Criminal Defense
What Is a Federal Criminal Lawyer and When Do You Need One
max@dotcomlawyermarketing.com
Legal Expert
9 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
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.
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.
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
- New York Post
- Newsweek
- Fox 5 New York
- South China Morning Post
- Insider.com
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
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
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)
- Drug trafficking
- Fraud
- Money laundering
- Weapons offenses
- 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
Examples of Common Federal Charges
Our experienced federal criminal defense practice consists of representing individual and corporate clients accused of:Charge | Statute |
---|---|
Bank Fraud | 18 U.S. Code § 1344 |
Healthcare Fraud | 18 U.S. Code § 1347 |
Insurance Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1033 |
Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud | 18 U.S. Code § 1343 |
Mortgage Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1343 |
Securities Fraud | 18 U.S. Code § 1348 |
Intellectual Property Theft | 18 U.S.C. § 1832, 18 U.S.C. § 2320, 18 U.S.C. § 2319, 18 U.S.C. § 1343, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, 18 U.S.C. § 1831 |
Money Laundering | 18 U.S.C. § 1956, 18 U.S.C. § 1957 |
Tax Evasion | 26 U.S.C. § 7201 |
Public Corruption and Bribery | 18 U.S.C. § 201 |
Drug Crimes | 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. |
Attempt | 18 U.S.C. § 1113, 18 U.S. Code § 1349, 21 U.S.C. § 846, 26 U.S.C. § 7201, 18 U.S.C. § 201 |
Conspiracy | 18 U.S. Code § 371 |
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
- 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
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
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
- 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
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
- The individual's criminal history
- The offense's seriousness
- Explaining your options
- Preparing the best defense
- Advising on appeals, if necessary
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