Questions to Ask When Hiring a Philadelphia Federal Criminal Lawyer

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Philadelphia Federal Criminal Lawyer

Finding the right federal criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming. You’re probably scared, confused, and desperate to understand the legal process and possible outcomes.

I get it — I’ve been there. When my son got arrested, I didn’t know where to turn. But asking the right questions helped me find an attorney I could trust.

Their Experience

One of the most important things is picking a lawyer whose done this before. Don’t go with someone who usually handles small drug cases or DUIs. You need someone whose represented people in federal court specificly.

Here’s what to ask:

• How long have you practiced federal criminal defense law?
• What percent of your caseload is federal cases?
• How many federal criminal trials have you taken to verdict?
• Have you handled cases similar to mine before?

Pay attention to how they answer. Do they seem confident and knowledgeable? Can they talk specifics about trial strategy and federal sentencing guidelines? Or do they dodge the questions?

Their Track Record

You obviously want someone who gets results. These questions will help you gauge their success rate:

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.

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

• What are some positive outcomes you’ve gotten for past clients?
• What percent of your federal cases end in plea bargains versus trials?
• Have you ever lost a case at trial? What percent are losses verses wins?

Good lawyers will give nuanced answers — they may highlight big wins but also be upfront about setbacks or cases ending in reasonable plea deals. Anyone who claims they’ve never lost a case probably isn’t being totally honest.

Their Fees

Federal criminal defense lawyers are expensive — with retainers starting around $10-$15k and sometimes reaching $100k or more for complex trials .

Be clear on their fee structure upfront by asking:

• Do you charge hourly, flat fees, or retainers? What are your rates?
• What expenses might come up beyond your fees (experts, investigators, etc)?
• Do you offer payment plans for people who can’t afford the full retainer upfront?

If their fees are out of your price range, ask if they have associates who handle federal cases at lower rates that they can refer you to.

The Game Plan

You need an attorney who will investigate your case, consider possible defenses, and put together a customized defense strategy. Ask things like:

• If I hire you, what are the first steps? What will you do to start preparing my defense?
• Are there any possible defenses you see given the charges against me?
• Based on what you know, what are some likely case outcomes or sentences I’m facing?

Listen for thorough, thoughtful responses about next steps, rather than vague generalities. You want someone who dives into the specifics of your situation.

Their Availability

Some lawyers take on too many clients to give you proper attention. Make sure to ask:

• How many other federal criminal cases are you working on right now?
• Can I reach you directly if I have questions or need to talk? Or do you have assistants/paralegals as points of contact?
• Will you be the lead attorney actually trying my case if it goes to trial?

Ideally you want to work directly with the lead attorney, not get passed off to junior lawyers or assistants all the time.

Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, this is someone you need to trust completely to defend your freedom and future. Consider:

• Do you feel comfortable talking openly and honestly with this lawyer?
• Do you get the sense they truly care about you and your case?
• Or do they seem distracted, impatient, or too overworked to focus on your situation?

If your gut tells you something seems “off,” don’t second guess yourself. Keep looking for someone who feels like the right fit.

I know it’s scary trying to understand the complex federal justice system when your life hangs in the balance. But asking the right questions helps you find the defense attorney you need to fight for the best possible outcome. It comes down to doing your research, trusting your instincts, and investing in the lawyer that’s right for YOU.

You got this!

References

Typical Costs of a Criminal Defense Lawyer