Federal · State · Family - Since 1976
The NYC criminal lawyers behind the Anna Delvey defense on Netflix.
Netflix's Inventing Anna dramatized our defense of Anna Delvey. NYC criminal lawyers, over 50 years of combined experience - and the record since carries the argument.
The record · Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome
Acquitted.
$26M money laundering · Federal
Six months.
$12M Ponzi · Prosecutors asked years · 2024
No prison.
Ex-NBA player · $4M healthcare fraud · ESPN
Risk free · Confidential · No obligation
Tell our NYC criminal attorneys what happened.
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212 300 5196After you reach out
50+
Years, combined, on cases like yours
1,100+
Five-star reviews · Google & Avvo
1976
Second generation, since
24/7
Attorney on call · Every client, Todd’s cell
The principal
“I’m a straight shooter. I tell clients exactly where their case stands - and then I outwork everyone else in the room.”
Todd A. Spodek · Managing Partner
Second-generation NYC criminal lawyer - his father’s firm, practicing since 1976. The Sorokin defense became Netflix’s Inventing Anna; the record since spans the Ghislaine Maxwell juror inquiry, the R. Kelly trial, and federal courtrooms coast to coast. Every client holds Todd’s cell number.
Netflix · 2022 · Created by Shonda Rhimes
You’ve seen the show. This is the real defense.
Netflix’s Inventing Anna dramatized NY Criminal Lawyer Todd Spodek’s defense of Anna Delvey - the “fake heiress” who captivated New York. Todd is portrayed by Arian Moayed of Succession; the strategy on screen is the strategy he argued in the real courtroom.
“Just like Sinatra had to do it his way, Anna had to do it her way.”
Todd’s opening statement · The Sorokin trial, 2019
#1
Most watched on Netflix
196
Countries streaming
320M+
Hours viewed
CASE FILE · U.S. v. GHISLAINE MAXWELL - THE JUROR INQUIRY · 2022
When Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex-trafficking verdict - the most-watched in America - began to shake, the juror at its center called Todd Spodek.
Client protected.
Verdict preserved.
Testified under immunity · Never charged
MDC Brooklyn booking photo · Drop a licensed press photo to replace
I.The crisis
After Ghislaine Maxwell - the Epstein associate - was convicted of sex trafficking, Juror 50’s press interviews about his own past threw the verdict into turmoil. Maxwell’s lawyers called it “incontrovertible grounds” for a new trial - and a federal judge ordered the juror to testify under oath.
II.The strategy
Todd appeared in the Maxwell case as counsel for Juror 50 and notified the court his client would invoke the Fifth - a move that forced the government to secure a formal immunity order before a single question could be asked.
III.The result
Shielded by immunity, his client testified through Judge Nathan’s hour-long examination. The court found the questionnaire error “not deliberate,” denied the new trial - and Juror 50 walked away fully protected, never charged.
“He listened to the evidence and was fair and impartial. This is what justice requires, not more.”
Todd A. Spodek, statement for Juror 50 - via The New York Times
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case file · The R. Kelly trial - The witness-intimidation defense · 2021
In the shadow of America's biggest sex-trafficking trial, the man accused of torching a witness's car needed a defense. He called Todd Spodek.
Argued in Brooklyn.
Covered nationwide.
AP · Fox · NBC · Billboard · Euronews
I.The crisis
With R. Kelly's federal sex-trafficking trial pending, the government charged Michael Williams - described as a relative of Kelly's former publicist - with setting fire to a car outside a potential witness's Florida home to keep her from cooperating. Prosecutors wanted a message sentence.
II.The strategy
In one of the most radioactive dockets in the country, Todd took the case anyone else would run from - and argued the sentencing law as written: punishment must be sufficient, not vindictive, no matter whose trial sits next door.
III.The principle
The court imposed eight years; Todd said on the record they were exploring their legal options. The lesson for every client: when the whole country wants a head on a spike, someone still has to stand up and argue the number - and it will be us.
“A sentence of five years would have been sufficient but not greater than necessary in this case.”
Todd A. Spodek, at sentencing - via The Associated Press
Case file · The Alec Baldwin stalking trial · 2013
One of Hollywood's biggest stars took the stand against her. Todd Spodek cross-examined him.
Tried in Manhattan.
Watched everywhere.
CNN · CBS · ABC · NBC · Worldwide press
I.The crisis
Canadian actress Genevieve Sabourin stood accused of stalking Alec Baldwin - a media-saturated Manhattan trial with the star himself testifying against her, his wife beside him, and cameras on every step of the courthouse.
II.The strategy
Todd put the star's conduct on trial too: a fairy-tale date, mixed signals for two years, then the machinery of the courts. His summation argued a celebrity "doesn't have carte blanche to use the criminal justice system to sort out his relationships."
III.The principle
The judge convicted; Todd stood by his client on the courthouse steps and told the world she testified "truthfully, candidly." Every client - famous accuser or not - gets a defense that never blinks at the cameras.
“He doesn't have carte blanche to use the criminal justice system to sort out his relationships.”
Todd A. Spodek, summation - via CBS News
NY criminal defense practice.
All practice areas →
01Federal criminal defense Target letters · grand jury · trial→
02White collar & fraud Securities · healthcare · crypto→
03Drug crimes Possession · federal trafficking · DWI→
04Assault & violent crimes Assault · robbery · orders of protection→
05Divorce & family law Contested · prenuptial · custody→
06Immigration NYC · Queens · Brooklyn→
What happens when you call criminal lawyers in NYC.
The process · Same-day strategy
In the headlines - Right now
When the biggest cases break, NYC criminal attorneys get the call.
Associated Press · Apr 2026
Quoted nationwide as the defense voice on the SPLC federal indictment
“It is a political attack on standard investigative tradecraft.”
The New York Times · Apr 2026
$2M Banksy and Warhol forgery case - Todd Spodek represents Karolina Bankowska after guilty plea
Counterfeit art scheme targeting New York auction houses.
The Athletic · Feb 2026
Emmanuel Clase MLB pitch-rigging scandal - Todd Spodek represents Robinson Vasquez Germosen
“Mr. Vasquez is completely innocent.”
Jul 2026
NY POST
AI deepfake “Dubai prince” scam - Todd Spodek quoted on social engineering fraud
→
2025-26
FOX · CNN
On-air legal analyst for the Sean Combs federal trial - commentary reaching millions
→
Dec 2025
ABC7
$16M Coinbase phishing indictment - Todd Spodek on Ronald Spektor: “We’re disputing everything.”
→
Sep 2024
REUTERS
Covington insider trading settlement - SEC case resolved, no criminal charges from SDNY
→
2022
NETFLIX
Inventing Anna dramatizes the Sorokin defense - Todd portrayed by Arian Moayed
→
2022
NEWSWEEK
Newsweek profiles the real Todd Spodek behind Inventing Anna
→
2019
NY TIMES
The Sorokin verdict, covered by the Times: "Fake heiress who swindled N.Y.'s elite is found guilty."
→
Jan 2022
NY POST
Maxwell-trial juror retains Anna Sorokin’s lawyer
→
2022
AP NEWS
Defense in the R. Kelly trial witness-intimidation matter - sentence mitigated
→
2013
NBC
The Alec Baldwin stalking matter - resolved at time served
→
2021
HBO
Featured in HBO’s Generation Hustle documentary series
→
FIG. - Contact sheet · From the firm film
On camera
All appearances · @spodeklawnyc →★★★★★
“Todd changed our lives. We entered his office with anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress - by the time our free consultation was over, we left at ease.”
Verified client · Federal case · 2022 · One of 1,100+ five-star reviews
The firm film · 00:45
Spodek Law Group P.C.
See who fights for you - before you ever call.
Request a confidential consultation →
FIG. - The firm at work · From the firm film
NYC criminal attorneys on the bench.
All attorneys →
Todd A. Spodek
Managing Partner
The Sorokin defense; counsel in the Maxwell juror inquiry.
Ralph P. Franco, Jr.
Associate Attorney
Trial practice; state and federal criminal defense.
Claire Banks
Associate
Federal motions practice; S.D.N.Y. and E.D.N.Y.
Alex Zhik
Associate Attorney
Criminal defense; state and federal, client strategy.
Joseph Alter
Associate Attorney
Criminal defense; research and motions practice.
Jeremy Feigenbaum
Associate Attorney
Complex federal matters, coast to coast.
This bench answers its own phone. Put it on your case.
Free consultation →Counsel’s notes
01 - Who we are
NYC criminal lawyers - over 50 years of combined experience.
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 understand that and take this very seriously. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case. Spodek Law Group is known for providing the best possible customer service. We pride ourselves on having a rock star team of attorneys who have over 50 years of combined experience. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. If you’re looking to hire a criminal defense attorney, it’s likely the Spodek Law Group is on your radar - and capable of winning your case.
From the notes
Many of the cases we’re known for handling are those others deemed unwinnable.
The Spodek Law Group is a premier and top-rated New York criminal defense law firm. We are recognized as a top-rated state and federal criminal defense law firm. Our objective is to win cases - and resolve them successfully. Many of the cases we’re known for handling are those others deemed unwinnable. This is a key reason clients choose us. We are one of the few law firms in the country with a fully online portal, which means all communications, invoicing, document submission, and access to confidential information can be handled entirely online. Because of this, we’re able to serve clients nationwide, coast to coast. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who has many, many years of experience. He is a second-generation criminal defense lawyer, with years of experience successfully handling hundreds of criminal defense cases. He has been featured in major news outlets, including the New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, and Insider.com, among others.
02 - Our philosophy
We owe loyalty to only you.
Our philosophy is rooted in delivering the best possible outcome for our clients. We believe, earnestly, that every single Spodek Law Group client deserves honesty and service. Our law firm services a highly curated and professional clientele that wants the best possible criminal defense attorney and is educated in knowing what makes an attorney the best. Our New York criminal lawyers have experience handling criminal defense cases nationwide, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC - we are a true, coast-to-coast, criminal defense law firm. Our law firm has a simple belief: criminal defense lawyers should only take on clients whom they can help. Many law firms are “mills” and take on every single client, regardless of their skills or ability. At Spodek Law Group, we focus on only working with clients whom we can truly help. This is much different from other law firms in the USA, which take on every single client. When you reach out to our criminal defense law firm, the process of working with us begins with a risk-free consultation in person, or over the phone. During this consultation, you can ask us anything, regardless of how long it takes. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask the tough questions you have. We are available 24/7 to help you.
The simple belief
Criminal defense lawyers should only take on clients whom they can help.
Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors and judges, Spodek Law Group owes loyalty to only YOU. When you’re looking online, you have multiple options. There are so many criminal defense lawyers advertising online. Thankfully, your search is over. Spodek Law Group, based out of NYC, is a well-known law firm that offers premier white-glove service and is unafraid of fighting. We are focused on our clients and getting them the best outcome possible. Every single client who works with Spodek Law Group is doing so because they need top legal help. They are serious about their future. One of the reasons our law firm has such a high success rate is because we are selective about who we work with. We want to make sure each and every client gets a successful outcome. If we’re choosing to work with you, it’s because we think we can make a positive impact on your life.
Our legal services
Start with the risk-free consultation →The Spodek Law Group is a top-rated criminal and federal defense law firm. Our law firm has locations throughout New York state. Our attorneys make sure they are available 24/7, and we take pride in being accessible always. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is - we can help you get the outcome you need and want. Our criminal defense lawyers have been interviewed by many major news outlets, like FOX News, The New York Post, and others. Many attorneys send us clients because they know they can trust us to get the best possible outcome for their trusted clients. We work very hard to get our clients the outcomes they need. Our only objective is to get the case against you dismissed or significantly diminished.
The posture
Strategy starts the day you call.
03 - What to expect
Q.
What should I expect from a NYC criminal attorney representing me?
When you hire your next criminal defense lawyer, it’s important you look for someone who is pragmatic and understands the dire situation you’re in. You want someone who can consider and plan multiple different scenarios, and assess the risk at every stage of the process. Your criminal defense attorney must be able to communicate this to you in simple terms. When you hire the Spodek Law Group, you’re hiring a criminal defense attorney in NYC who understands the law, and has experience handling the type of situation you’re in. Not all law firms are the same. Some are unable to handle the workload. As a top criminal defense law firm in NYC, we take a very hands-on approach to handling your case.
Q.
What should you do if you’re accused of committing a crime?
If you have received a target letter, or federal authorities have come to your doorstep alleging you broke the law, you should hire an experienced New York criminal lawyer - ASAP. You don’t really have a choice - you need an attorney. Whether you go pro bono or private, that’s up to you. Our Spodek Law Group criminal attorneys have experience handling cases similar to yours, and can help you understand how to move forward. Regardless of the difficulty of your case, our NY criminal attorneys can help you. We have experience in all types of cases - state and federal crimes. In order for us to help you get the best possible outcome, it’s important to be honest with our criminal attorneys. When you meet our NYC criminal attorneys, make sure to bring all documents related to the case. It means bringing copies of the charges filed against you, information about subpoenas, information about the items seized, etc. At your initial meeting, our criminal attorneys will start formalizing a strategy regarding your case and other potential defenses.
Bring to the first meeting
Strategy begins at this meeting
From the glossary
Target letter
A letter from a U.S. Attorney telling you a grand jury is looking at you. It is not a charge - it is the moment to hire counsel, before you answer anything.
Received one? Read this →We try both - 50+ years combined
A.
Our NYC criminal defense lawyers have immense experience.
Regardless of what you’re being investigated for, you need a high-powered defense law firm. Our criminal attorneys have many years of experience dealing with both Federal, and State, prosecutors. If you’re reaching out to us, we are prepared to guide you through this stressful process and educate you at every step. Our team of lawyers has handled complex federal cases, and we have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex crimes.
04 - Federal
50+
Years, combined, on cases like yours
Federal charges are a whole other animal.
If you’re facing allegations of federal charges, it’s crucial you hire a law firm that gets it. Many criminal lawyers are proficient when dealing with state crimes, but federal charges are a whole other animal. There are many differences in how state and federal investigations are conducted. For example, when dealing with federal allegations, the DOJ is responsible for prosecuting. They follow a different set of federal rules of procedure and have different practices. When deciding on federal cases, the federal judges have to follow sentencing guidelines, and there are minimum sentences. There is no room for discretion on the part of the federal judge. When you hire a federal defense lawyer at Spodek Law, we are going to work with you at every step and create an informed strategy that works.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, you want a top-rated New York federal defense attorney like Todd Spodek. Todd is a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients. His experience has led him to handle thousands of tough cases. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets, like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey. This case captivated the national spotlight, resulting in a Netflix show, and massive amounts of press due to the alleged victims of the crime. Delvey, who claimed to be a German heiress, faced multiple felony charges, including grand larceny and theft of services. Our defense strategy was innovative, and focused on portraying Sorokin as an ambitious young woman who got in over her head while chasing the American dream. He argued that Sorokin’s behavior was not criminal but rather reflective of the culture of New York’s elite, where “fake it till you make it” is a common ethos.
The portal
Every filing, invoice, and document - online, from day one.
One of the few firms in the country with a fully online client portal - which is how we serve clients nationwide, coast to coast.
Enter the client portal →
05 - Choosing counsel
Choosing the right NYC criminal attorney.
Choosing the best criminal lawyer - is the best thing you can do for your case. If you hire the wrong attorney, your future is in jeopardy. Here are some key things to consider when choosing a criminal lawyer. If you’re accused of a crime, and arrested, it’s important to hire an NYC criminal lawyer to help you. If you or a loved one has been arrested - you’re likely scared, and anxious. The most important thing to remember - you have to stay calm, and get ready. You want to have an attorney on your side as early as possible. You want someone to protect you. Todd Spodek is a top rated NYC criminal lawyer who has a fantastic track record of winning cases. As a top tier criminal defense attorney, he zealously advocates for his clients.
Experience matters. You want to look for an NY criminal defense attorney who has intricate experience dealing with the type of criminal defense issues you’re facing. When you’re interviewing criminal attorneys, you should ask about their track record with criminal cases similar to yours. It’s important to find an attorney who specializes in the type of criminal charges you’re facing - such as drug offense, white collar crime, or more.
Reputation matters. Before you hire a criminal defense attorney, look into the lawyer’s reputation in the community. You should try to speak to his past clients, check online reviews, check ratings, and more. One of the things to look at is TrustPilot, Yelp, or Google Places for real reviews. Most importantly, you want to make sure you find a lawyer who communicates clearly. For example, look for a criminal lawyer with an online dashboard, or some other easy way to get information. You want a law firm that’s always accessible.
Credentials matter. Verify the lawyer’s credentials before you move forward. Look at their education, bar association memberships, and other information. You want to make sure the lawyer has the necessary resources, like investigators, expert witnesses, and more.
The recognitions ledger - dated, sourced
“High Powered New York attorney Todd Spodek.”
- Radar
Six months.
$12M Ponzi case · Prosecutors asked years
The approach
Selective by design. We take the clients we can truly help.
Many firms are mills. If we choose to work with you, it’s because we believe we can change the outcome.
See if we’ll take your case →If agents are at your door, stop talking. Call before you answer anything.
212 300 5196If agents are at the door - The checklist
The one module that commands
Do
Don’t
The family desk - For the one making the call
Calling for someone you love - NY criminal lawyers answer.
Most first calls to this firm are not from the accused. They are from a mother, a husband, a sister - afraid, and holding a phone. Start here.
Call us first - 212 300 5196, any hour. An attorney answers, and strategy starts the same day. Then write down what you know: where they are being held, when the arrest happened, and what was said. You do not need every answer to make this call - that is our job, not yours.
Calls from custody are recorded - and prosecutors listen. Tell your loved one two things, and nothing more: say nothing about the case to anyone, and wait for your lawyer. Conversations with counsel are privileged; conversations with family on a jail line are not.
Yes - families retain us on behalf of a loved one every week. The representation belongs to them; the peace of mind is yours. Billing is transparent, with no surprises - and we are committed to fighting for your case, irrespective of your ability to pay.
Arraignment comes first - a judge sets bail and the next court date. We appear at your loved one's side, argue for release, and begin the investigation the same week: witnesses, reports, footage, motions. You will know what is happening at every step - every client family gets a direct line.
Ask NYC criminal lawyers anything - the line is open.
01 What are the possible outcomes of a criminal case in NYC?

THE OUTCOMES · WHAT WE’RE PLAYING FOR
WHAT TILTS THE SCALE
THE PENALTIES OF CONVICTION
THE COLLATERAL · BEYOND THE SENTENCE
02 Why are you the right criminal lawyer in NYC?

WHY THIS FIRM
03 What is the process of a criminal case in NYC?

WHAT HAPPENS, IN ORDER
04 What are the main types of criminal cases in the State of New York?

THE CATALOGUE · NY PENAL LAW
05 What if I’m wrongly accused? Can my charges be reduced or dismissed?

CAN MY CRIMINAL CHARGES BE REDUCED OR DISMISSED?
06 Why do you need the best possible NY criminal defense lawyer?

WHY THE BEST COUNSEL MATTERS
07 How can a criminal lawyer help you beat charges?

THE DEFENSES, CATALOGUED
Three ways to reach NY criminal attorneys.
Choose one - We answer all three
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Speak first with a NYC criminal lawyer.
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FIG. - The line that answers













