24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

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.

schedule a consultation

Blog

Federal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers

January 11, 2025

Federal Sexual Assault Defense Lawyers

If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re dealing with a serious federal sexual assault allegation – and you need an attorney who knows how to navigate the federal system.
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Our firm has over 50 years of combined experience. Our law firm has offices throughout Long Island and NYC. Our team has experience dealing with some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. Federal charges are different from state charges, and the stakes are higher. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.


How Federal Sexual Assault Charges Work

Federal jurisdiction typically comes into play if the alleged offense occurred on federal property, crossed state lines, or involved federal agencies. Under Title 18, U.S. Code §§ 2241-2248, these crimes carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. Federal prosecutors use all available resources – digital footprints, DNA evidence, eyewitness testimony – to build an airtight case.
Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case. We work to poke enough holes in the prosecutor’s case to get the charges dismissed.

Dual Sovereignty and Double Jeopardy

One major issue is the dual sovereignty doctrine, which means state and federal authorities can prosecute the same behavior as separate crimes. Double jeopardy under the 5th Amendment prevents multiple prosecutions by the same jurisdiction for the same offense, but it doesn’t always bar a second set of charges from another jurisdiction. If you’re facing both federal and state allegations, we’ll coordinate a strategy that fights parallel charges and protects your constitutional rights.


The Seriousness of Penalties

Federal sentencing guidelines are administered by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and they often include mandatory minimum sentences. If convicted, you could be looking at:

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
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!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
19:26 19 Apr 24
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.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
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.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
20:45 15 Mar 24
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.
Taïko BeautyTaïko Beauty
16:26 15 Mar 24
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!
K MarK Mar
01:37 25 Jan 24
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.
js_loader
  • Long Prison Terms – Depending on the statute, federal prison can extend from a few years to life, especially if aggravating circumstances are alleged.
  • Massive Financial Fines – Fines in federal sexual assault cases can run from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the accusations.
  • Lifetime Sex Offender Registration – Once you’re on the registry, it affects every area of your life, from where you can live to the jobs you can hold.

We don’t sugarcoat it: criminal charges can have life-altering consequences that affect your future and livelihood. That’s why our goal is simple – get the charges dropped or significantly diminished. If you’re innocent, we fight for dismissal. If the evidence is stacked, we look at ways to reduce or mitigate the consequences.


Defense Strategies: Real Scenarios, Real Solutions

Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. We believe in thorough preparation for every aspect of the defense. Below are some defense strategies we explore:

  1. Mistaken Identity
    Many times, federal cases hinge on uncertain witness identifications or flawed forensic results. If the DNA doesn’t match, or if the witness is unreliable, we’ll highlight those weaknesses to create reasonable doubt.
  2. Consent Issues
    Federal prosecutors have to prove there was no consent under statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 2242. If there’s evidence the contact was consensual – such as text messages, social media exchanges, or witness testimony – we use that to undermine the government’s narrative.
  3. Illegal Searches and Seizures
    The 4th Amendment protects you from warrantless searches. Federal agents often seize phones, computers, or other devices. If they stepped over the line, we move to suppress the evidence. Without critical digital traces, the prosecution’s entire case can crumble.
  4. Entrapment or Government Misconduct
    Sometimes federal agents rely on confidential informants or sting operations. If you were coerced, induced, or pressured into actions you wouldn’t otherwise commit, we can argue entrapment. We look at every step the government took to see if it crossed a boundary.
  5. Mental Health Defenses
    Rare, but possible. If you were unable to understand your actions due to a mental disorder, it could form the basis of a defense. Though difficult to raise in federal court, we’ll gather all relevant medical records and expert testimony if this angle applies.
  6. Breakdown in Chain of Custody
    Federal charges rely heavily on forensic evidence. If we see discrepancies in how evidence was handled – or if there’s a gap in the paperwork – we’ll argue it’s inadmissible. We work very hard to get our clients the outcomes they need. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.

Building a Comprehensive Defense

When you retain Spodek Law Group, we start working immediately:

  1. Collecting Records – We gather indictments, subpoenas, police reports, witness statements, digital evidence, and anything else that might help us build your defense.
  2. Investigating the Facts – Our team digs into every detail. We consult expert witnesses, speak to forensic analysts, and scrutinize police procedure.
  3. Filing Motions – We move aggressively to suppress evidence obtained illegally, challenge improper charges, and dismiss weaker counts.
  4. Negotiating Plea Deals – If a plea bargain is in your best interest, we negotiate with prosecutors to get you the least severe penalty possible. But if a trial gives you a better chance, we’re ready to fight.

Throughout the process, you stay informed. When you reach out to our criminal defense law firm, the process of working with us begins with a risk-free consultation in person, or over the phone. We encourage you to ask the tough questions.


Possible Outcomes

  • Dismissal – The best outcome. Our goal is to get you out from under these charges entirely if the evidence doesn’t hold.
  • Reduced Charges – If the government’s evidence is strong, we’ll push for lesser counts that carry fewer penalties and potentially no sex offender registration.
  • Acquittal at Trial – If we see enough weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, we’ll fight in court. This is a high-stakes move, but it can pay off if we show significant doubt.
  • Plea Bargain – Negotiating a plea can sometimes help you avoid the harshest sentences. We’ll discuss all possibilities with you.

Legal References and Citations

  • 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241–2248 – Federal statutes covering sexual abuse, sexual assault, and related crimes.
  • U.S. Sentencing Guidelines – Framework for determining prison terms, fines, and other penalties in federal court.
  • 5th Amendment, U.S. Constitution – Protects against double jeopardy in the same jurisdiction, but does not always stop dual sovereignty (state + federal).
  • Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) – Requires prosecutors to disclose evidence favorable to the defendant.

We Are Spodek Law Group

We understand how terrifying this moment is. Our team is known for delivering top-notch legal representation across the nation, and we’ve been featured on major media outlets. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and your future, no matter how complex your case might seem.
Spodek Law Group is known for providing the best possible customer service. We pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys, who have over 50 years of combined experience.

What sets us apart:

  • 50+ years of combined experience
  • Nationwide representation
  • 24/7 availability
  • Risk-free consultation
  • Sophisticated legal strategies

Take the Next Step

If federal authorities are knocking on your door – or if you’ve already been indicted – you don’t have time to waste. The prosecution is building a case against you this very moment. Contact Spodek Law Group for a risk-free consultation, and let’s talk about how to defend you.

We’re available 24/7 to discuss the details of your case, whether you prefer a phone call, text, email, or meeting at one of our offices. Bring everything you have – indictments, search warrants, police reports. We’ll review it all, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment.


We Have Your Back

A federal sexual assault allegation can derail your life. It can lead to prison, lifetime stigma, and a host of collateral consequences. We work very hard to get our clients the outcomes they need. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.
We pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys, who have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex criminal defense cases.
Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. We are available 24/7 to provide a risk-free consultation.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now