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Louisiana Federal Attorneys Lawyers
Louisiana Federal Attorneys Lawyers
Over 50 Years of Combined Experience
If you’re on our website, it’s likely that you’re struggling with a serious federal issue—something that can turn your life upside down. At Spodek Law Group, our Louisiana federal criminal lawyers know how critical it is to have the right legal team when you’re in federal trouble. Our federal attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience defending clients nationwide, and we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Our only goal is to provide you with best legal representation at every stage, backed by our proven track record and our unwavering dedication to your future.
We Are Spodek Law Group – Your Louisiana Federal Criminal Lawyers
Nationwide Federal Defense: We are a premier Louisiana criminal defense law firm with offices from coast to coast. Our defense team focuses on delivering the best experience for our clients, no matter where in the USA your case is. Federal investigations can cross state lines, so it’s crucial to have a legal team like ours that’s licensed to handle federal cases in Louisiana and beyond.
Second-Generation Attorneys: Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation criminal defense lawyer with over 50 years of combined experience. His approach centers on strategy, innovation, and a refusal to give up—qualities we to every single client we represent. We’ve been featured on major news outlets and have handled some of the toughest, high-profile cases. But no matter how big or small your case appears, we fight just as hard.
We Only Take Cases We Can Help With: Unlike “mill” law firms that take every client, we focus on those we believe we can truly help. That means when you reach out to us, we listen to your story carefully, assess the facts, and move forward if we think we can get you a meaningful outcome.
Why Federal Charges in Louisiana Are So Serious
If you’re facing a federal charge in Louisiana, it means you’ve likely crossed paths with statutes like 18 U.S.C. for fraud or conspiracy, or 21 U.S.C. for drug trafficking. The moment the federal government gets involved, you’re up against highly trained U.S. Attorneys and investigators who have UNLIMITED resources to build a tough case. The stakes are high—and often include mandatory minimum sentences, large fines, and strict probation terms. Federal sentencing guidelines are very strict.
We understand the complexities involved in federal investigations, particularly how prosecutors can spend months quietly gathering evidence against you. By the time you know you’re a target, they may already have boxes of documents, recorded calls, or witness statements. That’s why you need a proactive legal team capable of fighting back.
Understanding Federal Sentencing and Penalties
Federal judges rely on guidelines published by the U.S. Sentencing Commission to help the potential sentence. These guidelines account for factors like criminal history, the amount of loss in a fraud case, or the quantity of drugs involved in a trafficking case. They’re not absolute, but judges usually follow them closely.
Possible outcomes include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, mandatory forfeitures, or supervised release. When you work with Spodek Law Group, our federal defense lawyers explore every method to reduce or dismiss charges before you even step into the sentencing phase. If it gets to that stage, we fight for departures or variances from the guideline range, emphasizing mitigating circumstances, lack of prior criminal history, or any other angle that can help.
Common Federal Charges in Louisiana
| Charge | Statute | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud | 18 U.S.C. § 1343 | Up to 20 years in federal prison, plus severe fines |
| Drug Trafficking | 21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846 | Mandatory minimums of 5-10 years or more, based on drug amounts |
| Conspiracy to Commit Offenses | 18 U.S.C. § 371 | Up to 5 years, or more if linked to a serious underlying crime |
| Federal Gun Offenses | 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) | Up to 10 years, with enhancements for prior convictions |
| Money Laundering | 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957 | Up to 20 years, significant asset forfeitures |
Even if the penalties sound crazy, remember that a skilled attorney can often negotiate lesser charges or secure a more favorable plea, especially when the government’s evidence isn’t as strong as it seems.
Potential Defense Strategies
At Spodek Law Group, we never assume a cookie-cutter defense. We look at every detail of your case—because that nuance could be the key to an acquittal or dismissal.
- Challenging Evidence: If federal agents conducted a questionable search, we may file motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Sometimes, throwing out a single piece of evidence can dismantle the entire government case.
- Lack of Intent: Many federal crimes hinge on showing you knowingly and willfully broke the law. If you genuinely lacked criminal intent—maybe you relied on faulty information—we’ll build a narrative that highlights your good faith.
- Entrapment: Federal sting operations are common in Louisiana for offenses like online fraud or drug distribution. If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise consider, this defense could be potent.
- Self-Defense or Necessity: In certain firearm or violent crime cases, you might have been forced into a no-win situation. By showing how your actions were necessary to prevent greater harm, we may mitigate or defeat the charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: Sometimes, the prosecution’s story falls apart when we dissect witness credibility, phone records, or the timeline. If they can’t prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must acquit.
We also factor in double jeopardy concerns if a state prosecution is looming, particularly under the concept of dual sovereignty. While that doctrine allows separate state and federal charges for the same act, we look at every angle to prevent duplicative or unfair prosecutions.
How We Help You Get Out of It
Our only focus is always on getting your case dismissed, getting a “not guilty” verdict, or securing a plea that minimizes the negative impact on your life. We conduct a very in-depth investigation, speak to witnesses, analyze electronic evidence, and consult with experts if needed. At each step, we look for ways to weaken the government’s case or highlight any procedural mistakes they might have made.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Before trial, we might file motions to dismiss defective indictments or suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Plea Negotiations: If we uncover serious gaps in the prosecution’s case, we use that leverage to negotiate better plea deals.
- Trial Advocacy: If trial is the best path, our attorneys present a polished, fact-driven defense. We cross-examine witnesses aggressively, introduce exculpatory documents, and tell your side of the story to the judge and jury.