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.
How to Get a Short Sentence in Federal Criminal Case
Is It Possible to Get a Short Sentence for a Federal Crime?
In general, federal crimes tend to carry higher than average prison sentences. However, facing federal charges does not necessarily mean that you will end up spending a long time in prison. Judges take many factors into account when deciding how long of a sentence you should get. To get a short sentence, you need to understand the factors that go into reducing a prison sentence.
Certain Charges Carry Lesser Sentences
Of course this might seem fairly obvious, but it is worth pointing out that various crimes have different types of recommended sentences. The thing to keep in mind is that your lawyer may be able to help you argue you do not qualify for a certain charge. For example, the same death could qualify as either manslaughter or murder depending on what happened. Your lawyer could show that the crime was not premeditated which could mean your charges are downgraded to one with a lesser sentence.
If You Weren’t the Lead Criminal, Your Sentence Is Shorter
In crimes with multiple people involved, federal sentencing guidelines take into account each person’s role. If you were not the leader who planned the crime, your sentence could be shorter. To argue for a shorter sentence, you would need to present proof that your role was minimal. It might also help to show that other participants misled or pressured you into the crime.
Your Behavior During the Crime Affects the Sentence
Federal sentencing guidelines include exceptions for special circumstances. Essentially, various crimes can be committed in various ways, so committing a milder version of the crime results in a shorter sentence. The exact type of activity that shortens your sentence will depend on the crime you committed. For example, in cases of fraud, a fraud of more than $6,000 lengthens the sentence, and fraud of more than $50,000 increases the sentence more. So if you can argue that your actions did not cause the victim to lose more than a certain threshold amount, your sentence might be lighter. Another common example occurs during robberies with a firearm. If you only waved the weapon instead of brandishing it, you can get a shorter sentence.
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.
Accepting Responsibility Reduces Your Sentence
Regardless of the circumstances in your crime, accepting responsibility can help to lower your sentence. The court feels that those who accept responsibility are already on the path to rehabilitation, so they might need less jail time. Accepting responsibility consists of doing things like pleading guilty, being honest about your role in the crime, and making restitution to the victims. While accepting responsibility can be a good strategy for a shorter sentence, it does come with some risks. There is a chance you may end up accidentally incriminating yourself if the prosecution’s case is not as airtight as it seems. You will need to talk to your lawyer and see if this is a good strategy or not.
You Get a Shorter Sentence If You Are Less Likely to Reoffend
In federal cases, they often assign lengthy jail time to people who seem to be a risk to the population. Therefore, those who seem least likely to commit a crime again end up with the shortest sentences. Your lawyer may need to show you are not violent or explain how your crime was a one-time lapse of judgement that will not occur again. To prove this, you may need to do things like present character witnesses or describe how your circumstances have changed.
Having a Shorter Criminal History Reduces Your Sentence
A final thing that the court considers is whether or not you have committed crimes in the past. Those who have never been convicted of a crime or have only been convicted of milder crimes will have a shorter sentence. Meanwhile, if you have already committed the same crime in the past, your sentence may be extended. There is not much you can do to alter this factor once your trial starts. However, your lawyer can help to emphasize your lack of criminal activity or provide context for why you committed crimes in the past.
To get the shortest sentence possible, you need the right support. A good lawyer can help present your case clearly and explain why you qualify for a shorter sentence. With the right representation, you may be able to avoid an extended prison sentence.
