24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

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.

schedule a consultation

Blog

Minnesota Federal Attorneys

January 16, 2025

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.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
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
19:26 19 Apr 24
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
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
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
20:45 15 Mar 24
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
16:26 15 Mar 24
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
01:37 25 Jan 24
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.
js_loader

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now