You’ve Been Subpoenaed – Now What?

So, you just received a federal grand jury subpoena, and you’re not sure what to do next. Don’t panic – but, take a deep breath. This is a serious situation that requires guidance from experienced legal counsel.We totally get it, you’re stressed. Being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury is intimidating, confusing, and more than a little scary. But here‘s the thing – you don’t have to go through this alone. The elite criminal defense team at Spodek Law Group is here to protect your rights and guide you every step of the way.There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an Aurora subpoena defense lawyer who will leave no stone unturned in fighting for you. Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don‘t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case. At Spodek Law Group, we do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results.

What Exactly is a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?

A federal grand jury subpoena is a court order demanding you provide testimony, documents, or other evidence for a federal criminal investigation. There are two main types:

Subpoena Ad Testificandum: This requires you to testify before the grand jury.
Subpoena Duces Tecum: This requires you to produce documents or physical evidence.

The subpoena will specify exactly what information is being requested from you, and the deadline to provide it. It will likely also warn you not to disclose anything about the investigation to others.

Why Did I Get a Subpoena? Am I in Trouble?

If you‘ve been subpoenaed, it means the prosecutor believes you have information relevant to a federal criminal investigation. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re suspected of a crime – you could simply be a witness who saw or heard something useful.However, it‘s also possible you are a target of the investigation, meaning the prosecutor has evidence suggesting you committed a federal crime. If that’s the case, the prosecutor will likely inform you.

Step 1: Hire a Top-Tier Criminal Defense Lawyer

The very first thing you need to do is hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Do not try to handle this alone! Federal investigations and grand jury proceedings are extremely complex legal minefields.You need a lawyer who has successfully navigated hundreds of these cases and knows the system inside and out. Look for a former federal prosecutor who can anticipate the government‘s strategies. Your lawyer‘s expertise is crucial for protecting your rights and avoiding self-incrimination.At Spodek Law Group, our team includes former U.S. Attorneys, DOJ Trial Attorneys, and FBI, IRS and DEA agents. We have a 360-degree view of how these investigations work. No matter how complicated your situation, we have the firepower to mount an aggressive defense.

Step 2: Don’t Talk to Anyone About the Subpoena

Remember, federal grand jury proceedings are kept completely secret by law. Discussing the subpoena with anyone besides your lawyer could be considered obstruction of justice, even if you didn’t intend it.Play it safe – keep your mouth shut about the entire matter. Don’t post anything on social media, and don’t even tell your spouse, family or friends. Let your attorney be the voice protecting your interests.

Step 3: Gather Requested Documents

If the subpoena requires you to produce documents or records (a subpoena duces tecum), start locating and organizing those materials immediately with your lawyer’s guidance.Your legal team will carefully review the subpoena’s scope to determine if it is overly broad or burdensome. If so, they can file motions to quash or limit the subpoena’s demands.

Step 4: Prepare for Testimony

If you’re summoned to testify before the grand jury (a subpoena ad testificandum), your lawyer will thoroughly prepare you. They will coach you on only answering what is asked, and how to assert your Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination if needed.Mock question-and-answer sessions will help you get comfortable with the process and avoid any missteps that could incriminate you unintentionally.

Step 5: Consider Your Options

Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may advise full cooperation, partial cooperation while asserting certain rights, or refusing to cooperate at all by invoking the Fifth Amendment.The optimal strategy will depend on factors like:

Whether you are a target, subject or witness in the investigation
The specific charges or allegations involved
The potential for negotiating immunity or lesser charges

Your lawyer‘s deep familiarity with federal cases will allow them to pursue the approach that minimizes your exposure and gets the best possible outcome.

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.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

At Spodek Law Group, our national team of elite criminal defense attorneys has successfully represented clients in countless federal grand jury investigations and trials. We understand the immense stress and uncertainty you’re facing – but we also know how to navigate these treacherous legal waters.We take a hands-on, detail-oriented approach from day one. Our attorneys will:

Carefully research every aspect of your situation
Anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and prepare accordingly
Hold regular internal meetings to cover all bases
Be available 24/7 for any questions or emergencies

No matter how complex your case, we have the resources and expertise to develop a strategic defense tailored specifically for you. We leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible result.Our firm has an unwavering commitment to ethics, transparency and open communication. We encourage you to be fully open with us about your situation so we can provide the best legal advice and strongest defense.Many clients are understandably embarrassed or hesitant to discuss the allegations against them. But we understand – our role is to protect and defend you, not pass judgment. You can trust that everything will be kept strictly confidential.

Federal Cases Are Our Specialty

While some criminal defense firms dabble in federal cases, federal law is our entire focus and passion at Spodek Law Group. Our team has a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary understanding of:

Federal laws and regulations
Law enforcement investigation tactics
Prosecutorial strategies and motivations
Court rules and procedures at all levels

We have represented clients in federal cases nationwide involving charges like:

Fraud
Money laundering
Bribery/corruption
Racketeering/RICO
Drug trafficking
Weapons offenses
Tax evasion
And more

No matter what allegations you’re facing, our federal criminal defense lawyers in Aurora have the specialized knowledge and expertise to mount an aggressive defense.

What to Expect When You’re Subpoenaed by a Federal Grand Jury

Have you ever wondered what it means to be subpoenaed by a federal grand jury? It’s not something most people think about – until it happens to them. Being served with a federal subpoena can be jarring, confusing, and more than a little scary.But, take a deep breath. Getting subpoenaed doesn‘t automatically mean you’re in serious legal trouble. However, it is a situation that requires guidance from experienced legal counsel to protect your rights.So, what exactly does it mean to be subpoenaed by a federal grand jury? And what should you do if it happens to you? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Federal Grand Juries

A federal grand jury is a panel of 16-23 citizens who review evidence in federal criminal cases. Their main role is to determine if there is probable cause to indict someone – in other words, to bring criminal charges.Unlike a trial jury, a grand jury doesn‘t decide guilt or innocence. They simply evaluate whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward with prosecution.Federal prosecutors use grand juries to subpoena witnesses and obtain testimony or evidence for their investigations. This is done through two types of subpoenas:

Subpoena Ad Testificandum: Requires you to testify before the grand jury about what you know.
Subpoena Duces Tecum: Requires you to produce documents, records or other physical evidence.

You could receive one or both types of subpoenas during a federal investigation. But what exactly do they mean for you?