, or collusion with others, or acting alone; The exchange of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or drugs for SNAP benefits; Purchasing a product with SNAP benefits that has a container requiring a return deposit with the intent of obtaining cash by discarding the product and returning the container for the deposit amount, intentionally discarding the product, and intentionally returning the container for the deposit amount; Purchasing a product with SNAP benefits with the intent of obtaining cash or other valuable items/services besides the... --- > Responding to a USDA SNAP Violation letter is not easy. Learn what you need to know from the nation's only SNAP specialist law firm: 1-(833) SNAP-LAW - Published: 2016-03-26 - Modified: 2019-12-01 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/usda-snap-violation-response/ - Categories: Violation Defense Responding to a USDA SNAP Violation Letter As I discussed in Preventing a USDA SNAP Violation, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees violations of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). The USDA is specifically responsible for compiling what is called a Charge Letter, or a USDA SNAP Violation Letter. This letter is the formal document that the Department uses to place stores on notice of the charges against them. Usually, attached to the charge letter is the evidence that the USDA has compiled. Some of these letters have written descriptions. These letters are the result of undercover investigations by officers. Other letters have lists of transactions and their dates. These violation letters are data-driven letters. This USDA SNAP violation letter is designed by law to provide the store with the opportunity to respond to the USDA’s allegation. Accordingly, your response is very important. Contact Us Immediately After You Receive Your Charge Letter There is a timeline inside of which the store must respond to the specific allegations set forth in the Charge Letter. The time limit is ten (10) days from the date the store (or the registrant) received the letter. If the store fails to respond to the letter, the store will be disqualified. By the time they send the Charge Letter, the USDA already believes the store has violated the rules. So, you have ten (10) days from receiving the letter to save your store's EBT. In order to fully respond, you have to submit a... --- > You have only ten (10) days to respond to a USDA SNAP Violation. Learn more about what is required of you, what your solutions are, and how best to proceed. - Published: 2016-03-26 - Modified: 2019-10-15 - URL: https://usda.attorney/violation-defense/protecting-usda-snap-violation/ - Categories: Violation Defense What is a USDA SNAP Violation? For any business that accepts payment from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) such as Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT), Women & Infant Care (WIC) or food stamps, there is always a danger of falling into non-compliance and losing qualification to accept SNAP payments from customers. This can cause gross sales losses of hundreds or even thousands of dollars per day. A USDA SNAP violation can come in several different types, many of which can result in a store being disqualified, but generally the violations range from basic non-compliance issues (selling unqualified items) to trafficking (accepting payment for which no goods were sold). Punishments and Factors The punishments for violations range from civil fines and disqualifications (6 months to permanent) to criminal charges. Making matters more complicated, a store owner or an applicant can be subject to a USDA SNAP violation even though the violating acts may have occurred with the personnel or the management of the company, regardless of whether or not the owner was aware of the violations. How to Prevent a USDA SNAP Violation The most important thing a store can do to prevent a USDA SNAP violation is to be organized, and have the following practices ingrained in your operation: Written Guidelines: One of the significant factors looked at by the USDA when evaluating a violation claim is whether or not the offending company has written guidelines in place that pre-date the alleged violations. The best way to do this is to... --- ---