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.
Got Caught in a Shoplifting Pickle? Todd Spodek can Help
So you’ve found yourself in a messy shoplifting situation? Hey! It happens. But now you’re faced with an aggressive accusation where some employee has you cooped up in a dingy room, rootling through your stuff and thrusting unreadable documents under your nose and telling you to sign. You might even be promised release if you cough up some bucks right there and then! And then, bam! You’re handed over to the boys in blue. Hours of no food, water or restroom access later, you’re being interrogated, mug-shotted, and fingerprinted. Before you know it, you’re walking away from the station with a Desk Appearance Ticket. And the gravy train doesn’t stop there. That friendly store employee might’ve tricked you into legal liabilities, and to add a cherry on top, your arrest could become public record! Todd Spodek and the Spodek Law Group can guide you through this web of legal intricacies without you being tripped up.
Why Legal Representation is Key After a Shoplifting Arrest
Once arrested, you will receive a Desk Appearance Ticket requiring you to be present in court on the ticket date. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a legal representation at this stage for ensuring a smooth run. Remember, this ticket is on you because they didn’t want to run the hassle of sending you to the Central Booking station. If you play hooky on this date, an arrest warrant is headed your way.
What Happens Next in a Shoplifting Criminal Case
Arraignment: You’ve been arrested, the first step is the arraignment. Here, the charges, your rights, and the prosecution’s evidence are laid out. It’s not a trial, more of a preliminary information hearing at which your Spodek attorney takes the opportunity to understand the case. It is at this juncture that crucial decisions – like negotiating, entering pleas, or pushing for dismissals – are made. Sans attorney, a guilty plea could see you convicted instantly, and facing the harshest penalty permitted under New York law.
Post-arraignment: The arraignment could end in three ways – dismissed, convicted, or adjourned. Should it be adjourned, your attorney has the chance to regroup, negotiate, file motions, or prepare for trial, as needed. The idea of taking a deal could be tempting but tread carefully, because it might not always be in your best interest.
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.
What Shoplifting Entails
More often than not, it is employees who land in hot soup with shoplifting accusations, with businesses like Walmart losing about 3-4 billion a year in employee theft. On the aftermath of such accusations, stores easily send civil demands, which essentially are threats of civil lawsuits, thus adding financial burdens to the accused. Not paying could lead to collection lawsuits but remember New York General Obligation Law Section 11-105 lets stores do this unscathed. This is where Todd Spodek could guide you in protecting your rights.
The Variety and Severity of Shoplifting Charges
Shoplifting can take various forms – the usual snatch and grab, concealing items, group shoplifting, or “sweethearting”, where a store cashier slip-items for a friend or family member. Depending on the type and severity, charges range from misdemeanors to fourth-degree felonies, the latter being serious offenses depending on the value of goods stolen. If found guilty, it would mean a permanent criminal record, potential employment, travel, or immigration issues, or even deportation for immigrants.
How to Get Shoplifting Charges Sealed
Just because you’ve been charged with shoplifting doesn’t mean it signals the end of the road or your dreams. Depending on your jurisdiction’s rules, you could have your shoplifting charge expunged or sealed. This will save you the discomfort of revealing your conviction to employers or anyone who performs a background check on you. If you are unsure about how sealing works, Spodek Law Group can walk you through the process.
Shoplifting Immigration Consequences
If you are an immigrant and have been caught shoplifting, you could face serious immigration consequences. As per immigration laws, a criminal conviction could change your immigration status and even lead to deportation. Hence, make sure you get advice from Spodek Law Group to protect your rights.
Out of State/Country Shoplifting Legal Help
Remember, a shoplifting case resolution might need multiple court appearances, but if you are living outside NYC or in another country, this could be a significant issue. Never fear, Spodek Law Group can assist.
How Todd Spodek Can Help
While you might view shoplifting as a harmless misdemeanour, this perception won’t fly with New York’s prosecutors. Under the New York penal code, shoplifting charges can range from Petit Larceny (theft of items valued at $1,000 or less) to Grand Larceny (theft of items valued between $1,000 and $3,000 with higher levels for higher-value items.). While the former can give a year in jail and a fine of $1,000, the latter can serve you a four-year jail term and a whopping $5,000 fine or double the value of the stolen goods.
With punishments like these, tagging shoplifting as minor would be nothing short of foolhardy. Also, carrying a conviction stigma can be a lifelong burden. This is where Todd Spodek steps in to prevent your ‘one-time offense’ from snowballing into a lifelong issue. He can explore defenses to your charges, argue for reduced penalties upon conviction, or even negotiate Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) agreements which would wipe out your criminal records after six months, given you don’t find yourself in any other legal issues.
At the end of the day, Todd Spodek’s vast experience and track record in handling shoplifting cases are your best bet in New York.
