Criminal Defense Lawyers

How to Handle a Criminal Investigation in New York

How to Handle a Criminal Investigation in New York

Are you feeling PANICKED because you just found out you’re the subject of a criminal investigation in New York? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the treacherous waters of criminal investigations. With our experienced attorneys by your side, you can breathe a little easier knowing you have a skilled legal team fighting for your rights.

Understanding Criminal Investigations in New York

Criminal investigations in New York can be SCARY and overwhelming. Whether it’s the NYPD or a federal agency like the FBI conducting the investigation, the stakes are high. A criminal investigation means law enforcement believes you may have committed a crime and they’re gathering evidence to potentially charge you.Some key things to understand about criminal investigations in New York:

• They can last weeks, months, or even years in complex cases
• Multiple agencies may be involved, especially for federal crimes
• Investigators will use various tactics to gather evidence, including surveillance, search warrants, and witness interviews
• You may not even know you’re under investigation until charges are filed

The most important thing to remember is this: DON’T PANIC. Take a deep breath. With the right legal strategy, many investigations end without charges ever being filed. That’s where we come in.

Common Types of Criminal Investigations in New York

Criminal investigations in New York run the gamut from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Some of the most common types of investigations we see include:

• Drug crimes (possession, distribution, trafficking)
• White collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, money laundering)
• Violent crimes (assault, robbery, homicide)
• Sex crimes
• Cybercrime and identity theft
• Organized crime and racketeering

No matter what type of crime you’re being investigated for, the key is to get experienced legal counsel on your side ASAP. The earlier in the process we can get involved, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy.

Key Players in New York Criminal Investigations

Understanding who’s involved in criminal investigations can help you navigate the process. The main players typically include:

• Law enforcement agencies (NYPD, FBI, DEA, etc.)
• Prosecutors (district attorneys, US attorneys)
• Judges (who approve warrants and oversee grand juries)
• Witnesses and informants
• Crime lab analysts
• Your defense attorney (that’s us!)

Each of these parties has different roles, motivations, and tactics. Our job is to anticipate their moves and stay one step ahead to protect your interests.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

What to Do If You’re Under Criminal Investigation in New York

So you just found out you’re being investigated. What now? Here are the critical steps to take:

1. DON’T TALK TO ANYONE about the investigation except your lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
2. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY. Time is of the essence. Call us at 212-300-5196 for a free consultation.
3. PRESERVE ALL POTENTIAL EVIDENCE. Don’t delete emails, texts, or documents that could be relevant.
4. BE PREPARED FOR SEARCH WARRANTS. Have a plan in place if investigators show up at your home or business.
5. STAY CALM AND COMPOSED. Don’t do anything rash that could make you look guilty.

Remember, being under investigation doesn’t mean you’ll be charged or convicted. With the right legal strategy, we may be able to resolve the investigation without charges ever being filed.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling a Criminal Investigation

What to Expect During a Criminal Investigation

Criminal investigations can be long, stressful processes. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect:

1. Initial stages: Law enforcement gathers preliminary evidence and interviews witnesses.
2. Surveillance: You may be watched or have your communications monitored.
3. Search warrants: Your home, business, or electronic devices may be searched.
4. Grand jury subpoenas: Witnesses may be called to testify before a grand jury.
5. Target letter: You may receive formal notice that you’re the target of an investigation.
6. Arrest or indictment: If enough evidence is gathered, you may be arrested or formally charged.

Throughout this process, we’ll be by your side, protecting your rights and building your defense strategy. We’ve been through this countless times and know how to navigate each stage effectively.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help With Your Criminal Investigation

When you’re facing a criminal investigation in New York, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and tenacity to protect your rights and freedom. That’s exactly what you’ll get with Spodek Law Group.Our approach to handling criminal investigations is COMPREHENSIVE and AGGRESSIVE. We leave no stone unturned in building your defense. Here’s how we can help:

Early Intervention

The earlier we get involved in your case, the better. We can often intervene before charges are even filed to:

• Negotiate with prosecutors to avoid charges
• Challenge the legality of searches or seizures
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Gather exculpatory evidence
• Prepare you for potential questioning

Don’t wait until you’re arrested to call us. The sooner we can start working on your case, the more options we’ll have to resolve it favorably.

Thorough Investigation

We don’t just rely on the prosecution’s evidence. Our team conducts our own thorough investigation to build the strongest possible defense. This may include:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Analyzing forensic evidence
• Reviewing financial records
• Consulting with expert witnesses
• Examining surveillance footage

Our goal is to uncover any evidence that supports your innocence or casts doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Strategic Defense Planning

Based on our investigation and analysis of the evidence, we’ll develop a customized defense strategy tailored to your specific case. This may involve:

• Filing motions to suppress evidence
• Negotiating plea deals (if appropriate)
• Preparing for trial
• Developing alternative theories of the crime
• Identifying constitutional violations by law enforcement

We’ll walk you through all your options and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Aggressive Advocacy

If your case does go to trial, you can count on us to fight RELENTLESSLY for your rights and freedom. Our trial attorneys are skilled litigators with a track record of success in even the most complex criminal cases.We’ll challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling case for your innocence. Our goal is always to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether that’s an acquittal, dismissal of charges, or favorable plea deal.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your Criminal Investigation Defense

When you’re facing a criminal investigation, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. You need a law firm you can trust to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.Here’s why Spodek Law Group should be your first call if you’re under criminal investigation in New York:

• Decades of Experience: We’ve successfully defended clients in thousands of criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to complex federal investigations.
• Former Prosecutors on Staff: Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the other side thinks and can anticipate their moves.
• 24/7 Availability: Criminal investigations don’t just happen 9-5. We’re available around the clock to address emergencies and protect your rights.
• Personalized Attention: You’re not just a case number to us. We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our approach accordingly.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with prosecutors and law enforcement to protect your rights.
• Proven Track Record: Our case results speak for themselves. We’ve secured countless dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea deals for our clients.

Don’t trust your future to just any law firm. Choose Spodek Law Group for experienced, aggressive criminal defense when it matters most.

FAQs About Criminal Investigations in New York

Q: Do I have to talk to investigators if they contact me?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise it. Politely decline to answer questions and tell them you want to speak to your attorney first. Then call us immediately at 212-300-5196.

Q: Can I be arrested without being charged with a crime?

A: Yes, you can be arrested based on probable cause. However, prosecutors generally have 24-48 hours to file formal charges or release you.

Q: Should I consent to a search if investigators ask?

A: NO. Always require a search warrant. If they have one, review it carefully and call us immediately. If they don’t, politely decline the search.

Q: What’s the difference between a subject and a target of an investigation?

A: A subject is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation, while a target is someone the prosecutor believes committed a crime. Both should seek legal counsel immediately.

Q: Can an investigation be resolved without charges being filed?

A: Yes, many investigations end without charges. With early intervention from an experienced attorney, we may be able to convince prosecutors not to file charges.

Q: How long do criminal investigations typically last?

A: It varies widely depending on the complexity of the case. Some investigations last weeks, while others can go on for years.

Contact Spodek Law Group Today for Help With Your Criminal Investigation

If you’re under criminal investigation in New York, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.At Spodek Law Group, we have the experience, resources, and determination to protect your rights and fight for your freedom. We’ve successfully defended countless clients facing criminal investigations and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.Don’t face this alone. Call us now at 212-300-5196 for a free, confidential consultation about your case. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and start building your defense.Remember, being under investigation doesn’t mean you’ll be charged or convicted. With the right legal strategy, we may be able to resolve the investigation without charges ever being filed. But time is of the essence, so don’t delay. Contact Spodek Law Group today and let us fight for you.