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 our website, it’s because you or someone you care about is facing an extremely serious accusation—manslaughter—and you need an experienced legal team that knows how to handle complex situations. At Spodek Law Group, we understand exactly how overwhelming this is, and we don’t take your trust lightly. Our goal is straightforward: to give you the best possible legal representation, and a powerful defense that helps you move forward in life. We are Spodek Law Group. If you’re accused of manslaughter, and need the best possible criminal attorney – speak to Spodek Law Group.
Manslaughter vs. Murder
Manslaughter, as outlined under N.Y. Penal Law §§ 125.15–125.20, generally means causing someone’s death without having a specific intent to kill. That’s what makes it different from murder, which usually involves an intent to cause death. In other words, if the state believes your actions led to a fatality due to recklessness or extreme emotional disturbance, they might charge you with manslaughter rather than murder.
Manslaughter in the First Degree (N.Y. Penal Law § 125.20): Typically involves an intent to cause serious physical harm, but not a clear-cut intent to kill.
Manslaughter in the Second Degree (N.Y. Penal Law § 125.15): Usually happens when someone acts recklessly—without the foresight or plan to kill—but ends up causing a fatality.
Regardless of whether it’s first-degree or second-degree manslaughter, these charges carry significant prison time, steep fines, and life-changing consequences. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re dealing with that reality right now—and we want you to know you’re not alone.
Potential Federal Implications
Most manslaughter cases remain in state court, but there are times when the Department of Justice steps in—such as when the alleged offense happened on federal property, involved certain federal statutes, or occurred on a military base. In those situations, you could face federal charges, and if that happens, there are additional hurdles:
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.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines (18 U.S.C. § 3553): Federal judges typically rely on these guidelines to determine your sentence.
Limited Judicial Discretion: Certain federal charges and enhancements come with mandatory minimums.
Coordination Between Agencies: Sometimes state and federal authorities coordinate. This raises concerns about double jeopardy, but under the Fifth Amendment, double jeopardy generally applies to being tried twice by the same sovereign. Since state and federal governments are considered separate sovereigns, there can be a potential—though uncommon—scenario where both pursue charges.
Because federal charges can be more complicated, it’s important to have a criminal attorney who knows how to fight in both state and federal courts. Our attorneys have that experience and know how to win.
Roleplaying Possible Defense Scenarios
We handle each manslaughter case by focusing on the unique facts, building a strong strategy, and looking for every possible path to a successful outcome for you and your family. Below are some scenarios that illustrate how we approach these charges.
Scenario 1: Self-Defense That Led to a Fatality
You believed someone was about to seriously harm you or a loved one, and you acted. In the chaos, the other person died. The prosecution might charge you with manslaughter if they think you used more force than necessary. Here, our approach focuses on:
Showing you had a genuine fear of imminent harm.
Collecting evidence such as eyewitness statements, footage, or forensic evidence.
Demonstrating that your actions, while tragic, were taken in self-defense.
If the prosecution doesn’t acknowledge the self-defense angle, we aim to file motions and present evidence that shows you did what you felt you had to do in that moment.
Scenario 2: “Heat of Passion” Manslaughter
In some situations, an extreme emotional disturbance might push a person over the edge, such as catching a spouse in an act of infidelity. If you acted in the “heat of passion,” the prosecution may try to charge you with manslaughter instead of murder. Our strategy would involve showing that your emotional state was so inflamed—due to provocation—that there was no deliberate intent to kill just wasn’t there. We can bring in psychological experts to testify about your mindset, and we examine any evidence that provides context for why your actions happened.
Scenario 3: Recklessness or Negligence
Let’s say the allegation is that your reckless behavior—like driving at a high speed or handling a firearm carelessly—caused someone’s death. In that scenario, we look at:
Accident reports and possible mechanical failures.
Eyewitness testimony pointing to environmental or contributing factors (bad road conditions, inadequate signage, etc.).
Expert witnesses (e.g., accident reconstruction specialists) to challenge the state’s claim that you acted with the level of recklessness required for a manslaughter conviction.
If we can show that your actions didn’t cross the threshold of criminal recklessness, that can be a key factor in either getting the charges dismissed or reduced.
Scenario 4: Unlawful Searches, Seizures, or Confessions
Even in manslaughter cases, the police might cross the line during investigations. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights—such as conducting a search without a valid warrant or failing to Mirandize you—our team will move to suppress that evidence. If that evidence is key to the prosecution’s case, it can unravel their entire theory of guilt.
Sentencing Factors and Possibilities
In New York, sentencing for manslaughter depends on various factors, like whether you have prior convictions, how severe the harm was, and if there were any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. If this is a federal case, the judge follows federal guidelines under 18 U.S.C. § 3553, where certain enhancements or mandatory minimums might apply. Our job is to highlight factors that help mitigate your sentence—like showing genuine remorse or a clean criminal record. We’ll create a thorough presentation of who you are, rather than let the prosecution paint a one-sided picture.
Why Spodek Law Group?
We know manslaughter charges are life-changing, which is why we bring unparalleled dedication to every case we take on. Spodek Law Group is recognized for:
Over 50 Years of Combined Experience: We’ve worked on countless state and federal cases, including those others said were unwinnable.
Nationwide Representation: We have offices throughout Long Island and NYC, and thanks to our fully online digital portal, we handle cases nationwide.
Media Recognition: Major news outlets—like NY Post, Fox 5, and Insider—regularly feature our insights on significant criminal cases.
Client-Centric Approach: We’re extremely selective about who we work with, because we want to make a positive impact. Reputation matters to us, and that means making sure as many clients as possible get the best possible result. If we decide to take on your case, it’s because we believe we can help you get a favorable outcome.
24/7 Support and a Risk-Free Consultation
If you’re reading this, you know you need help. When you call us, we’ll schedule a risk-free consultation to review your case. Bring any documents, evidence, or notices you received—anything that helps us understand your legal situation better. We don’t just talk the talk; we’re here 24/7, ready to pick up the phone, respond to your messages, and walk you through what comes next. Whether your case is in the earliest stage or you’re facing trial tomorrow, we want to be your advocate.
