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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.

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Federal Statute Of Limitations

February 17, 2025

Federal Statue of Limitations 

If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble and need guidance about Federal Statute Of Limitations. You have come to the right place. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the severity of this topic and want to help you understand how it might apply to your situation. We have an elite group of experienced attorneys who are ready to help you regardless of your case.

We have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough federal and state cases nationwide. Regardless of where your case is, or the stage of the legal process, we can help you. We have been seen on Netflix, Fox 5, Bloomberg, and other major media outlets, and for good reason. We will bring the same level of expertise, attention to detail, and our best legal defense team to protect you and your rights.

What Is the Federal Statute Of Limitations?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 3282 (refer to the official U.S. Code for details), most federal offenses carry a statute of limitations of five years. Simply put, prosecutors generally have five years from the date of the alleged crime to file charges. Beyond that, the clock usually runs out and they cannot bring you to trial.

Complications that can arise 
Certain federal crimes, such as some types of fraud, child exploitation offenses, or capital crimes, have extended or no statute of limitations. For example, capital offenses often do not have a limitation period at all, meaning charges can be brought at any time. For more specific information, you can visit the Department of Justice website, which provides official guidelines regarding federal criminal prosecutions.

Why statues of limitations matter 
They protect individuals from facing charges after evidence goes stale or witnesses become unreliable. They also encourage law enforcement agencies to act swiftly. If the government fails to bring charges within the designated timeframe, the case might be dismissed.

Possible Penalties for Time-Barred Crimes
If the alleged crime falls within the statutory period, prosecutors may file charges.  Some of these penalties can include:

  • Financial fines
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Restitution
  • Potential jail or prison time

Violations of federal law, however, can also result in major consequences. We can help you navigate this process, reduce your exposure to these penalties, and fight to protect your freedom. All you have to do is give us a call today.

Strategies We Use 
When you hire Spodek Law Group, our goal is to resolve your case successfully. Our team of criminal attorneys are well equipped to help fight your case and protect your rights regardless of the severity of your situation.

Here’s how we approach defenses related to the Federal Statute Of Limitations:

  • Proving the Clock Ran Out: We scrutinize every date, every document, and every piece of evidence. If the government missed the deadline, we will push to get the charges dismissed immediately.
  • Challenging Evidence: Sometimes the government relies on outdated or improperly gathered evidence. We examine whether any key proofs are unreliable due to the passage of time.
  • Negotiating with Prosecutors: If the statute of limitations is borderline or there are disputes about when it began to run, we may negotiate reduced charges or a more favorable resolution.
  • Identifying Exceptions or Tolling: We are prepared to argue that any tolling exceptions (which might pause the statute) do not apply to your situation, potentially getting your charges dismissed.

Just like in that headline-making case, Todd Spodek and our team have handled high-profile situations where timing and procedural rules play a vital role. Whether it’s a federal fraud investigation or other serious allegations, our NYC Criminal Lawyers have the experience to mount a thorough defense.

What should you do if you’re under federal investigation?

  • Stay Calm. Don’t panic or speak to investigators alone.
  • Speak to an attorney immediately if you suspect the statute of limitations might be in play.
  • Collect All Documents. Keep emails, letters, or any paperwork that shows relevant timelines.
  • Contact Us. We have offices throughout Long Island and NYC, and we’re available 24/7 to provide a risk free consultation.

NYC Criminal Lawyers who understand Federal Cases 
Regardless of the stage of your case, or the specific charges you face, Spodek Law Group is a highly recognized, top rated, state and federal criminal defense law firm. Our attorneys have been seen on major news outlets, like the NYPost and Fox 5, and have handled some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. We are known for our ability to fight for our clients and win cases despite how bleak the outcome may appear. We are experienced and dedicated to all cases, big and small. We’ve represented high-profile clients like Anna Sorokin (a.k.a. Anna Delvey) whose case appeared on Netflix. We know that every second counts when federal authorities are on your trail. Let our rock star team of attorneys protect your future.

Get a risk free consultation today

We can help you assess how the Federal Statute Of Limitations might impact your unique situation. Our objective is to win cases and resolve them successfully, whether by dismissal, plea negotiation, or a robust trial defense. Give us a call as we are available 24/7 to see how we can help you protect your rights.

Disclaimer: No recipient of content from this site, client or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included here without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the facts of their situation from an attorney licensed in the recipient’s state. The content here contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements. Viewing this page does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between Spodek Law Group and any recipient. All visitors are informed that our law firm may work with affiliate lawyers (Local Counsel) across the USA in various jurisdictions. Every case is different.

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Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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