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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.
Do You Need A Lawyer For A Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena
Anyone who receives a subpoena to appear at a federal grand jury needs a lawyer. Even more, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. When you wait until a day or a week before your appearance, it can put you at a distinct disadvantage. Better to have a lawyer you may not need than not to have one you urgently need.
Knowing Why to Hire a Lawyer
The attorney representing the United States may provide details of your case to your lawyer who can let you know the options that face you. Grand juries have the legal authority to investigate and prosecute crimes, a situation you do not want to face alone. Even if it turns out that they wish to use you only as a routine witness, you still need professional help to guide you through the justice system. Some facts give you a reason to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. The National Law Review offers some best practices when you receive a subpoena.
1. Not Going It Alone
While you must face a grand jury alone, you can confer with your lawyer who can wait outside the room. You can go there to talk over every question, and it does not matter how long it takes. The stately judicial process does not allow you to cause any disruption, but you can quietly excuse yourself to tell your lawyer about the questions you received and the responses you gave. In most cases, you may write notes about the questions for discussion with your lawyer later.
2. Tips on Interviews
While the attorneys for the government may want to talk to you before your appearance before the grand jury, you do not have to agree. Even though your subpoena letter may request you to show up an hour or two early, your lawyer may remind you that you receive no advantage in talking to any representative of the government. In addition, a misquote of something you said can cause problems later. A recorded transcript of the grand jury proceedings prevents any misunderstanding about anything you say.
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.
3. Observing Secrecy or Not
Your lawyer may make sure you know that the jurors, government lawyers and court reporters must keep everything secret. However, as a grand jury witness, you do not have to obey a rule that does not apply to you. Your lawyer may advise you to keep silent anyway, but you can speak your piece if you please. When you receive a letter that implies anything that raises concerns for you, make sure to discuss them with your lawyer. In some cases, a letter on legal letterhead can make prosecutors realize they cannot intimidate you.
4. Avoid Embarrassment
When you want to keep your private matters out of sight of curious observers, you can ask your lawyer to arrange to receive the grand jury subpoena for you. The thought of having FBI agents appear at your home or office may not appeal to you, and your lawyer can shield you from the embarrassment. The less contact you have with the authorities, the better.
5. Guarding Your Rights
Your lawyer can advise you of the need for honesty when you appear before a grand jury. However, you have a right to avoid self-incrimination. Even though a subpoena letter may regard you as a witness only and not as a subject or target, the designations can change quickly. When you want to reply to an inquiry with a truthful reply that may incriminate you, trouble may surely follow. You can refuse to answer to protect yourself.
6. Remaining Consistent
Your lawyer can request to review the grand jury transcript to advise you on your previous statements if you must return for more questioning. Consistency helps make your testimony authentic, and a lack of it raises questions. When you can refresh your memory of a reply you provided in the tense environment of a grand jury proceeding, you can avoid making an unforced error. Even if you do not receive a request to appear again, you still have a right to see the record of your statements.
7. Practicing for an Appearance
While it may cost some money, you may find it a worthwhile investment to rehearse a grand jury appearance with friendly participants. Your lawyer may find witnesses who already appeared, and they may agree to share their experiences. Their information may reveal the direction of the grand jury and help you learn what to expect. While the technique can displease the prosecutors, it can provide valuable information that prepares you ahead of time.
Criminal defense lawyers have the benefit of years of academic training and experience in the justice system, giving them the knowledge that others cannot know or understand. When you face the need to navigate unfamiliar territory, an investment in your future by hiring a lawyer may provide benefits for many years to come.
