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’re dealing with the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program—or worried about potential complications with your EB-5 petition—and need a law firm that takes this as seriously. At Spodek Law Group, our premier New York criminal defense law firm, we have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex matters nationwide, including high-stakes immigration and federal investigations. Our goal: get you the best possible result, whether you’re applying for an EB-5 visa or fending off allegations of fraud.
Spodek Law Group Knows This Can Feel Overwhelming
The EB-5 program, outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(5), allows foreign investors to secure a green card by putting substantial capital into a U.S. business and creating at least ten full-time jobs. The minimum investment ranges from $800,000 in targeted employment areas to $1,050,000 in non-targeted areas. That might sound straightforward, but we know how complicated it can get once the government starts asking questions.
Often, USCIS demands extensive documentation to verify the source of your funds, your job creation plan, and the feasibility of your business. If they suspect wrongdoing—like falsified documents or hidden funding—they can escalate the matter to federal agencies, like the FBI or DHS. If you’re under scrutiny, don’t panic. We understand this terrain. We’re here to protect you at every stage.
Navigating State vs. Federal Issues
Many EB-5 cases stick to the realm of immigration law, handled by USCIS. But the moment there’s any whiff of money laundering, wire fraud, or securities violations, federal or state authorities can step in.
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: Allegations of false statements under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, or money laundering under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957.
State: Possible securities law breaches if the regional center or investment structure crosses local regulatory lines.
In some situations, we’ve seen local agencies and federal prosecutors both target the same underlying conduct. While double jeopardy generally prevents multiple prosecutions by one sovereign, state and federal systems are separate. It’s rare to be charged twice, but it can happen. Our objective is to head off these scenarios early, or aggressively challenge them if they arise.
Defense Strategies: Real-Life Scenarios
At Spodek Law Group, we tailor our approach to your unique situation. Here’s how we strategize in different contexts:
Source of Funds in Question
Situation: USCIS suspects your investment capital originated from questionable overseas accounts.
Our Approach: We assemble a paper trail—bank statements, wire transfer records, business documents—to show each step of the funds’ journey. We also address any irregularities upfront, ensuring the government doesn’t misinterpret innocent transactions.
Goal: Demonstrate legitimacy, get the I-526 petition approved, and avoid potential money laundering charges.
Misrepresentation Allegations
Situation: You’re accused of inflating job creation or providing false info on your I-526/I-829.
Our Approach: We pull out the full record—business plans, payroll logs, statements from managers. We look for inconsistencies in the government’s claims, highlight your good-faith actions, and correct any honest mistakes.
Goal: Prevent a denial or referral to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for fraud, and keep your EB-5 path intact.
Regional Center Misconduct
Situation: The regional center you invested in faces accusations of diverting EB-5 funds. You had zero clue.
Our Approach: We isolate your case from the center’s wrongdoing. We show that you relied on official statements, performed due diligence, and never had the intent—or knowledge—of any impropriety.
Goal: Protect your EB-5 status, push for the center to answer for its misconduct, and keep you in good standing with USCIS.
Federal Investigation for Wire Fraud
Situation: Agents claim your investment was structured to defraud. They’re threatening an indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
Our Approach: We treat this like any federal criminal matter—review the indictment, dissect the government’s evidence, and file motions to dismiss if their case is weak. We examine your communications and transactions for context, highlight any overreach by investigators, and negotiate if that’s in your best interest.
Goal: Get the charges dropped or reduced, safeguard your immigration prospects, and shield you from heavy penalties.
Double Jeopardy Concerns
Situation: You settle a state enforcement action about your EB-5 project, only to see the federal government eyeing a new case for the same conduct.
Our Approach: We argue the second prosecution is superfluous. While separate sovereigns can press charges independently, we emphasize fairness, highlight prior resolutions, and push to discourage duplicative action.
Goal: Protect you from facing two sets of extreme penalties, and keep your immigration status secure.
Potential Penalties—and How We Minimize Them
If things spiral, you could lose your EB-5 investment, lose your green card, or face criminal charges. Penalties for wire fraud or money laundering often carry prison terms under federal sentencing guidelines. A conviction could trigger deportation proceedings if you’re not a U.S. citizen. But with a solid defense in place, many EB-5 issues can be resolved before they explode into crisis.
Major Concern
Real-World Impact
Spodek Strategy
I-526 Denial
Delays, lost investment, potential removal
Correct or supplement the record, show robust compliance
Federal Criminal Charges
Prison time, large fines, immigration obstacles
File motions to dismiss, cross-examine evidence, negotiate
Misconduct by Others
Guilty by association, even if you did nothing
Separate your actions, present proof of good faith
Double Jeopardy Issues
Duplicative punishment in state and federal court
Advocate one resolution is enough, highlight fairness issues
Why Choose Spodek Law Group
We’re not your average law firm. We have a track record of handling complicated criminal and immigration cases across the USA. Our attorneys are selective about who we work with because we believe each client deserves the utmost attention. We’re accessible 24/7, provide an online portal for all case communication, and pride ourselves on giving the best possible legal representation.
We’re relentless about defending your rights. We know what’s on the line—your money, your family’s future, your freedom. Whether you’re simply trying to secure your EB-5 green card or battling a federal probe, we focus on one thing: delivering results.
