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 here, it’s because you’re in serious trouble and need the best possible criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we understand this. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible for your unique situation. First Degree Manslaughter in New York, under N.Y. Penal Law §125.20, is charged when there’s an alleged intent to cause serious physical injury but the result is someone’s death. It’s a Class B felony, and that means real-life consequences like potential prison time of up to 25 years, significant fines, and post-release supervision. We realize that’s a scary place to be.
How is First Degree Manslaughter Different from Murder?
The biggest difference is the focus on whether there was an intent to kill, or if there was an intent to cause serious injury that ended in death. It’s subtle but critical. If the prosecutor thinks you planned or intended the victim’s death, they may look for a Murder charge. If the state believes you “only” intended to seriously harm the victim, you’ll see First Degree Manslaughter charges. Nuance matters here, and that’s why the right defense can make a huge difference in whether you face 25 years or less.
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction
Most manslaughter cases stay at the state level. But if the incident happened on federal property, or involved interstate activity, the Department of Justice might step in. We’ve seen situations where a scuffle leads to a death on a military base, and suddenly it’s a federal matter. We understand the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and we address double jeopardy issues if there’s an overlap between state and federal charges. We do this because we’re a nationwide law firm—able to handle complicated cases that cross state lines.
Crafting a Strong Defense
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We look at your facts and figure out the best possible defense. Below are common defense angles we explore, but keep in mind each scenario is different, and each strategy must be tailored to you.
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.
Self-Defense
If you acted because you feared immediate harm, self-defense might reduce or dismiss your charges altogether. We collect witness statements, 911 audio, and even medical records showing defensive injuries. We understand that sometimes the only way to protect yourself, or a loved one, is to act quickly, and we want the jury to see that you didn’t behave recklessly—you responded to danger.
Extreme Emotional Disturbance
There are moments in life when you act under a profound emotional storm. The law acknowledges this possibility. If you were pushed over the edge by something extraordinary, we might be able to frame the case around an Extreme Emotional Disturbance defense. Maybe you walked into a scene that no one should have to witness. Maybe an unexpected trigger flipped a switch. We’ll look into forensic psychologists to help explain your state of mind to the court.
Mistaken Identity
Many violent encounters happen in chaotic environments—think bars, nightclubs, or poorly lit streets. We scrutinize every detail about who actually threw the fatal blow. We look for eyewitness inconsistencies, cell phone pings, security camera footage—anything that might show you weren’t the person who delivered the fatal act. We don’t let flawed or lazy police work define your future.
Police Misconduct and Unlawful Searches
If evidence was collected through a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, we can move to suppress it. Suppose officers showed up at your apartment, kicked the door in, and found a weapon—without a valid warrant. We look for those errors. If the evidence is tossed, the case might collapse. We’ve seen it happen. Protecting your constitutional rights is a core principle at Spodek Law Group.
No Intent to Inflict Serious Injury
Manslaughter in the first degree depends on the idea that you intended to cause serious physical harm. If we can show that your actions were accidental or you didn’t realize the risks, that might break the link the prosecution needs to prove. We look at your mental state, and any mitigating factors that suggest this wasn’t an intentional act at all.
Real-World Examples: Multiple Layers of Complexity
We’ve found a simple scenario → action → outcome approach doesn’t fully capture how real cases unfold. Things are more complicated, and so is our legal strategy.
Scenario
Potential Defense
Key Details
Client confronted a trespasser with a weapon at night
Self-Defense
Was the trespasser threatening? Were children present?
Bar fight escalated; victim slipped and hit their head
No Intent to Inflict Serious Injury
How crowded was it? Were you singled out by witnesses?
Heated altercation that turned physical unexpectedly
Extreme Emotional Disturbance
Were you provoked by shocking information?
Claimed to be identified by a stranger on the street
Mistaken Identity
Is there questionable eyewitness testimony?
Each cell in this table represents a situation with layers: background context, emotional triggers, prior relationships, etc. We gather these facts meticulously so we can customize the right defense strategy.
Federal Angle and Double Jeopardy
One question that comes up a lot: Could I be prosecuted by both state and federal authorities for the same death? Sometimes, yes—because state and federal governments are treated like separate “sovereigns.” That said, double jeopardy can limit certain prosecutions if you’ve already been tried or convicted for a similar offense in one system. If we see a looming federal investigation, we talk about that up front. The key is transparency at every stage.
Sentencing and the Path Forward
As a Class B felony, First Degree Manslaughter in New York can lead to:
Up to 25 years in prison
Steep fines
Years of post-release supervision
Permanent felony record
Every bit of your background matters—prior convictions, personal history, mental health, ties to the community. Judges see all of this, and we use it to make a compelling case for leniency or alternative sentencing. Sometimes that means negotiating a plea that spares you from the worst penalties, or even having charges reduced to manslaughter in the second degree. Other times, the best strategy is to fight in court. We figure out which approach is best for you.
Why Spodek Law Group?
We’re not a run-of-the-mill “mill” law firm. We don’t play a numbers game where we take on every single client who comes our way. We’re selective because we believe in giving you the highest level of attention and service. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation attorney who has handled hundreds of challenging criminal cases. Our team of attorneys has over 50 years of combined experience, and we’ve appeared on major media outlets like Fox, Newsweek, Business Insider, NY Post, and more.
When you talk to us, we’ll:
Listen to your story. We want to understand exactly what happened, and why.
Assess your evidence. We have investigators, forensic experts, and other resources to build a strong case.
Explain the process. We don’t want you left guessing about what’s next.
Fight for the best possible outcome. We’ll keep you informed about every option—whether it’s a plea deal or preparing for a trial.
We are available 24/7 to provide a risk-free consultation. If you’re considering hiring a criminal defense attorney, time is of the essence. We will walk you through everything you need to do right now to protect your freedom and your future.
