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.
Trafficking Counterfeit Goods
If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble – and need the best criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, we know trafficking counterfeit goods isn’t just a minor issue—it can carry serious federal or state penalties. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit merchandise can lead to years in prison, large fines, or both. If your situation involves interstate commerce, or online sales that cross state lines, it’s likely the federal government will step in. Many of our clients are shocked when they realize local police, federal agencies, and brand owners might all be aiming to build a case against them.
We have over 50 years of combined experience handling extremely difficult legal issues nationwide, including high-stakes federal matters. Prosecutors often rely on claims of “massive losses” to the brands or to the economy, and they use that narrative to push for severe consequences. Our job is to challenge those allegations, piece by piece, and minimize the impact on your future.
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction
Clients frequently ask why the U.S. Attorney’s Office gets involved in what appears to be a local transaction. Typically, interstate commerce triggers federal jurisdiction. If you were shipping products across state lines or using online platforms to distribute items, the government might claim federal authority under the Commerce Clause. Sometimes, you’ll see dual investigations—federal and local authorities teaming up. Our goal is to figure out if there’s an issue with double jeopardy, or if the state-level charges overlap improperly with federal allegations. Whenever possible, we argue that the government is overreaching and that not all the evidence belongs in federal court.
Potential Penalties and What You’re Up Against
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, first-time offenders can face up to 10 years in prison. If you have prior convictions, or the goods have a high “retail value,” penalties may climb even higher. Fines can be staggering if the government claims your operation caused extensive losses. Once you factor in restitution claims by brand owners, the financial impact can be crushing.
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.
From our perspective, the scope of distribution, your role in the alleged conspiracy, and your intent are all critical. Sometimes the prosecution cites inflated values or claims you were the “mastermind” when you only played a minor part. If there’s a way to challenge their narrative, we will find it.
Defense Scenarios
Every crime and situation is different, and we create defenses to fit the facts. Below are a few scenarios we’ve encountered or studied in-depth:
Unaware of the Counterfeit
Scenario: You purchased counterfeit items from what you thought was a reputable supplier. The online shop listed these goods as authentic, and now the feds claim you committed counterfeit fraud.
Strategy: We gather invoices, supplier communications, and any Q.C. documentation you have. If we can show you lacked criminal intent, the prosecution’s case weakens significantly.
Challenging Valuation of Goods
Scenario: The prosecutors assigned to your case claims millions of dollars in losses, based on suggested retail prices of name-brand products.
Strategy: We bring in financial experts who can demonstrate the actual street value is much lower, which can substantially reduce sentencing exposure under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Minor Role in a Larger Enterprise
Scenario: You helped ship parcels, but you had no no control over sourcing or pricing. You had no idea the goods were counterfeit. You just had no idea.
Strategy: We focus on your lack of decision-making power, showing you were not part of the alleged leadership or planning. This can support a lower offense level or even lead to dismissed charges.
Entrapment or Government Overreach
Scenario: Undercover agents persuaded you to get knockoffs you never intended to sell.
Strategy: We look into whether law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have done. If so, entrapment might apply, and that can be a powerful defense.
If prosecutors have contacted you, or you’ve received a target letter in the mail, or you’re out on bail waiting for arraignment, you probably feel anxious. Our team at Spodek Law Group is available 24/7. When you reach out, we’ll discuss your case in a risk-free consultation—whether by phone or in person. We encourage you to bring all relevant documentation, so we can start shaping a defense.
