When the Feds Come Knocking: A Guide to Federal Criminal Defense in Oregon

So, you find yourself in a situation where the federal government is investigating you, or you’ve been charged with a federal crime in Oregon. Take a deep breath, because this is serious – but it’s not the end of the world. With the right federal criminal defense team in your corner, you can navigate these treacherous waters and fight for the best possible outcome.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been there, done that. Our attorneys have decades of experience defending clients against federal charges in Oregon and nationwide. We know the system inside and out, and we’re here to be your steadfast ally every step of the way.

Understanding Federal Charges in Oregon

Let’s start with the basics. Federal crimes are offenses that violate United States laws, as opposed to state laws. These cases are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney‘s Office in federal court.Federal charges tend to be more severe than state charges for a few key reasons:

Broader Jurisdiction: Federal laws can be applied across state lines, making the scope of these cases much wider.
Extensive Resources: Federal agencies have massive budgets and manpower to dedicate to investigations and prosecutions.
Harsh Penalties: Federal sentencing guidelines are often harsher, with longer prison terms and steeper fines.

So, what kind of crimes are we talking about here? Some common federal offenses in Oregon include drug trafficking, firearms violations, white-collar crimes like fraud or embezzlement, cybercrime, and crimes related to immigration or national security.But, no matter the charge, the consequences of a federal conviction can be life-altering. That‘s why having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is crucial from the moment you become aware of an investigation.

The Importance of Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Look, we get it – legal fees can be daunting. But when it comes to federal charges, trying to go it alone or hiring an inexperienced lawyer is a surefire way to put yourself at a massive disadvantage.Federal prosecutors are relentless, and they have virtually unlimited resources at their disposal. You need a legal team that can match their tenacity and expertise, every step of the way.At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys are veterans of the federal criminal justice system. Many of us are former federal prosecutors ourselves, so we know exactly how the other side operates. We’ve been on the frontlines of countless high-stakes cases, and we know what it takes to win.From the moment you hire us, we’ll hit the ground running:

Carefully reviewing all evidence against you to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
Advising you on how to navigate interactions with federal agents and prosecutors
Negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to potentially get charges reduced or dismissed
Mounting an aggressive defense strategy if your case goes to trial

Remember, the stakes are incredibly high in federal cases. A conviction can mean years, even decades, behind bars. Don’t leave your future in the hands of an overworked public defender or a lawyer who’s out of their depth. Invest in a team with the skills, resources, and track record to give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Common Federal Criminal Cases in Oregon

Now, let‘s dive into some of the most common types of federal criminal cases we see in Oregon, and how our team approaches them:

Drug Crimes

From marijuana grow operations to international drug trafficking rings, federal drug crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Oregon. If you’re facing charges related to the manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances, you need a lawyer who understands the complex web of federal drug laws and mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. 1Our attorneys have successfully defended clients against charges ranging from simple possession to continuing criminal enterprise (CCE) violations. We’ll scrutinize every aspect of the investigation, from search and seizure protocols to the credibility of confidential informants, to build the strongest possible defense.

White Collar Crimes

White-collar offenses like fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and racketeering are all prosecuted at the federal level in Oregon. These cases often involve mountains of financial records and complex legal theories that require a deft touch from an experienced defense team.At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of federal financial crimes and the ability to break down even the most convoluted paper trails. We’ll work tirelessly to undermine the prosecution’s case and protect your rights and assets. 2

Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Offenses

In our digital age, federal prosecutors are cracking down on everything from hacking and data breaches to illegal file sharing and trademark infringement. These cases require a nuanced grasp of rapidly evolving technology and internet laws.Our firm has successfully defended clients against an array of cybercrime charges, from computer fraud and abuse to economic espionage. We have the technical expertise to navigate these complex cases and secure favorable outcomes for our clients. 3

Firearms Violations

Federal firearms laws are notoriously strict, with harsh mandatory minimum sentences for many violations. If you’re facing charges related to illegal possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of firearms, you need a lawyer who can deftly navigate this legal minefield.Our team has defended clients against everything from unlawful possession charges to violations of the National Firearms Act. We’ll meticulously examine the circumstances of your case to identify any constitutional violations or evidentiary issues that could lead to a dismissal or reduced charges.

Spodek Law Group, P.C. - NYC Criminal Attorneys

5.0

Based on 745 reviews

George Fernandez

14:16 30 Apr 24

Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.

Raj

21:33 24 Apr 24

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!

Yelva Saint-Preux

19:26 19 Apr 24

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.

Katherine Sun

18:08 18 Apr 24

my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional

Nun ya

17:48 18 Apr 24

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.

Keisha Parris

20:45 15 Mar 24

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

16:26 15 Mar 24

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!

K Mar

01:37 25 Jan 24

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.

Tax Crimes

The IRS is relentless when it comes to investigating and prosecuting tax fraud, evasion, and related financial crimes. These cases often involve complex financial records and legal theories that require specialized expertise.At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against all manner of federal tax charges. We’ll work tirelessly to undermine the prosecution‘s case, protect your assets, and secure the best possible outcome for you and your business. 4No matter what federal charges you’re facing in Oregon, our team has the skills, experience, and tenacity to mount an aggressive defense on your behalf. But don‘t just take our word for it…

Client Testimonials: In Their Own Words

“When I was indicted on federal drug charges, I was terrified of spending the rest of my life behind bars. The team at Spodek Law Group was there for me every step of the way, explaining the process and giving me hope when I had none. Their tireless efforts resulted in a vastly reduced sentence, and I can’t thank them enough for giving me a second chance at life.” – J.R., Portland“As a small business owner, I never dreamed I’d be accused of tax evasion and fraud by the IRS. The Spodek Law Group took on my case and immediately put my mind at ease with their expertise and professionalism. They dismantled the government’s case piece by piece, and ultimately got all charges dismissed. I‘m forever grateful for their unwavering commitment to justice.” – M.F., Eugene“When federal agents showed up at my door accusing me of cybercrime, I was in complete shock. The attorneys at Spodek Law Group were there within hours, advising me on how to proceed and protecting my rights. Their technical knowledge and courtroom skills were invaluable in securing an acquittal at trial. I can’t recommend them highly enough.” – S.K., MedfordThese are just a few examples of the countless clients we’ve successfully represented in federal criminal cases across Oregon and the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

What to Do If You’re Under Federal Investigation

So, what should you do if federal agents come knocking, or if you receive a target letter informing you that you’re under investigation? Here are some crucial dos and don’ts:

Do:

Exercise your right to remain silent
Refuse to answer any questions without your attorney present
Hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately
Follow your lawyer’s advice to the letter

Don’t:

Speak to federal agents without your lawyer, even if they claim it’s “just routine”
Consent to any searches of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices
Discuss the case with anyone other than your lawyer
Attempt to destroy or tamper with any potential evidence

Look, we know how intimidating it can be to have the full force of the federal government bearing down on you. But by following these simple guidelines and securing top-notch legal representation, you’ll be in the best possible position to protect your rights and your future.