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Minnesota Federal Attorneys
Minnesota Federal Attorneys
If you’re on our website, it’s likely you’re dealing with serious federal allegations – and need a Minnesota federal defense attorney who takes your situation very seriously. For decades, Spodek Law Group’s team of lawyers have helped clients nationwide, including those in Minnesota who unexpectedly faced serious federal accusations, and needed a team capable of winning their case. It doesn’t matter how complicated your situation looks: our goal is to provide you with the best possible legal representation at every stage of your case, whether it’s a white-collar investigation under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud) or an alleged federal drug conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846.
Over the years, we’ve handled cases other attorneys said were unwinnable, and that’s why clients trust us nationwide. We’ve dealt with aggressive U.S. Attorneys, lengthy grand jury proceedings, and complicated sentencing guidelines. Our only goal is to assist you from those first questions from federal agents all the way through trial, if necessary. At Spodek Law Group, we believe in open communication, honest service, and delivering the best possible representation.
What Makes a Case “Federal” versus State
Clients often ask if their charges could be handled by the state instead. In reality, federal jurisdiction comes into play whenever interstate commerce is implicated, or when federal statutes specifically cover the alleged offense. Minnesota might still have an interest, but once federal prosecutors decide to pursue you, they’re typically not letting it go. Our job is to figure out whether the federal government has overstepped its bounds, or if it’s applying the right statute to your situation. In the process, we look at potential double jeopardy issues under the Fifth Amendment, and at any flaws in how the government conducted its investigation.
The stakes in federal court can be big. Federal judges have to follow the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which mean lengthy penalties if a conviction happens. Mandatory minimums loom over certain offenses, leaving limited room for negotiations unless you have a seasoned legal team that knows how to argue for departures or variances.
Possible Penalties and Why They Matter
Federal penalties vary widely. We’ve seen first-time offenders avoid lengthy sentences and get the outcome they needed, while others face decades in federal prison. Fines can reach staggering amounts, and restitution can destroy finances if the alleged victim claims extensive losses. That’s why we focus on identifying every mitigating factor early on—like your background, lack of criminal history, or role in the alleged offense. Our objective is to highlight why the prosecution’s portrayal of you might be incomplete or exaggerated.
Different Defense Scenarios—Our Approach
At Spodek Law Group, we take defense strategy seriously. We explore every angle, and we carefully examine the prosecution’s allegations so we can advocate for your side of the story. Below are a few nuanced examples we’ve worked on or seen closely:
- Wire Fraud Allegations (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
- Scenario: Suppose you’re accused of emailing false statements to investors across state lines. The government insists you had a clear, criminal scheme to mislead people.
- Strategy: We argue you genuinely believed in the venture and that any questionable communications lacked criminal intent. Our attorneys will review all communications in detail to find key evidence that supports your defense. We consult financial experts who can testify that many start-ups push boundaries without crossing into fraud.
- Likely Outcome: With strong evidence that you were not intentionally trying to harm anyone, we can aim for dropped charges, or a favorable plea that avoids a lengthy prison term.
- Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)
- Scenario: The DEA claims you were distributing controlled substances in multiple states. A search warrant leads to your arrest, and now you’re facing mandatory minimum sentences.
- Strategy: We start by looking at the search procedure. If law enforcement agents stepped outside their legal authority, we file motions to suppress. Next, we question any “conspiracy” elements—perhaps you played a minor role, or maybe the evidence of an interstate network just isn’t there. Sometimes we uncover entrapment issues if undercover agents pushed you into a bigger role than you ever intended.
- Likely Outcome: If the evidence is invalid, your case could be dismissed. Otherwise, we leverage mitigating facts to secure a reduced charge or sentence, possibly through a plea that focuses on treatment instead of prolonged incarceration.
- Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Scenario: A physician is accused of defrauding Medicare by submitting inflated billing claims. The government’s data analytics suggest a large-scale violation.
- Strategy: We break down each patient file, review billing codes, and consult medical coding experts. We show that upcoding might have been an error rather than a willful act to cheat the system. If the government relied on flawed computer models, we point that out in negotiations or at trial.
- Likely Outcome: Sometimes these cases end in restitution agreements. Other times, if we find serious issues with the government’s evidence, we push for an outright dismissal.
How Federal Sentencing Might Affect Your Case
| Example Charge | Potential Penalties | Our Defense Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Up to 20 years in federal prison, large fines, restitution | Question intent, scrutinize every communication |
| Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C.) | Mandatory minimums, possible enhanced sentences for prior convictions | Illegal search challenges, mitigate your role |
| Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C.) | Up to 10 years, steep fines, restitution, supervised release | Demonstrate errors vs. intent, highlight context |
It’s important to understand that sentencing isn’t just about the statute—it’s also about your criminal history category, relevant conduct, and whether you accept responsibility. Our team walks you through these guidelines, explaining how each point can shift your potential outcome.
How to Get Out of This Situation
If you have a target letter in hand or federal authorities are asking questions, you need a criminal defense attorney—because trying to handle it yourself could jeopardize your future. Federal agents might offer statements that sound helpful, yet use your responses against you. At Spodek Law Group, we make sure you know your rights. We’ll handle all communications with the government, whether that’s responding to a target letter, negotiating a plea, or going to trial. We know it can be overwhelming. Our attorneys have handled numerous cases like yours, drawing on over 50 years of combined experience, and we know that having a seasoned defense attorney can change the trajectory of your case.
Our Experience, Your Advantage
We have over 50 years of combined experience. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation defense attorney who has appeared on major media outlets for high-profile cases nationwide. Our entire roster of attorneys shares the same mission: to fight for our clients aggressively while providing top-tier customer service. We pride ourselves on how we communicate and keep you informed. We offer a virtual portal for documents, billing, and message exchanges, so you can access critical updates from anywhere.