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.
If you’re on this website, it’s likely because you or a loved one is being accused of possessing a firearm despite a prior felony – which can be very legally speaking. At Spodek Law Group, we understand that—and take this very seriously. Our goal is to provide you the best possible legal help at all stages of your case. We have over 50 years of combined experience—and we’ve handled some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. Regardless of where your case is in the USA—or the stage you’re at—we can help you. Here’s what you need to know about defending against a “Felon With a Firearm” charge—and how our criminal lawyers step in to assist.
What Makes This Charge So Serious
When the government alleges you violated 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)—they’re claiming you possessed a firearm after a felony conviction. This can lead to federal penalties, which are typically more serious than state-level consequences. If you’re also dealing with local prosecutors, you might have questions about double jeopardy. However, the “separate sovereigns” doctrine often allows federal authorities to pursue charges—even if the state has prosecuted you already. In these situations, it’s important to have a criminal defense attorney who understands – both state and federal rules of procedure.
Your Prior Conviction: How It Plays Into Sentencing
If your prior conviction was for a violent or weapon-related felony, prosecutors might argue for enhanced sentencing—sometimes leading to mandatory minimums. At Spodek Law Group, we know how serious these enhancements can be. Our approach is to review your previous conviction thoroughly—confirm it was legally valid—and see if the prosecution can lawfully rely on it. Sometimes, we discover procedural errors or issues with record-keeping that might invalidate or reduce the impact of your prior felony. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.
Defense Strategies: Real Situations and How We Address Them
We believe every client deserves a nuanced strategy. No cookie cutter approach is allowed. Below is an overview of the most common defenses we look at—and how they can affect your case:
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.
Defense Strategy
What It Means
Potential Outcome
Unlawful Search and Seizure
If law enforcement found the firearm through an illegal search, we move to get that evidence dismissed.
Charges dropped or drastically reduced
Constructive Possession Defense
We argue you never actually exercised control or knowledge of the firearm.
Case dismissed if the government can’t prove possession
Invalid Prior Conviction
We examine the prior felony to see if it was validly used or properly introduced.
Possible removal of the “felon” element or reduction in charges
Entrapment by Law Enforcement
We show you were induced to commit an offense you otherwise wouldn’t commit.
Basis for dismissal or leverage in a plea negotiation
Mistaken Identity
We highlight possible errors in how you were identified or confusion at the scene.
Dismissal if you weren’t the person involved
In many cases, a firearm is discovered in a shared apartment or vehicle. Our attorneys focus on ownership, knowledge, and control. Sometimes, the weapon belongs to someone else—and you’ve been wrongfully blamed. If officers searched your home without a proper warrant, we work to get that improper evidence dismissed. We focus on only working with clients we can truly help—and we fight for them at every stage.
Federal Guidelines and How We Achieve Results
Federal sentencing guidelines can be serious—especially if the prosecution claims you had in your possession a loaded weapon or multiple firearms. We look for ways to reduce the sentencing range, such as looking for mitigating factors or showing that the government calculated your criminal history incorrectly. Our attorneys have experience negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office—and we’re prepared to go to trial if needed. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, we focus on getting the charges dismissed or significantly diminished.
Roleplaying Various Scenarios and Outcomes
Imagine a scenario where you’re stopped for a traffic infraction, and an officer sees a gun in the back seat. We ask whether the officer had a proper basis to search your vehicle. If there was no probable cause—we move to have that evidence dismissed. Alternatively, if the gun was found during a federal raid that targeted someone else’s activities, we examine whether you were caught up in the circumstances. Our attorneys examine every detail to determine if the government’s claims lack evidence and should be thrown out entirely.
Our Hands-On Approach
At Spodek Law Group, we don’t operate as a “mill” law firm that takes on every single client. We focus on working with clients we believe we can truly help—that’s how we maintain our success rate. Once you reach out, we begin with a risk-free consultation—in person or over the phone—where we encourage you to ask any question you have. We also use an online digital portal that makes it simple to submit documents securely and communicate with our team. This allows us to address your case quickly—which is critical when prosecutors are pushing hard.
How We Use Federal Case Law
When it comes to federal firearm charges, there’s extensive case law on defining “possession.” Some courts have held that simply being near a weapon does not automatically prove you controlled it. Our attorneys rely on their many years of nationwide experience—ensuring you get the full benefit of existing legal options. We stay current on new developments and federal court rulings, because these details can shift how your case is handled and whether key evidence is admitted.
Why Spodek Law Group
Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation criminal defense attorney. He has years of experience handling complex and high-profile cases—including those that garnered national media coverage. He’s been featured on major outlets like NYPost and Fox 5. Our entire team is recognized as a top-rated state and federal criminal defense law firm—and we focus on only working with clients we can truly help. We’re available 24/7, and our clients trust us because we strive to keep them informed at every stage, with no surprises. Our objective is always to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.