Facing Federal Fraud Charges? Here’s What You Need to Know in NYC

Facing Federal Fraud Charges? Here’s What You Need to Know in NYC

Getting charged with fraud can be scary. Believe me, I know. I’ve helped a lot of good people who made some mistakes and got caught up in the system. This article will walk you through what to expect if you’re facing federal fraud charges in New York City.

The Charges

There’s a wide range of potential fraud-related charges – from identity theft to check scams to securities fraud (think Sam Bankman-Fried). The feds don’t mess around. They’ll hit you with multiple serious felony charges all at once.

Expect charges like wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy – the list goes on. And the potential prison time is no joke…I’ve seen people facing up to 25 years. It’s intense.

The Evidence

The feds have crazy resources to investigate financial crimes these days. They dig deep and get very technical. Expect them to have phone records, financial statements, witness testimony – anything that could point to fraud.

And they don’t need a smoking gun to charge you. Even if you think you covered your tracks, they can piece together circumstantial evidence to build a case. It’s tricky.

The Defenses

There are defenses that can work, even when the evidence looks bad. For example, you may be able to argue you had a good faith belief that what you were doing was legal. Or attack the reliability of a key witness. It takes some creativity and guts!

In some cases, you may be able to get the charges thrown out pre-trial if there are legal issues with how the case came together. But you need an experienced federal fraud lawyer to identify those issues.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

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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!

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2024-03-12

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2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

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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.

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The Plea Deal Option

Even if you have a strong defense, the feds will almost always offer a plea deal too. This involves pleading guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. Not what you want to hear, I know…but sometimes it’s the pragmatic move.

Over 90% of federal cases end in plea deals. The risks of losing at trial are high, and the sentences are longer. It’s just reality. But don’t panic – make sure you understand all your options first.

The Trial

If you do decide to take your case to trial, buckle up. Federal prosecutors have insane conviction rates. In New York’s Southern District, it’s over 95% – yes, 95%!

But even then, the case isn’t hopeless. OJ and other high-profile defendants have beat the feds. It comes down to the strength of your defense…and a little luck doesn’t hurt either 😉

The Sentence

If convicted, federal fraud sentences are defined by something called the Sentencing Guidelines. This complex formula determines your “offense level” and sentence range.

The dollar amount in your fraud case is a huge factor. Over $1M? You’re looking at around 8-25 years if convicted. Even “smaller” frauds still bring years in federal prison and massive fines. It’s life-changing stuff.

The Prison

Federal prison is no walk in the park, but not as violent as state prisons. There’s lots of rules, roommates, bad food – you know, normal prison stuff. The good news is they have education programs and opportunities to shave time off for good behavior.

Some minimum security federal camps even let you go home on weekends! But first you’ve gotta get through at least 85% of your sentence. Time moves slower on the inside, take my word for it.

How My Firm Can Help

I know this sounds scary and serious. It is. But having an experienced federal fraud defense lawyer by your side makes a huge difference.

My firm knows all the prosecutors and judges. We’ve handled 100’s of complex fraud cases over the past 20 years. We know how to analyze the evidence, identify technical loopholes, negotiate with the feds, and craft a narrative that resonates with juries.

If you or a loved one is under investigation or already charged, reach out today. The first consultation is free and confidential. There’s no obligation. Let’s just talk and start building your defense strategy.

You have rights. And there just may be hope. Don’t go through this alone.