Criminal Defense Lawyers

What Is a Federal Criminal Lawyer and When Do You Need One

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. You want the best possible federal criminal defense lawyer you can find.If you’re facing a federal criminal issue, you need a lawyer who’s available 24/7 to give you the help and results you need. Every single client is like a member of our family.At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service possible. We service an exceptional clientele that expects only high-class service – and an excellent understanding of the law. We have experience handling the toughest legal situations imaginable, and getting amazing outcomes for our clients. We have over 50 years of combined experience handling misdemeanors and felonies nationwide.

A Fully Digital Law Firm With a Nationwide Presence

The Spodek Law Group is an acclaimed law firm specializing in criminal defense, renowned for its provision of a fully digital portal. Through this portal, clients have the convenience of:

• Tracking the progress of their case
• Communicating with us
• Submitting documents
• Accessing additional services

The Spodek Law Group is a law firm with a nationwide presence, serving clients from coast to coast. We possess extensive experience in handling cases across the country, and our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing you with top-notch representation no matter what your legal situation may be.Todd Spodek, our founding partner, is a seasoned trial attorney with many years of experience. He is a second-generation lawyer who takes his work seriously. He has many years of experience handling hundreds of trials. He has been seen on major news outlets, ranging from:

• New York Post
• Newsweek
• Fox 5 New York
• South China Morning Post
• Insider.com

He has appeared as a legal expert on dozens of television and radio shows. In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Our Philosophy: Honesty and White Glove Service

It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. Every single client should know what they potentially face and what the outcome of their case could be – before hiring a criminal defense attorney.Our lawyers have experience handling criminal defense cases nationwide, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC. Our philosophy is fair and simple – one that every law firm should adhere to, but most don’t:We only take on clients who we can help.We are selective about the number of clients we work with, and only work with clients who we can truly help. This is different from other law firms, who take on every single client – irrespective of the outcome.When you reach out to our law firm, the process begins with a risk-free consultation in person or over the phone. During this consultation, you can ask us anything – regardless of how long it takes. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask the tough questions which allow us to show you our understanding of the issue you’re facing. We are available to help you 24/7.

A Hands-On Approach to Defending Your Freedom

The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles. Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to find a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in.Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice. Our NYC criminal attorneys understand that your future is on the line – that’s why we’re here to help you and give you the best possible advice.Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means:

• Researching the exact situation surrounding your case
• Putting in the legwork to be familiar with every intimate detail

Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold meetings to discuss and address all our cases. In an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.

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

Understanding Federal Criminal Charges

If you’re a suspect or person of interest in a federal crime, we can help. If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a crime, your future and freedom could be at risk.Authorities such as the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and Homeland Security could be involved in the investigation against you. These agencies have extremely vast resources compared to local law enforcement.The federal government has the ability to:

• Intercept phone calls
• Conduct surveillance and collect video evidence
• Use other invasive investigative tools

Tell the agents you want to speak to an attorney before answering any questions or consenting to a search.

What Constitutes a Federal Crime?

Federal crimes are offenses that violate federal laws established by the United States government. These crimes are typically prosecuted by federal agencies like:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Examples of federal crimes include:

• Drug trafficking
• Fraud
• Money laundering
• Weapons offenses

Unlike state crimes prosecuted under state laws, federal charges carry distinct consequences. Federal sentencing guidelines often involve mandatory minimum sentences, meaning judges have less discretion in determining penalties.These guidelines consider factors such as:

• Nature and severity of the offense
• Enhancements or aggravating circumstances
• Defendant’s criminal history

The High Burden of Proof in Federal Cases

Federal cases are typically more complex and resource-intensive compared to state cases. The investigative process tends to be thorough, involving extensive evidence gathering and analysis.Federal prosecutors often have ample resources, including:

• Expert witnesses
• Forensic specialists

The burden of proof in federal cases is high – beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires the prosecution to present compelling evidence that proves guilt beyond any shadow of a doubt.As a defendant, it is crucial to have competent legal representation with experience in federal criminal law to help build a strong defense strategy.

Examples of Common Federal Charges

Our experienced federal criminal defense practice consists of representing individual and corporate clients accused of:

While federal criminal cases can involve allegations under a multitude of statutes, these are some of the most common charges our federal criminal lawyers handle.

Defending Against Federal Charges: Your Options

When facing federal criminal charges, it is crucial to understand the specific statutes relevant to your case. This knowledge allows you and your legal counsel to:

• Assess the strength of the evidence against you
• Identify potential defenses
• Explore possible negotiation strategies

Going to Trial

Debating whether to exercise your right to trial can be a significant decision. Trials can be:

• Lengthy
• Expensive
• Uncertain

However, in some cases, going to trial may be the best option if:

• You believe there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt
• You can assert a valid legal defense

Plea Bargaining

Alternatively, you may consider exploring plea bargaining to resolve your charges. Plea bargaining involves negotiating with the prosecution to reach an agreement where you:

• Plead guilty to a lesser offense or reduced charges
• Receive a more lenient sentence in exchange

For example, if facing charges for embezzlement of federal funds, you might negotiate to plead guilty to misappropriation of funds rather than embezzlement in exchange for a reduced sentence.However, weigh the pros and cons carefully. While it can result in reduced penalties, pleading guilty carries consequences like admitting guilt, which may impact future employment prospects.

The Importance of Evidence

When facing federal charges, the way evidence is used can greatly impact the outcome. Evidence serves as the foundation for the prosecution’s arguments against you.It is crucial to understand how evidence can be used to effectively defend yourself. For example, in federal court, the prosecution may attempt to introduce evidence obtained through:

• Wiretaps
• Surveillance footage
• Financial records
• Witness testimony

An experienced federal defense attorney can scrutinize the evidence and how it was obtained to identify potential violations of your constitutional rights that could result in suppression or exclusion.

Why Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Facing federal charges without legal representation is inadvisable. Federal criminal law is highly complex, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe, including:

• Lengthy prison sentences
• Substantial fines
• Probation

A federal criminal defense lawyer can:

• Advise you of your rights
• Investigate the charges against you
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Negotiate for reduced charges or plea agreements
• Represent you in court and mount a strong defense

With extensive knowledge of federal laws, procedures, and the court system, an experienced federal criminal attorney is best equipped to protect your interests and fight for the best possible outcome.

When Do You Need a Federal Criminal Lawyer?

It is essential to hire a federal criminal lawyer as soon as possible if you face any federal offense. Some examples include:

• Drug offenses involving large quantities, trafficking, or crossing state lines
• White-collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering
• Immigration offenses such as smuggling or illegal entry

Federal criminal cases are characterized by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which outline potential sentences based on:

• The individual’s criminal history
• The offense’s seriousness

While not binding, these guidelines establish minimum and maximum prison terms. Certain offenses also carry mandatory minimum penalties resulting in lengthy federal prison sentences.Given the severity of federal cases, retaining an experienced federal defense attorney early is crucial for:

• Explaining your options
• Preparing the best defense
• Advising on appeals, if necessary

There are considerable distinctions between state and federal court proceedings. If facing federal charges, you want an attorney with specific federal experience.