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
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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.
Federal Vs State Prison: Everything You Need To Know
Spodek Law Group – Over 50 Years Of Combined Experience
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. Perhaps you’ve received a target letter, or law enforcement has visited you. Maybe you’re worried you’ll be charged with a crime that could place you in either state or federal prison. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the serious situation you’re in, and we’re here to help you..
Why Does “Federal vs State” Matter?
When you’re charged with a crime, you might assume all prosecutions are the same. That’s not correct. The difference between state and federal charges is serious, and it affects the way you’re investigated, the way you’re prosecuted, and even the prison system you might end up in if convicted.
State charges usually apply to crimes that happen within one state’s borders. Examples include burglary, simple assault, small-scale drug possession, or DUI.
Federal charges generally apply to larger or more complex crimes that cross state lines or break specific federal laws. Think wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), conspiracy to distribute large amounts of drugs (21 U.S.C. §§ 841-846), money laundering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956-1957), or other big white collar crimes.
Also, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines often lead to tougher sentences than state laws. If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney who knows both.
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.
Two Different Worlds: Federal vs State Prison
Clients often ask us what prison might look like if they’re convicted. No matter your situation, our criminal defense attorneys can help you. Federal and state facilities have different levels of resources and programs. Below is a short reference chart comparing the two systems.
Factor
State Prison
Federal Prison
Typical Offenses
Assault, robbery, smaller drug cases
Drug conspiracies, white collar fraud, federal crimes crossing states
Sentencing Guidelines
Vary by state, based on local penal codes
Federal Sentencing Guidelines, mandatory minimums in many cases
Agency in Charge
State Department of Corrections
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Security Levels
Vary widely, from county jails to maximum security
From minimum camps to high-security facilities (like USP, ADX)
Our goal is always to keep you out of prison. If that’s not possible, we aim to reduce the harm as much as we can.
Where Jurisdiction Comes From
The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government certain powers under Article I, Section 8. Crimes like wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) or child pornography (18 U.S.C. § 2252) clearly fall under federal jurisdiction. Crimes that don’t involve federal agencies or cross state lines usually stay in state court.
Sometimes, you can face both state and federal charges for the same incident. Our attorneys will help you understand each step of the legal process, from potential double jeopardy to how state and federal governments handle these cases. Usually, double jeopardy doesn’t stop two different “sovereigns” (the state and the federal government) from prosecuting the same act. These situations can be tricky, but our attorneys at Spodek Law Group know how to handle them.
Defense Strategies: Roleplaying Different Scenarios
In all cases—whether state or federal—our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished. Below are hypothetical scenarios that show how we work.
Scenario 1: Large-Scale Federal Drug Conspiracy
Facts: You’re under investigation by the DEA for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (21 U.S.C. § 846). There might be wiretaps, undercover agents, or an informant.
Likely Penalties: Mandatory minimums can range from 5 years to life, depending on the drug amount and your past record.
Potential Defenses:
Motion to Suppress: If officers broke Fourth Amendment rules, we can try to throw out that evidence.
Lack of Intent: Conspiracy means you knew about it and chose to be part of it. If you didn’t do that, the prosecution might fail to prove its case.
Entrapment: If you were pushed to commit a crime you normally wouldn’t have, we can raise an entrapment defense.
We review every piece of evidence, looking for mistakes in how the government gathered it. We explore every option and work hard to get you the best result.
Scenario 2: State-Level Assault Case
Facts: You’re accused of assault in the second degree (New York Penal Law § 120.05) after a bar fight led to someone getting hurt.
Likely Penalties: This Class D felony can carry 2 to 7 years in state prison.
Potential Defenses:
Self-Defense: If you had a reasonable fear for your safety and used only as much force as needed, we’ll argue that in court.
Lack of Criminal Intent: If it was an accident, or someone else actually caused the injury, that weakens the state’s case.
Witness Credibility: If the alleged victim or other witnesses gave stories that conflict, we can highlight that to raise doubt.
We review the local penal code, look at the evidence, and decide if you have a real chance of getting charges dropped or lowered.
Scenario 3: White Collar Fraud With Federal Agents Involved
Facts: The FBI says you broke wire fraud laws (18 U.S.C. § 1343) in an investment scheme that ran across multiple states.
Likely Penalties: Federal fraud sentences often go up if victims lost large sums of money. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines can lead to long prison terms.
Potential Defenses:
Statute of Limitations: Fraud charges often have a 5-year (sometimes 10-year) limit. If older deals are involved, we might drop those counts.
No Intent to Defraud: If you truly believed your actions were legal business practices, the government might fail to prove its case.
Plea Bargain: Sometimes, if the government’s evidence is strong, we explore every option and work hard to get you the best result. But if there are issues with their case, we’ll push for dismissal or go to trial.
Penalties, Other Consequences, and Life After Conviction
When you’re facing federal or state charges, prison time is only one possible outcome. You could also see fines, probation, restitution, immigration problems, or loss of professional licenses.
Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished. If you still face penalties, we’ll push for the best possible outcome we can get.
How Do You Beat the Case?
Motions to Dismiss and Suppress
A powerful way to challenge criminal charges is by going after the government’s evidence. If a search violated your rights, or if they forced a confession, we’ll try to block that evidence. Without their main evidence, the prosecutor’s case may fall apart.
Negotiating a Favorable Plea
Not all cases go to trial. Sometimes, it makes sense to talk with the prosecutor about a lesser offense. We come from a position of strength by showing the flaws in their evidence.
Trial by Jury
If a trial is needed, we tell your side so the court sees there’s doubt about the charges. Our attorneys have decades of experience questioning witnesses, challenging the prosecution’s case, and aiming to disprove the charges against you.
