Glossary · People and paperwork
Criminal Charge
In short
This is an accusation by law enforcement that someone has committed a crime, which may or may not lead to a conviction. Buyers care because pending charges or recent dismissals related to fraud or dishonesty can still impact SBA loan eligibility.
What it means in a deal
You must disclose any felony or misdemeanor criminal charges (past or present) on SBA Form 1919, even if they didn't result in a conviction. Lenders assess these as part of your character review. Failure to disclose is an omission of material fact and can lead to loan denial or recall.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA form
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Criminal Charge
- Does the SBA charge any fees to me directly for applying?
- Does the SBA tell lenders exactly what interest rate they must charge?
- Does the SBA charge me any ongoing fees after my loan is approved?
- Which criminal history issues commonly prevent SBA loan approval?
- Can the lender charge an additional "packaging fee" on top of the SBA fees?
- How do criminal history issues commonly prevent SBA loan approval?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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