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The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! He’s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didn’t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.

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NYC Assault and Battery Lawyers

Exploring the Labyrinth of Assault and Battery Cases

Look, I get it. You’re finding yourself in a pickle, accused of assault and battery in New York City. I’m Todd Spodek from the Spodek Law Group, and I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. Assault and battery is a serious charge here in the Big Apple, and it can lead to hefty fines and a lengthy vacation behind bars. Don’t worry though – there’s a raft of defenses that could make a world of difference, depending on the nitty-gritty of your situation.

What’s in the Box?

Imagine this. The assault and battery case we’re dealing with isn’t a case of “wrong guy, wrong place”. There’s no mistaken identity or fundamental error. The elements of assault and battery do exist here. Seems a bit sticky, right? But there’s still a couple of trump cards we can play.

Playing the Self-Defense Card

The most frequently used defense? Self-defense. There’s a certain criteria to make this defense stand, and it’s not as simple as screaming “He started it!” Here’s what you need:

1. A threat of unlawful force or harm against you.
2. You perceived a legitimate fear of harm.
3. You weren’t the instigator, and you didn’t cause any harm.
4. There was no feasible way for you to hotfoot it out of there.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
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-PreuxYelva 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 SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun 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 ParrisKeisha 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 BeautyTaïko 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 MarK 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.
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Say, for instance, you’re Sally. Big, bad Eric, a total stranger, starts shouting at you and threatens to hurt you. You react out of fear, put Eric in his place and then book it. Self-defense might be a strong card for Sally to play.

But remember, self-defense is not a wild card. It has its limits. The force you use must be proportionate to the threat, and even if all boxes are ticked, you can still be charged if you go overboard. Picturing a grown man claiming self-defense against a 12-year-old girl? Doesn’t sound quite right, does it?

Shielding the Innocent

Defending others is another defense in our toolkit. The same rules as self-defense apply, but the difference here is you need to prove you perceived a real threat to someone else, prompting your actions.

Protecting What’s Yours

Then there’s the defense of property. If you were defending your property, say from a home invasion or a pickpocket, it might be your way out. But be warned, the law can be a bit of a tightrope when it comes to the force used while protecting your property.

Consensual Combat

Consent can be a game-changer too. If someone willingly participates in an act, it can’t be classified as assault and battery. Think of two boxers agreeing to duke it out. As long as they’re following the rules, they can’t cry assault afterwards. Consent often steps into the ring in sexual assault cases.

Nailing the perfect defense can be a tough nut to crack. It needs intensive sleuthing and fact-finding. At the Spodek Law Group, we’ve got the smarts, the experience, and the boots on the ground to gather intel, analyze it, and sculpt an ironclad defense.

Tackling the Beast: Felony Assault

Assault varies from state to state, but generally, it’s seen as an unwanted intrusion

of someone’s personal bubble. Assault, battery, assault and battery – the terminology may differ, but one thing is constant. It doesn’t always require physical contact. The fear of harm is enough to slap you with a charge.

Felony Assault: The Bigger, Meaner Brother

Felony assault is a different kettle of fish. It’s more serious than a misdemeanor charge, where a threat is enough to incriminate you. In New York, felony assault is either a Class D or the more severe Class B. For it to be a felony, there needs to be injury involved. A Class D felony assault or second-degree assault means the injuries are not severe. Class B or first-degree assault involves significant damages.

In a felony assault case, it needs to be shown that the injuries were intentional or due to recklessness. A dangerous weapon or instrument should be involved in either case. And don’t forget, physical injury doesn’t always mean the same thing everywhere. In NY, psychological trauma doesn’t cut it. It’s all about physical damage.

Intentional assault means you wanted to harm the victim, even if the one who got injured wasn’t your intended target. On the other hand, reckless behavior is where you ignored a significant risk, fully aware of its existence.

First-degree assault has four classifications, such as causing serious physical injury with a deadly weapon, causing permanent damage like disfiguring or amputating someone, engaging in reckless behavior leading to severe injury, or injuring someone while committing another felony.

Second-degree assault has a dozen scenarios, including harming someone performing a lawful duty or causing injury to an inmate.

Playing with Fire: Penalties

Penalties depend on the severity of the crime, from a prison sentence to a fine or probation. In New York, felony assaults come with indeterminate terms. The judge can set the penalty within a range. Several factors influence the judge’s decision, such as whether you’re a repeat violent offender. A Class B felony could lead to a sentence of up to 25 years depending on how serious it is. Fines can’t exceed $5,000, and probation lasts five years.

Why Todd Spodek Should Be Your Go-To Guy

Felony assault cases can get messy, with a whirlwind of variables in play. My expertise can be a real lifesaver here. I’ll dive deep into the facts and figure out the best defense for you. Some things, like prior convictions, could affect your case, but don’t fret. I’ve got an intimate knowledge of assault laws where the crime occurred, and that could help lessen the blow of your charges.

If you’re facing felony charges in NY, it can be quite a rollercoaster. Felonies are serious offenses that could result in substantial prison time if you’re convicted. You might also lose certain rights like the right to vote, owning firearms or opening a bank account.

Spodek Law Group: Your Lifeline in the Legal Sea

The bottom line is, if you’re accused of committing a felony in New York, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That’s why you need a steadfast legal team in your corner. The Spodek Law Group has been fighting tooth and nail for New Yorkers like you since 1976. Our committed attorneys will tenaciously seek the best course of action for you, whether that’s reducing a felony charge to a misdemeanor, seeking a dismissal of the charges or mounting a rigorous defense in a criminal trial.

Always There For You

When you trust us with your case

, you get round-the-clock service. We assign two attorneys to every criminal case. So you’ll always have someone to call in an emergency. Our unwavering commitment to our clients is what sets us apart from other criminal law firms in New York.

More Than Just Clients

At Spodek Law Group, we view our clients facing New York felony charges as people, not just cases. As a family owned and operated firm, we strive to make our clients feel like part of the family. Don’t face your felony charges alone. Let us be your guiding light in these dark times.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

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