So, you just got hit with a subpoena. Your heart starts racing, palms get sweaty – a million questions flood your mind. “What does this mean? Am I in trouble? What should I do next?”Take a deep breath. Getting subpoenaed can be scary, but staying calm and taking the right steps is crucial. This guide walks you through exactly what a Nebraska subpoena means, and how to protect yourself.We’re Spodek Law Group – an elite team of criminal defense attorneys. We handle tough cases nationwide, leaving no stone unturned to win for our clients. Everything we do focuses on getting you the best possible results.
What is a Subpoena?
A subpoena is a legal document ordering you to testify, provide documents/evidence, or both for an official proceeding. There are two main types:
Subpoena Ad Testificandum: Requires oral testimony from you
Subpoena Duces Tecum: Requires you to produce documents/records
The subpoena will specify exactly what information is requested and deadlines to comply. It’s a court order, so ignoring it means risking contempt charges.But, take a deep breath. Getting subpoenaed doesn‘t necessarily mean you’re in serious legal jeopardy – it just means the government believes you have relevant information.
Why Were You Subpoenaed?
If you received a subpoena, it likely means one of three things:
You’re a Witness: The prosecutor thinks you have information about someone else’s alleged crime.
You’re a Subject: You’re part of an ongoing investigation, but not the main target yet.
You’re the Target: The prosecutor is building a case against you specifically.
The stakes are highest if you’re the target. But even as a witness, you need to tread carefully to avoid incriminating yourself accidentally.
Hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do NOT try handling this alone – the risks of making a mistake are too high. One wrong move could seriously jeopardize your case.An experienced Nebraska criminal attorney can:
Determine if you’re a witness, subject, or target
Advise you on how to respond and what to say/not say
Negotiate terms of the subpoena
File motions to quash (cancel) the subpoena if appropriate
Prepare you for any testimony
Develop a comprehensive defense strategy
At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys include former prosecutors and FBI agents. We have unique insight into how the government builds cases, allowing us to craft smarter defenses.
Step 1: Hire a Lawyer
The very first step after receiving a subpoena is hiring competent legal counsel experienced in federal criminal cases. Do not delay – the clock is ticking.Look for attorneys who:
Specialize in criminal defense, not just general practice
Have specific experience with federal investigations and subpoenas
Formerly worked as prosecutors or federal agents themselves
Take a strategic, aggressive approach to defending clients
Your lawyer‘s role is advising you on compliance, protecting your rights, and developing a robust defense strategy. Don‘t gamble your future by going it alone.
Step 2: Careful What You Say
As soon as you have an attorney, let them handle all communication about the subpoena and case. Do NOT discuss it with anyone else.Federal cases are secret proceedings. Talking about the subpoena could be seen as obstruction, even unintentionally. Your lawyer knows what can and cannot be disclosed.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
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.
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!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Step 3: Gather Requested Documents
If the subpoena calls for producing documents/evidence (a subpoena duces tecum), start locating those items immediately with your lawyer’s guidance.Your attorney will:
Review the scope of requested documents to see if it’s overly broad
Identify any privileged/protected materials you can withhold
Prepare a privilege log listing withheld items and reasons
Ensure your document production is thorough and compliant
Producing documents is complex. Your lawyer safeguards your rights so you don’t accidentally turn over incriminating evidence.
Step 4: Prepare for Testimony
If you‘re subpoenaed to testify (subpoena ad testificandum), your lawyer will thoroughly prepare you through mock questioning sessions.You’ll learn how to properly:
Invoke the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination
Answer questions honestly without volunteering harmful information
Behave and speak in a credible, consistent manner
Testifying falsely could mean criminal charges. Your lawyer ensures you give truthful, calculated testimony to protect your interests.
Step 5: Overall Defense Strategy
Responding to the subpoena is just one part of building a comprehensive defense strategy for the government‘s investigation or charges.Your legal team will explore all avenues for resolving the case favorably, including:
Negotiating with prosecutors
Seeking immunity/leniency for cooperating witnesses
Filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
Preparing for trial and aggressive cross-examination if needed
An experienced defense firm leaves no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for your situation.
