PPP Loan Fraud Lawyer Maryland, MD

Last reviewed: July 2026

Federal PPP loan fraud investigations in Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, operating through the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions of the U.S. District Court. These cases often involve allegations under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (false statements on loan applications). A conviction on any of these charges carries significant federal sentencing exposure, including imprisonment, fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture. Federal agencies that investigate PPP loan fraud in Maryland include the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation division, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service. Early engagement of experienced federal criminal defense counsel—before an indictment is returned, where possible—can materially affect how a matter proceeds. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients facing federal PPP loan fraud allegations in Maryland. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What PPP Loan Fraud Means in Maryland

PPP loan fraud charges in Maryland arise from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, established under the CARES Act in 2020. The program provided forgivable loans to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal prosecutors in Maryland pursue allegations that loan applicants submitted false information about payroll expenses, number of employees, business operations, or the intended use of loan proceeds. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has actively prosecuted PPP fraud cases since the program’s inception, working with multiple federal investigative agencies. These matters are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which maintains courthouses in Baltimore and Greenbelt. Federal criminal procedure governs every stage—from grand jury investigation through indictment, pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations or trial, and sentencing under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Maryland residents and businesses in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and across the state face PPP loan fraud investigations initiated by federal authorities. Unlike state criminal matters, federal cases proceed under distinct procedural rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing frameworks. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines consider the dollar amount of the alleged fraud, the number of victims, the defendant’s role in the offense, and whether there was an abuse of a position of trust. Mandatory restitution is typically sought. Additionally, federal prosecutors may pursue asset forfeiture, seeking to recover property alleged to be connected to the fraud. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, representing clients at both the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle PPP Loan Fraud Cases

Federal PPP loan fraud defense in Maryland begins with a thorough review of the government’s allegations and the evidence it has gathered. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine the charging documents, the underlying loan application materials, communications with lenders, and the investigative steps taken by federal agents. Because PPP loan fraud cases often involve voluminous financial records and communications, a methodical review of discovery is essential. The defense team evaluates whether the government can establish each element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt, including whether any alleged misrepresentations were material and whether there is evidence of intent to defraud.

The procedural path in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland includes an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge, detention or release determinations, preliminary hearings, and arraignment on the indictment. Pretrial motion practice may address evidentiary issues, the scope of discovery, or challenges to the sufficiency of the government’s case. In many federal fraud matters, the defense engages in discussions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding potential resolution without trial. If a matter proceeds to trial, the defense prepares to cross-examine government witnesses—including loan officers, forensic accountants, and federal agents—and to present evidence that addresses the government’s allegations. Sentencing, if it occurs, involves advocacy regarding the applicable guidelines range, departures or variances, restitution obligations, and forfeiture. Throughout this process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work toward achieving the most favorable outcome possible under the specific facts of the case. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a multi-state law firm practicing since 1997. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor whose experience includes criminal trial work. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in accounting and information systems provides a foundation for addressing complex financial cases, including federal fraud matters that involve detailed financial records and digital evidence. Mr. Sris concentrates his practice on representing individuals in federal criminal proceedings and appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience across multiple areas of federal criminal defense. Collectively, they represent clients in federal courts, applying their knowledge of federal procedure, the Sentencing Guidelines, and trial practice to each matter. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the procedures in both the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions. For a consultation about a PPP loan fraud matter in Maryland, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PPP loan fraud under federal law?

PPP loan fraud involves making false statements or submitting falsified documents to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan from a federally insured financial institution. The Paycheck Protection Program, created by the CARES Act in 2020, provided forgivable loans to qualifying businesses. Federal prosecutors bring charges under statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud), 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), and 18 U.S.C. § 1014 (false statements on loan applications). Common allegations include misrepresenting payroll costs, inflating employee headcounts, fabricating business operations, or diverting loan proceeds to ineligible uses. These charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the federal district where the alleged conduct occurred. For a consultation about a specific PPP loan fraud matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for a PPP loan fraud investigation in Maryland?

Yes, engaging experienced federal criminal defense counsel at the earliest possible stage of a PPP loan fraud investigation is critical. Federal cases at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources from the FBI, IRS-CI, and SBA-OIG. Federal sentencing guidelines often include imprisonment, and there is no parole in the federal system. Early engagement before indictment can affect pretrial release determinations, the scope of the investigation, and potential resolution options. Federal practice has distinct rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing procedures that differ from state court practice. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How long does a federal PPP loan fraud case take in Maryland?

The timeline for a federal PPP loan fraud case in Maryland depends on the complexity of the matter and the court’s calendar. The Speedy Trial Act imposes statutory deadlines, but cases involving extensive financial records, multiple defendants, or complex fraud allegations may require additional time for discovery review and pretrial motion practice. The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland manages its docket through both the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions, and scheduling varies by division and judicial assignment. Matters resolved through pretrial disposition may conclude earlier than those proceeding to trial. Each case follows its own procedural path based on the specific charges, the volume of evidence, and the decisions made by the parties. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are the potential penalties for PPP loan fraud in Maryland?

PPP loan fraud convictions carry substantial federal penalties, including imprisonment, fines, restitution, and supervised release. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud), the maximum term of imprisonment is 30 years. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (mail fraud) and 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), the maximum is 20 years, or 30 years if the offense affects a financial institution. Federal sentencing is governed by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate a guideline range based on the dollar amount of the loss, the number of victims, and other offense characteristics. Courts also order mandatory restitution to the victims. There is no parole in the federal system. Supervised release follows any term of imprisonment. For a consultation about potential penalties in a specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Can federal PPP loan fraud charges be dismissed in Maryland?

Federal PPP loan fraud charges may be challenged through pretrial motions or resolved through negotiations with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, though dismissal is not guaranteed. A defense attorney may identify grounds for challenging the sufficiency of the indictment, the admissibility of evidence, or the government’s compliance with procedural requirements. In some matters, the defense may present information that leads the government to reconsider the charges. Each case depends on its specific facts, the strength of the government’s evidence, and the applicable law. The attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Evaluate the specific circumstances of each matter to determine the most appropriate strategy. Results may vary. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does a federal PPP loan fraud investigation begin in Maryland?

A federal PPP loan fraud investigation in Maryland typically begins with a referral from a lending institution, a SBA audit, or a whistleblower complaint to a federal agency. Federal agencies—including the FBI, IRS-CI, and SBA-OIG—investigate the allegations, often through document subpoenas, witness interviews, and financial analysis. A target of an investigation may become aware of it through a subpoena for records, a visit from federal agents, or a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation may proceed for months before charges are filed. If you become aware that you are under investigation, engaging counsel promptly is important so that your rights are protected throughout the investigative stage. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Federal Criminal Defense Resources in Maryland

The firm’s attorneys represent clients facing federal charges throughout Maryland:

• Montgomery County federal criminal defense
• Prince George’s County federal criminal defense
• Howard County federal criminal defense
• Anne Arundel County federal criminal defense
• Frederick County federal criminal defense

Primary-Source Authority

The following official sources provide additional information about the federal statutes and courts relevant to PPP loan fraud prosecutions in Maryland:

• U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Title 18, U.S. Code (Federal Criminal Code)

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.