Criminal Defense Lawyers

Once You’ve Been Convicted

While a conviction with a guilty verdict feels very final, your time in court hasn’t ended. After a conviction, you should be prepared to do three things:

• • Prepare for Sentencing: After you’ve been convicted, you will be sentenced. During your sentencing, you will appear in front of the judge. It is at this point that you will explain why you deserve to receive the lowest sentence available.

    Even with a conviction, your work isn’t done. In order to receive the most ideal sentence, you and your attorney will need to put together a strong case as to why the judge should be lenient with you. Many people that get a guilty verdict with one lawyer may want to choose a different attorney for the sentencing. If this is the case in your situation, be sure to do that now.

• • Prepare for the Appeal: If you plan to appeal the guilty verdict, now is the time to contact the lawyer that you want to appeal for you.

• Order the Trial Transcripts: If you plan to appeal your verdict, you’ll need to be well prepared. One of the most important ways to prepare for an appeal is to go over the trial transcripts with your legal counsel. The sooner the transcripts from the trial are made, the sooner your appeal will be approved or denied with the court of appeals.

What to Expect at a Sentencing

Sentencing usually takes place 90 days after an individual is convicted. Before the sentencing takes place, the judge will calculate the range for the applicable guidelines. These Sentencing Guidelines are rules that apply to federal sentencing. These guidelines are meant to advise the judge as they consider the sentence.

The Guidelines are defined in a chart that is split into two parts:

• • The Offense Level: This defines how serious an offense is. This is determined by certain factors in a case. Typically, the offense level decreases based on an individual’s “acceptance of responsibility”.

• Prior Criminal History: An individual is given “points” for each prior conviction. The more serious the conviction, the more points an individual will receive. If a conviction occurred over 10 or 15 years ago, they may not be counted.

Once these factors have been determined by the judge, you will receive your sentencing range. This range will be a certain number of months. For example, if the judge calculates a range between 24 and 30 months, that judge must at least consider giving a sentence that falls within this range. However, it is up to the judge to determine whether they will give a lower or higher sentence.

For certain situations, congress sets a mandatory minimum sentence. The judge will not be allowed to choose a sentence that is shorter than this amount of time. Likewise, a judge can’t impose that an individual serve a sentence that is higher than what the law has established is the maximum sentence.

The Presentence Report

Before you are sentenced, you will be given an interview so that the probation officer can conduct the presentence report or PSR. In this interview, it is important to answer questions honestly. This interview will inform what the probation officer writes in the report. Once finalized, the PSR is given to the judge as a recommendation for your sentencing.

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

The Sentencing Hearing

On the day of the sentencing, all parties should have received their copy of the PSR. The PSR must be sent out (at the latest) 35 days before the sentencing date. The defense counsel would have sent a written submission to the judge to explain the issues that the judge should consider.

Right before the sentencing, the judge must give the dependent the opportunity to speak. After listening to both parties, the sentence will be announced.

If you have been convicted of a federal crime, you still have options. Contact an attorney today to see how they can best help you.