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Jersey City Criminal Defense Lawyer
Jersey City Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re on our website, it’s probably because you’re dealing with a serious legal situation in Jersey City—something that could impact your entire future. At Spodek Law Group, we know how important it is to have attorneys who understand the stakes and are prepared to fight for you. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience and has handled some of the toughest cases nationwide. Regardless of how serious the charges might appear—state or federal—we’re ready to help you.
We Are Spodek Law Group
We pride ourselves on providing top-tier legal representation to clients in New Jersey, and across the country if necessary. We’ve been recognized in major news outlets and know how to handle high-stakes situations. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience to craft innovative defense strategies. We always tailor our approach to each client’s unique circumstances.
Understanding Jersey City Charges: State vs. Federal
Depending on the allegations, you might find yourself dealing with local prosecutors in Hudson County or the federal court in Newark. Many offenses—like simple assault under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:12-1—are prosecuted at the state level. But if you’re charged with something broader in scope, like a multi-state wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, the federal government steps in.
- State Cases often revolve around alleged violations of New Jersey’s Criminal Code. If convicted, you could face severe penalties under laws like NERA (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:43-7.2), which imposes mandatory prison time for violent offenses.
- Federal Cases typically come with extensive investigations—grand juries, subpoenas, and advanced surveillance. Sentencing guidelines in federal court can be harsh, particularly if mandatory minimums apply, so you want attorneys who know how to get results.
We regularly represent clients in both arenas. Regardless of which system you’re in, we’re here to protect your rights and try to avoid life-changing consequences.
Penalties and Why You Need a Defense Strategy
New Jersey law comes with strict penalties that can include prison terms up to 20 years for first-degree felonies, along with staggering fines. Federal charges might carry mandatory sentences, supervised release, and even restitution orders that last decades. Understanding the sentencing guidelines, whether at the state or federal level, is crucial to shaping a defense that works.
Defense Scenarios: Building a Story That Protects You
We develop defense strategies by looking at every fact and angle—no stone goes unturned. Below is a short table illustrating how we often approach various charges in New Jersey:
| Charge | Potential Penalties | Possible Defense Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Possession (N.J. Stat. § 2C:35-10) | Up to 5 years in prison, significant fines, potential license suspension | Illegal search & seizure, challenging informant credibility |
| Assault (N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-1) | Up to 10 years for second-degree, plus high fines, probation, or both | Self-defense, mistaken identity, insufficient evidence |
| Fraud/Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Federal prison terms, restitution, mandatory supervised release in some cases | Lack of intent, entrapment, forensic analysis of evidence |
Every scenario is different, and we tailor these possible defenses to your specific facts. If an officer searched your home without a valid warrant, we’d argue the Fourth Amendment was violated. If you’re alleged to have committed assault, but witnesses say the other person started it, we may pursue a self-defense claim.
Roleplaying Defense Strategies
Scenario 1: Drug Trafficking Arrest in a Jersey City Apartment
You get a late-night knock from law enforcement. They claim your apartment is a hub for distributing narcotics. If the warrant was based on an anonymous tip that lacked credibility, we’ll file a motion to suppress the evidence. We might also highlight chain-of-custody errors for seized substances, undermining the prosecution’s entire case.
Scenario 2: Federal Embezzlement Charges
You’re a local business owner who’s been indicted for embezzling funds from a national corporation. The feds claim you manipulated accounting records. We’d bring in forensic experts to show those anomalies might be bookkeeping errors—certainly not a willful scheme. It’s about challenging the government’s narrative and showing you did not intend to commit a crime.
Scenario 3: Assault in a Busy Jersey City Bar
A security camera only caught a fraction of the fight. The other guy threw the first punch—but the footage doesn’t show that part clearly. We’d interview neutral bar patrons, gather medical records, and demonstrate you were defending yourself. Cases can turn on small, often overlooked details, and we know how to find them.
Practical Tips and Challenges
If you’re served with a target letter, or law enforcement shows up at your door with a warrant, don’t speak without consulting an attorney. If you’ve already been charged, gather every piece of documentation—emails, texts, receipts—anything that might help your case. Prosecutors often rely on digital footprints, so we do too, and we do it well.
- Competing Viewpoints: Sometimes prosecutors offer a plea deal. Sometimes going to trial is the only way to fight back. We discuss both angles with you, examining what’s best for your life.
- Edge Cases: If you’re facing charges that involve multiple states, we analyze potential double jeopardy issues. Though the Fifth Amendment shields you from repeated prosecutions for the same conduct, remember that federal and state crimes can overlap. We look at every angle to ensure your rights are safeguarded.
We’re Selective, Because We Care
We only take on clients we think we can help—clients who need results. If we work together, you have a dedicated legal team committed to your defense. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation attorney who’s been featured on major news outlets. He’s handled high-profile cases, like the Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin matter, where he fought to protect the client’s rights amid a media firestorm.
We’re big believers in transparency. We have an online digital portal for communications, documents, and billing, so you always know what’s happening with your case. We focus on honesty and service at every stage.
Contact Us for a Risk-Free Consultation
We know this process can feel overwhelming, and we’re ready to help you make sense of it all. At Spodek Law Group, we’re available 24/7 for a consultation—by phone, or in person. We’ll listen to your story and begin laying out potential strategies right away. If you’re looking to hire a Jersey City criminal defense lawyer, or if you’re on the brink of a federal investigation, reach out to us now.