Criminal Defense Lawyers

Regardless of what situation you may or may not be in, all individuals that are involved in a federal criminal investigation play one of three roles: the target, the witness, or the subject.

Understanding Your Role in a Federal Investigation

Once you have retained an attorney, it is up to them to ascertain your status in the investigation. Your attorney will speak with the prosecutor in charge of the investigation to determine what your role is.

Each role in a federal investigation will require different things from you:

• • Target: The target in an investigation is the person that the prosecutor has singled out. Essentially, you are the person that is being targeted.

• • Witness: The witness in the investigation is someone that the prosecutor believes has or knows information that is invaluable to the investigation.

• Subject: The subject is in the middle of the investigation. The prosecutor likely is suspicious of your behavior and believes that you are involved in the crime in some way.

Once you learn what role you pay in an investigation, your attorney will be able to better proceed in assisting you.

If You’re a Target

If you’re a target, you are in the hot seat. At this point, you’ve likely received a target letter informing you of the pending penalties. However, once you learn of your status as a target, this doesn’t guarantee that you will also learn all the information that the prosecutor has on you.

Once you’ve been selected as a target, it is clear that the grand jury or the prosecutor has enough evidence to link you to a crime. As a target in the investigation, you’ll likely have an idea of why you are being investigated. It is important to share everything you know with your attorney so that they will better be able to protect you in the investigation.

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

If You’re a Subject

If you have been tied to the criminal activity, you will be classified as a subject in the investigation. This classification is typically the case if the prosecutor can’t yet consider you a target, but has enough evidence to suggest that you have been involved in the criminal activity in some way.

While you may start the investigation off as a subject, you could become a target. similarly, you also may become a witness if it is found that you did nothing wrong. As a subject, you shouldn’t take this status for granted. Be sure to contact a federal criminal attorney to ensure that you are protected during the investigation.

If You’re a Witness

As a witness in a federal investigation, you have information that the prosecutor deems relevant. This might mean that you witnessed a crime or that your testimony can help prove the innocence or guilt of someone else. While being a witness is certainly better than being a target or subject, it is not a role to be taken lightly. If you are a witness, you still need legal counsel.

Retaining a lawyer is your legal right and will help to ensure that the investigation continues to progress in your favor. In certain situations, a witness can become a subject or target if the prosecutor believes that they were somehow involved with the crime.

Are you involved in a federal investigation? Regardless of whether you’re a target, subject, or witness, it is important for you to contact a federal criminal attorney as soon as possible.