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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.

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Blog

Long Beach Criminal Defense

January 13, 2025

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re dealing with a serious criminal issue in Long Beach – we are available 24/7, to provide a risk free consultation. At Spodek Law Group, we understand if you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. Our attorneys, boasting over 50 years of combined experience, have experience dealing with some of the toughest legal issues nationwide. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you, and that’s when we step in and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

We do this work for a reason. We care about your future and recognize every criminal case is unique. Whether you’re dealing with local municipal offenses or accused of federal crimes that cross state lines, we are available 24/7 to help you. Our mission is simple: we only take on clients we genuinely believe we can help. If you want a Long Beach criminal defense attorney who’s fully invested in getting you results, you’ve found the right law firm.


Why Long Beach Cases Can Get Complicated

It may start with an arrest at a Long Beach boardwalk or a simple phone call from a local detective. Then, if you have received a target letter, or federal authorities have come to your doorstep alleging you broke the law, you should hire an experienced New York criminal lawyer – ASAP. If federal authorities see a potential violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud) or 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy), you might find yourself facing U.S. Attorneys in federal court. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. It brings different rules of procedure, more aggressive prosecutors, and in many situations, strict sentencing guidelines that limit a judge’s discretion.

We’ve handled both types of cases. Our attorneys know how to “When you hire the Spodek Law Group, you’re hiring a criminal defense attorney in NYC who understands the law, and has experience handling the type of situation you’re in.” Often, the government tries to “regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you,” using any piece of evidence to justify bigger, heavier charges. We are unafraid of going to trial. If we decide in consultation with you that going to trial is advantageous, our criminal defense attorneys will work with you to prepare your case.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
8 months ago
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
9 months ago
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!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
9 months ago
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.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
9 months ago
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
9 months ago
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.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
10 months ago
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.
Taïko BeautyTaïko Beauty
10 months ago
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!
K MarK Mar
12 months ago
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.
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Potential Penalties and Collateral Damage

If you’re prosecuted under California Penal Code for a felony, you could be looking at substantial prison time, steep fines, and a criminal record that “it’s a very stressful experience … If you’re accused of committing a crime, your future is at stake.” In federal court, mandatory minimums might kick in for offenses like large-scale drug distribution or multi-million-dollar fraud—where sentencing guidelines “no matter how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want.”

Don’t ignore the collateral consequences. A single conviction can threaten your job, housing, immigration status, and even child custody. It’s not just about time behind bars. It’s about every element of your life. You deserve a law firm that “our goal is to provide you the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case.” That’s exactly what we do at Spodek Law Group.


A Nuanced Look at Common Defense Scenarios

We believe there’s no “our law firm has a simple belief: criminal defense lawyers should only take on clients who they can help. … We focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. This is much different from other law firms …” solution. Different circumstances call for different defenses. Below are examples of how we might approach your case:

  1. Lack of Evidence
    • Situation: You’re accused of assault outside a Long Beach venue. The police claim eyewitnesses can ID you. No surveillance video. Conflicting testimonies.
    • Strategy: We scrutinize every statement and event timeline to show the prosecution lacks proof of your involvement. By identifying contradictions, we push to have charges dismissed or reduced.
  2. Mistaken Identity
    • Situation: A suspect in a robbery wore clothing similar to yours. You happened to be in the general area at the wrong time.
    • Strategy: We gather phone location data, receipts, and any other evidence showing you weren’t connected to the incident. We highlight the unreliability of rushed identifications. Our goal is to “we’ll look at all the possible outcomes, and we’ll try to get you the best outcome. There’s a lot of potential outcomes to a criminal case.”
  3. Federal Conspiracy Allegations
    • Situation: You’re named alongside multiple co-defendants in an indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 371 for conspiracy to commit fraud. The prosecution claims group liability.
    • Strategy: We argue you never agreed to commit a crime, challenging the “meeting of minds” element. If there’s entrapment, we show how federal agents or informants initiated and pushed the illegal plot. We use discovery motions to uncover exculpatory evidence that might break the conspiracy narrative.
  4. Self-Defense
    • Situation: An altercation escalates, and you’re accused of battery or even homicide. But you only acted to protect yourself or someone close to you.
    • Strategy: Under California Penal Code §§ 198-199, we demonstrate you faced imminent harm, responded proportionally, and had no duty to retreat. We look for 911 calls, bodycam footage, and any third-party witness accounts to confirm your version of events.
  5. Double Jeopardy Complications
    • Situation: Your state charges were resolved, and now you’re dealing with federal prosecution for the same alleged conduct.
    • Strategy: We examine how “dual sovereignty” applies. Federal prosecution might argue they have separate jurisdiction, but we push to show the underlying conduct is identical and highlight any pre-existing plea or judgment. If we spot a double jeopardy violation, we argue for immediate dismissal.

Defense Strategies and Potential Outcomes

Defense Strategy Detailed Scenario Potential Result
Lack of Evidence Contradicting reports by witnesses in a theft case Dismissal of charges or significant reduction
Self-Defense Defending a friend from an armed attacker Acquittal if proven, or reduction to a lesser offense
Mistaken Identity Confusion over suspect description in a busy area Charges dropped if we show you were elsewhere at the time
Entrapment Federal sting operation inducing crimes you wouldn’t commit Full dismissal or acquittal if government overreached

These are just examples. Not every case follows the same path. We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to find the right solution for you.


Working with Spodek Law Group

We know you have plenty of options when searching for a criminal defense attorney. “Spodek Law Group, is a premier, and award winning, New York / Federal criminal defense law firm.” We pride ourselves on being transparent, accessible, and fearless. Our attorneys walk you through the legal process, step by step. We talk strategy in plain English, not legalese. We give you a clear sense of where your case stands and what’s coming next.

Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation defense attorney who’s handled thousands of challenging criminal matters. Our firm understands the local nuances in Long Beach courts—and knows how to “if you have received a target letter, or federal authorities have come to your doorstep alleging you broke the law, you should hire an experienced New York criminal lawyer – ASAP.” We’ve represented high-profile clients and everyday individuals who simply “our team consists of some of the top rated lawyers in the USA.”

We’re not a “many law firms are ‘mills’ and take on every single client, regardless of their skills, or ability. At Spodek Law Group, we focus on only working with clients who we can truly help.” law firm. We don’t take on every single person who calls us. We only commit if we believe we can truly help. And once we’re on your team, “we pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys, who have over 50 years of combined experience.” We keep you informed 24/7. We use our online portal to manage your case and communicate updates instantly. We coordinate with our network of investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals who help us pinpoint the strongest arguments.


Next Steps

If you’re ready to move forward, contact us for a risk-free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, examine the evidence, and give you our honest opinion on how to proceed. No matter how serious your charges, we believe there’s always a viable strategy. Whether we aim for a dismissal, negotiate a favorable plea, or “we have experience handling tough cases nationwide, and we have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex crimes,” our goal is simple: “our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed, or significantly diminished.”

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

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RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

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JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

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ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

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CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

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RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

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CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

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Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

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