There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm, to handle your federal case in Miami. 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 leave no stone unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficulties and challenges of going through a federal case. If you’re accused of a federal crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.

Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Firm?

Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the legwork to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.Regardless of how tough your situation is, we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to find a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency, so we can give you the best possible legal advice.The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles.

What is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is any act that violates United States federal law. This includes crimes that cross state lines, occur on federal property like national parks or military bases, or directly impact federal interests like tax evasion or mail fraud.Some common examples of federal crimes include:

Drug trafficking
Weapons charges
White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, money laundering
Cybercrimes like hacking
Terrorism
Tax evasion
Immigration violations

What’s the Federal Criminal Process?

The federal criminal justice process has several key steps:

Investigation: Federal agencies like the FBI or IRS investigate the alleged crime, gathering evidence through surveillance, undercover operations, search warrants, subpoenas, etc.
Charging: If enough evidence is obtained, federal prosecutors will file charges by getting an indictment from a grand jury or filing a criminal complaint.
Arrest and Initial Appearance: You will be arrested if not already in custody. At your initial appearance before a judge, you’ll be informed of the charges, have a lawyer appointed if you can’t afford one, and the judge will decide on bail.
Discovery: Prosecutors are required to share their evidence with the defense.
Plea Bargaining: In many cases, plea bargain negotiations occur to try and reach a deal to plead guilty to reduced charges.
Trial Preparation: If no plea deal is reached, both sides will prepare for trial by conducting further investigation, filing pre-trial motions, etc.
Trial: At the trial, prosecutors present their case and the defense gets to cross-examine witnesses and present its own evidence/witnesses. The jury or judge then deliberates on the verdict.
Sentencing: If convicted, you’ll have a separate sentencing hearing where the judge determines the punishment based on sentencing guidelines, victim impact statements, and other factors.

This whole process, from investigation to sentencing, can take over a year in complex federal cases. Having an experienced federal criminal lawyer representing you from the very start is crucial.

Why Are Federal Cases So Serious?

There are a few key reasons federal cases are treated so seriously:

Unlimited Resources: Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and IRS have enormous budgets and manpower to devote to building cases. They conduct extremely thorough investigations.
Experienced Prosecutors: Federal prosecutors are very experienced and skilled. The U.S. Attorneys who handle these cases are elite lawyers.
Harsh Sentencing: Federal sentencing guidelines are very strict, with less judicial discretion than state courts. Mandatory minimum sentences are common.
No Parole: For federal crimes, there is no parole – you must serve around 85% of your sentence.
Collateral Consequences: A federal conviction carries heavy collateral consequences like difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, deportation for immigrants, etc.

So, you‘re up against the full force and virtually unlimited resources of the federal government. That‘s why you absolutely must have a federal criminal lawyer with specific experience in this system, who knows all the rules and procedures, and can level the playing field.

What Should I Look For in a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal when it comes to federal cases. You need to find a lawyer who has particular skills and experience, including:

Former Federal Prosecutor Experience: An insider’s knowledge of how the U.S. Attorney’s Office operates, strategies they use, their thought process, etc. is invaluable.
Extensive Federal Courtroom Experience: Look for a lawyer who has taken many federal criminal cases to trial and won, not just negotiated plea deals.
Specific Federal Crime Experience: Find an attorney who has handled cases just like yours before, whether it’s drug trafficking, white collar fraud, etc.
Support Team: Federal cases are complex – you want a firm with a full team of investigators, legal assistants, etc. not just a solo practitioner.
Strategic Mindset: Your lawyer needs to be able to analyze your case from all angles and take a strategic approach, not just a routine defense.
Excellent Negotiation Skills: Many federal cases are resolved through plea bargaining, so your lawyer must be a skilled negotiator.
Personal Attention: You want a lawyer who will give your case full personal attention, not pass it off to an associate.

At Spodek Law Group, our team of former federal prosecutors and experienced trial attorneys checks all of these boxes. We have the skills, experience, and resources to mount an aggressive defense against any federal charge.

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.

What Are Some Common Federal Crimes We Handle?

Our federal criminal defense lawyers in Miami have extensive experience representing clients accused of all types of federal offenses, including:

Drug Crimes

Drug trafficking/distribution
Drug manufacturing/cultivation
Drug importation
Continuing criminal enterprise

White Collar Crimes

Fraud (bank, wire, mail, mortgage, etc.)
Money laundering
Embezzlement
Tax evasion
Bribery/corruption

Cybercrimes

Hacking/illegal access of computers
Identity theft
Internet fraud schemes

Weapons Charges

Illegal possession/purchase of firearms
Trafficking of illegal weapons

Violent Crimes

Robbery
Kidnapping
Carjacking
Racketeering/RICO

No matter how complex or serious the allegations, our federal criminal lawyers have seen it before. We know how to strategically dismantle the prosecution’s case.

What Are Some Potential Defenses in Federal Cases?

Every case is different, but some common defenses we may pursue in federal criminal cases include:

Challenging the legality of searches/seizures
Arguing entrapment by law enforcement
Casting doubt on the credibility of witnesses
Identifying prosecutorial misconduct
Negotiating for reduced charges in exchange for cooperation
Seeking dismissal if your constitutional rights were violated

Our deep familiarity with federal rules of evidence and procedure allows us to spot and take advantage of any potential issues that could get charges reduced or dismissed.

What If I’m Under Federal Investigation?

If federal agents like the FBI or DEA are investigating you, it’s absolutely critical that you have legal representation before speaking with them or answering any questions. Anything you say can potentially be used against you.As soon as you become aware of an investigation, the first step is to invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Do not answer questions, provide documents, or consent to any searches without your lawyer present.Next, hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. We can intervene and deal with federal investigators directly to protect your rights. We know all the tactics they may use to try and get you to make incriminating statements.With a skilled lawyer’s guidance from the very start, you’ll be in the best position to avoid charges or at least mitigate the consequences if charges can‘t be avoided.