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.
Client Testimonials
5
THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.
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.
Iowa federal criminal cases are stressful, especially when your freedom and future are on the line. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that, and we’re here to help you. Often, clients in Des Moines reach out because they’ve been served with a federal indictment under 21 U.S.C. § 841 (controlled substances), or they’re concerned about a white-collar case involving conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1349.
Other times, people in Cedar Rapids aren’t sure if a knock on the door from the FBI is just a routine visit, or a serious sign of trouble. Either way, once federal agencies get involved, the stakes change drastically. At this point, you need our Iowa federal defense lawyers. We focus on protecting you from the harsh penalties in federal cases.
Federal jurisdiction comes up when a crime crosses state lines, implicates federal statutes, or involves agencies like the DEA, FBI, or IRS. That can be fraud under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 or 1341, it can be cybercrime under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1029 or 1030, or it could be a drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846. In Iowa, local police might start the investigation, but if the U.S. Attorney’s Office steps in, federal procedure and guidelines take over. This often means mandatory minimums, strict sentencing rules, and a different way of handling plea deals.
We run roleplaying exercises because it’s not enough just to understand the law—you also need to be prepared. Suppose you’re accused of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Our team of criminal attorneys walk you through how prosecutors will try to build their case, and we’ll map out defenses that show a lack of intent, or emphasize weak links in the evidence. One of the most effective ways of winning the case, is getting all evidence thrown out of court.
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.
Or, let’s say you’re facing a drug conspiracy charge under 21 U.S.C. § 846: maybe you’re a trucker in Iowa who unknowingly transported contraband. We’ll look at whether the government overstepped while gathering evidence, or whether you had zero knowledge of any wrongdoing. In some cases, double jeopardy might apply if you’ve already resolved a similar state charge. In other situations, we’ll focus on search-and-seizure issues or entrapment. Our job is to spot vulnerabilities in the government’s narrative and capitalize on them.
We deal with a wide range of federal crimes. Some involve allegations of wire fraud, others revolve around narcotics or firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 922. Depending on the charge, you could face years in federal prison, steep fines, or both. Judges rely heavily on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which means your sentence might hinge on factors like drug quantity, role in the offense, or prior convictions. We also look at 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) to argue for a lower sentence based on your background, your contributions to your community, or other mitigating circumstances. Even when things look bleak, these details can tilt the scales in your favor.
Sometimes, clients ask about cooperation. Maybe the government is pushing you to give information on others in exchange for a reduced sentence under U.S.S.G. § 5K1.1. That’s a personal decision, and we walk you through the risks. We also cover the difference between a good plea and one that sets you up for failure. Our approach is always rooted in honesty. Every client’s situation is different, and we tailor our strategy to what matters most to you—whether it’s reducing prison time, avoiding a felony record, or both.
Below is a quick snapshot of some federal charges, how the penalties might shake out, and a few typical defense strategies:
Dispute knowledge, question wiretap validity, or entrapment
Firearms Offenses (18 U.S.C. § 922)
Up to 10 years in prison, enhanced penalties possible
Argue temporary possession, or challenge illegal search
Cybercrime (18 U.S.C. §§ 1029/1030)
Lengthy prison terms, restitution, big fines
Contest digital forensics, show lack of fraudulent intent
When you work with Spodek Law Group, you can expect thorough investigation, direct communication, and around-the-clock availability. Some lawyers shy away from challenging prosecutors because they fear damaging relationships. We don’t. We’re loyal to you, and our only priority is getting you the best outcome possible. That means filing the right pretrial motions, attacking the prosecution’s case, and if it comes to trial, fighting every step of the way. We believe in a transparent approach when it comes to fees and strategy. If we choose to represent you, it means we see a path forward.
We handle cases across the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa. Whether you’re in Davenport or Sioux City, we’ll take a hard look at the facts and help you figure out what comes next. We’re used to unraveling investigations that started off small, only to balloon into big federal prosecutions. Our job is to find the weaknesses in the government’s case and point them out. That could mean showing a key witness’s story doesn’t add up, or revealing a procedural mistake that invalidates a search warrant.
