YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Staten Island Drug Trafficking Lawyers
In the state of New York, including in Staten Island, drug trafficking is a very serious criminal offense. Although it is widely mistaken for being drug dealing, there is a specific distinction in the New York law regarding drug trafficking. If someone in the state is found to be manufacturing, distributing, transporting or selling illegal drugs to others, they can be convicted of the crime of drug trafficking.
Severity of Drug Trafficking Offenses
Of course, state laws throughout the United States vary regarding drug offenses, including drug trafficking. Many states, including New York, will punish a defendant who has been convicted of the crime quite severely, especially when there are certain factors surrounding the situation. However, most frequently, drug trafficking is a crime in which the measurement and weight of the illegal substance is greatly taken into consideration. For example, if a person was found with a certain drug on their person but had no intention of selling the drug, they can still be convicted of drug trafficking if the amount of the substance was more than a certain amount.
What Type of Offense is Drug Trafficking in Staten Island, New York?
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.
The drug laws in Staten Island and New York in general are extremely complex. New York has among the toughest drug laws throughout the country and offenses can fall into as many as a half-dozen different categories of felonies.
In general, there are five different categories or degrees of the crime of drug trafficking. For example, if someone is being accused of sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, the least serious degree of this particular offense, the prosecutor must prove that the controlled substance was being unlawfully sold and the defendant lacked the knowledge that it was a controlled substance. The prosecution must also prove that the individual had a specific intent to transfer the drug and had the ability to do so. Keeping that in mind, the prosecution doesn’t have to prove that the defendant had any knowledge of the controlled substance, including its exact amount. Making an offer or agreeing to sell the substance itself is enough to prove that the individual had the intent of committing the drug offense.
What are the Laws Regarding Drug Trafficking in New York?
In Staten Island, New York, drug trafficking charges are always extremely serious. Individuals who are convicted of drug trafficking crimes can easily find themselves receiving very harsh prison sentences and hefty fines. Overall, the severity of the penalties the person finds themselves facing depends on the type of drug, amount of the drug and other numerous factors, in general, the crime of drug trafficking always carries serious penalties.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking Offenses in Staten Island, New York
In the state of New York, any conviction for selling a controlled substance is classed as a felony. There are different levels of convictions. A fifth-degree felony carries a prison term of two and a half years for a first-time offense. On the other side of the coin, a felony offense in the first degree carries a penalty of a maximum of 20 years in prison for individuals who are convicted of the drug trafficking of non-major substances. After a person with a first-degree felony conviction is released from prison, they will have a mandatory five-year supervision. If the individual commits a second offense of drug trafficking in the first degree within the state, they can face a minimum prison sentence of 12 years. In that situation, the maximum sentence can be life in prison.
Other charges can range from a fine of a minimum of $5,000 to twice that amount if the offender sold illegal substances. For individuals who are convicted of a trafficking offense involving the sale of a controlled substance in the first degree, they can face fines of as much as $100,000.
Individuals who are convicted of drug trafficking in the state of New York can also expect probation sentences imposed against them. Usually, however, these come about as part of a plea bargain in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a less serious charge in hopes that their sentence is reduced. In most instances, the probation can last at least a year.
There is also a mandatory minimum prison sentence in New York, which means that someone who is convicted must serve a minimum term in prison but will not be eligible for parole until that amount of time has passed. Additionally, if the defendant is convicted of selling or attempting to sell drugs to a minor or protected individual, penalties are even greater.
Defenses for Drug Trafficking
The defense attorney for a person on trial for drug trafficking can use certain defenses in the case. These include:
• The defendant lacked the knowledge that drugs were found on their person or in their property and those drugs didn’t belong to them
• The defendant did not intend to traffic drugs or break the law in general
• Possession of drugs was for personal use
• The defendant was a victim of entrapment and that law enforcement officers pushed them into committing the crime
• An infancy defense can be used for individuals 16 and younger as they cannot be charged as an adult
