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.
Federal Financial Crimes Attorney
If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a federal financial crime, the outcome of your case will impact your career, reputation and freedom for the rest of your life. You need a lawyer to defend you in federal court, and not just any lawyer is effective in this venue. Federal cases are much different from state cases, featuring their own nuances and idiosyncrasies. Not to mention, federal judges are known to be the toughest in the country, handing out stiff sentences and offering little leniency. For the best chance of a successful outcome to your federal criminal case, you need a defense lawyer who has a strong track record of winning in federal court. Our team has the knowledge and experience to defend you aggressively and help you move on with your life.
Examples of Federal Financial Crimes
Financial crimes are prosecuted by federal authorities when they involve alleged misuse of the national financial system. Historically, federal judges were actually known for being soft on white-collar financial crimes, particularly when the accused had money and connections. However, that all changed after the financial crisis of 2008, when public opinion of financial malfeasants turned sour, and judges adjusted their sentencing practices accordingly. No matter the charge you are facing, you need an aggressive and competent attorney to fight for your freedom. Here are a few of the most common federal financial crimes:
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the process of making ill-begotten cash appear legitimate by “laundering” it through a series of ostensibly above-board bank or business transactions. It often involves the setup of one or more businesses that appear legitimate but serve as a front for criminal activity.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion is the willful avoidance of paying federal income taxes, either as an individual or as a business.
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.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is any process by which one illegally obtains money or assets held by a financial institution. It can also involve the use of unscrupulous means to defraud depositors at a financial institution or bank.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud happens when a stockbroker or securities broker deceives clients into making bad investments, typically ones that lose money for the client but enrich the broker.
Insider Trading
Insider trading is using knowledge not available to the general public to gain an advantage in the trading of securities, such as buying stock in a company ahead of a merger that has not been publicly announced.
Racketeering
Racketeering is a catch-all term to describe dishonest or fraudulent financial dealings. Because it typically involves the use of banks or security brokerages, it is generally prosecuted as a federal crime.
Penalties for Federal Financial Crimes
Most federal financial crimes are punished by prison time, fines and retribution. Even for a specific crime, the penalty can range based on the circumstances and the amount of money involved. Some of the penalties you can expect if convicted of one of the above crimes include:
Money laundering: You may be required to pay as much as twice the amount laundered and serve a prison sentence for any underlying crimes that precipitated the money laundering.
Bank fraud: You could be sentenced to as many as 30 years in prison plus a fine of up to $1 million.
Tax evasion: Up to five years in prison plus a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a business.
Securities fraud: Up to 25 years in prison and a fine based on the amount of money illegally obtained.
Insider trading: As many as 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million.
Racketeering: The fine for racketeering can be as much as twice the illegally obtained money. The prison sentence is based on the underlying crime.
Possible Defenses for Federal Financial Criminal Charges
The best defense for your federal criminal charge depends on the circumstances of the case. To get an acquittal, your attorney is not required to prove your innocence but to create enough doubt to prevent the prosecution from proving your guilt. Examples of defense strategies that might be effective include:
Lack of Intent
Conviction of a federal financial crime requires proof that you intended to commit the crime and weren’t acting in good faith. If your attorney can cast doubt on your intent, they might use this strategy.
Immaterial Outcome
In the event of a bank fraud charge, your lawyer might be able to prove that the incident was immaterial to the bank, meaning it had no effect on the bank’s financial position or business decisions.
Coercion or Duress
If your lawyer can demonstrate that you were acting under coercion or distress — for instance, someone was threatening your life — they can often get an acquittal. To learn more, and to set up a consultation with a federal criminal defense attorney, call our office today!
