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
5
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.
At Spodek Law Group, our Illinois federal criminal defense attorneys understand that if you’re here, you’re probably in a serious situation and need the best representation. Maybe you’ve received a target letter from federal authorities, or suddenly found yourself named in a federal indictment. Regardless of where you stand, our mission is the same: to protect your future and get your charges dropped or substantially reduced. Our federal defense lawyers understand how scary this process can be.
We have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough federal cases nationwide, including Illinois. We know that every client’s story is different. We also know that federal cases aren’t like your typical state prosecution. Federal cases have their own unique guidelines, protocols, etc. They often involve agents from organizations like the FBI, DEA, or IRS, applying federal statutes with mandatory minimum sentences and inflexible sentencing guidelines. Federal prosecutors approach cases with extensive resources, and we have the experience to match them. We commit to a hands-on approach from the moment you hire us.
Federal vs. State in Illinois
Illinois has its own legal system, but when you’re charged under federal law, you can’t just rely on attorneys who only do state cases. Most criminal lawyers are familiar with state laws – but are out of their league when dealing with federal cases. We’ve seen situations where clients thought “Double Jeopardy” would protect them because they’d already faced state-level charges. Unfortunately, the Double Jeopardy Clause only bars repeated prosecution by the same sovereign. Illinois and the federal government are separate entities. That means if you faced state charges and the U.S. Attorney’s Office decides to indict you, the federal process starts fresh. It’s normal to feel worried or overwhelmed when confronted by federal allegations – and it’s exactly why having the right counsel is crucial.
Building Your Defense: Multiple Strategies, Multiple Angles
We believe in roleplaying various scenarios early on. If you’re accused of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, for instance, we’ll explore if there was truly criminal intent, or if the government is stretching routine business errors into a federal fraud charge. If you’re under scrutiny for a drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846, we’ll investigate whether you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes, a single piece of evidence – such as an improperly obtained wiretap or a flawed chain of custody on seized narcotics – offers a chance to challenge the evidence against 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.
Charge
Key Scenario
Potential Defense Focus
Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
Prosecutors allege you used email or phone calls to defraud victims
Lack of criminal intent, or reliance on inaccurate third-party data
Drug Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Allegations you joined a multi-person scheme to distribute narcotics across Illinois
Illegal search/seizure, mistaken identity, or absence of overt acts
Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956)
Claim you processed illegal proceeds through seemingly legitimate transactions
Lack of knowledge about the funds’ origin, entrapment scenarios
Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 841)
Accusation of manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs on a large scale
In one hypothetical scenario, let’s say you’re under investigation for alleged fraud relating to a company you managed. Prosecutors might argue you manipulated financial statements to attract investors. You might insist you relied on data from colleagues and never intended to mislead anyone. We’d dig for internal communications, track how the documents were prepared, and cross-check evidence to show you weren’t part of any scheme. If the prosecution can’t prove fraudulent intent, there’s no conviction.
In another scenario, suppose you were arrested on drug trafficking conspiracy charges near Chicago. If law enforcement searched your property without a warrant, we’d challenge that under the Fourth Amendment, citing cases like Mapp v. Ohio to exclude illegally obtained evidence. If key evidence gets thrown out, the government’s case might collapse – or be forced into a plea deal that drastically reduces your exposure.
We’ve even handled matters where the government’s main angle was an alleged money-laundering scheme, but the facts told a different story: maybe you simply transferred funds on behalf of a business partner without realizing the money stemmed from unlawful activity. In that situation, we’d emphasize your lack of knowledge – because under 18 U.S.C. § 1956, the government must show you knew exactly what you were doing.
Sentencing Guidelines and Penalties
Federal charges can carry prison time that ranges from a few years to life. Financial penalties can soar into the hundreds of thousands – or even millions – depending on the alleged scheme. If convicted, you could face lengthy probation, strict supervised release terms, and restitution orders. Criminal charges risk your freedom, your career, and your peace of mind. Although judges must consider the guidelines, we work hard to minimize your sentence by highlighting mitigating factors and challenging the government’s interpretation. That’s where our decades of experience come in.
Our Commitment to Communication
From the moment you reach out to us, our Illinois federal criminal believe in full transparency. We have an online portal(we’re one of the few that do) where you can securely upload documents and monitor every development associated with your case. We’re also available 24/7 for a risk-free consultation – because we understand these situations don’t follow a nine-to-five schedule. Our firm only takes on clients we believe we can help.
