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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:

  • 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

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

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