What to Do When You Are Charged with a Federal Crime in NYC

What to Do When You’re Charged with a Federal Crime in NYC

Being charged with a federal crime is scary. Even if you’re innocent, the Feds have lots of power and money to come after you. Don’t panic though! This article will walk you through what to do step-by-step, so you can protect yourself.

Get a Lawyer ASAP

The very first thing you need to do is get a lawyer. Seriously, call one right now! Federal cases are super complicated, so you need someone in your corner who understands all the rules and laws. A good federal defense attorney can analyze the charges against you, build a defense case, and negotiate with prosecutors for you. They’re basically your guide through the whole messy legal process.

If you can’t afford a private lawyer, don’t worry! You can get a public defender appointed by the court to represent you for free. Public defenders are real lawyers with a lot of experience in federal cases. The only downside is they have a lot of clients, so may not be able to focus on you as much. But it’s still better than facing federal prosecution alone!

Understand the Charges Against You

The next step is to sit down with your new lawyer and have them explain exactly what you’ve been charged with. Some common federal crimes in NYC include:

• Drug crimes – selling drugs, trafficking, distribution, etc.
• Financial crimes – tax evasion, wire fraud, identity theft
• Public corruption – bribery, extortion, kickbacks
• Civil rights violations
• Cybercrimes – hacking, computer fraud

Your lawyer can tell you which specific laws you allegedly broke. For example, maybe you’re looking at charges under 21 U.S. Code § 841 for drug distribution. Knowing the exact charges helps you understand how serious your situation is, and start building a defense.

Don’t Talk to Anyone But Your Lawyer

This one is crucial – do NOT talk to anyone about your case except your lawyer! Not friends, not family, no one. Something innocent you say could come back to haunt you. So keep your mouth shut!

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

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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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In particular, never speak to police or investigators without your lawyer present. That’s an easy way to accidentally confess something you shouldn’t. Just politely decline to answer questions. You have the right to remain silent!

Consider Taking a Plea Deal

Over 90% of federal cases end in plea deals, not trials. That’s because the Feds win over 80% of trials! The risks of losing at trial and getting a long sentence are usually so high that making a deal is the safer choice.

Of course, whether to take a plea or go to trial is a big personal decision you need to make carefully with your lawyer. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re pleading guilty to, what rights you have to give up, and what sentence recommendations you get in exchange.

Don’t Miss Court Dates

Once you’re charged, the court sets various hearings and deadlines for your case. It’s super important to make it to every single one – otherwise you could get your bail revoked or even get a warrant for your arrest! So mark those court dates in your calendar and don’t be late.

If there’s some emergency that will make you miss court, tell your lawyer immediately so they can inform the judge and try to reschedule for you. But this should only happen in rare serious circumstances (like a hospitalization), not just because you feel like skipping.

Get Your Finances in Order

Federal criminal cases are extremely expensive. Just having a lawyer represent you through the process can cost >$100k! Then if you go to trial, get ready to pay hundreds of thousands more.

Very few people have that kind of money laying around. So start figuring out your financial situation early – can you or your family afford the legal fees? Will you need a loan or to cash out assets like a house? Understanding the costs will help you make informed choices when building a legal strategy.

Oh, and don’t try to hide assets or money from the Feds! That’s another crime and you’ll just dig yourself deeper into trouble.

Don’t Panic! Stay Strong Mentally

Being prosecuted by the full force of the federal government is scary. Like losing sleep, not eating, stressed to the max kind of scary. But you need to do your best to stay calm and focused, so you can make smart choices about fighting your case.

Lean on friends and family for emotional support during this difficult time. Take deep breaths when you start feeling overwhelmed. Try exercising or meditating to clear your mind. And keep reminding yourself that people get through this ordeal every day – you will too!

Having an optimistic mindset and strong mental health is just as important as having a good lawyer when facing federal charges. So take care of yourself while you navigate the legal process.

Be Truthful with Your Lawyer

Being accused of a crime makes people scared and defensive. You might have the instinct to minimize what you did wrong or even lie about it to your lawyer. Don’t give in to that urge! Your lawyer can only build the best defense for your case if they know all the truthful details.

What you tell your lawyer is confidential due to attorney-client privilege. That means they can’t repeat it to anyone without your permission, no matter what you admit to. So be 100% open and honest with them when explaining your actions – it’s the smart way to protect yourself.

Don’t Violate Bail or Do Anything Illegal

If you’re allowed pretrial release from jail, follow your bail conditions closely! That likely means not leaving New York City, staying off drugs or alcohol, avoiding weapons, and having no contact with victims/witnesses. Violating any of those terms means your bail will get revoked and you’re back behind bars.

And of course, don’t commit any new crimes while awaiting trial! Getting arrested again makes you look really bad to the judge and prosecutors. Then they fight even harder to get you a harsh sentence. So be on your absolute best behavior.

Having federal charges over your head is super stressful. But handle your business properly, listen to your lawyer, and with some luck maybe you’ll get a good outcome. We’re all rooting for you!

Sources:
21 U.S. Code § 841
Federal Criminal Trials and Convictions | Pew Research Center