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Is Your Company Under Investigation by BIS CPB DOS or OFAC for Import Export Violations

IS YOUR COMPANY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY BIS, CBP, DOS, OR OFAC FOR IMPORT EXPORT VIOLATIONS? UNDERSTANDING WHY THIS MATTERS Companies that are involved in trade often face scrutiny from agencies that are responsible for enforcing import and export laws. If you are being investigated by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Customs […]

Billing Fraud

BILLING FRAUD EXPLAINED: WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE FIGHT IT By Spodek Law Group, a top rated, nationwide criminal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek Billing fraud is a term that refers to any dishonest act, or scheme, that was designed to cheat individuals, insurers, or government agencies out of money. This crime […]

Is your company being investigated for PPP loan fraud

Is Your Company Being Investigated for PPP Loan Fraud? Spodek Law Group, a top rated, nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, is here to give you a brutally honest reality check. If you’ve received a letter or a phone call suggesting that federal authorities are looking into your company’s Paycheck Protection Program […]

Common mistakes with OWCP billing

COMMON MISTAKES WITH OWCP BILLING OWCP BILLING: If you work with federal employees who have job-related injuries, you already know that the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is the agency that processes their medical claims. On the surface, it might sound simple: you treat the patient, you submit the paperwork, and you get paid. […]

Civil and criminal penalties for hiring illegal workers

Civil And Criminal Penalties For Hiring Illegal Workers: Know The Risks Why This Matters So Much: If you run a business in the United States, you can’t afford to ignore laws about hiring employees. The federal government watches employers closely, and penalties for hiring illegal workers, who are not authorized to work, can be severe […]

What are the levels of intent in federal criminal cases

UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS OF INTENT IN FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASES Intent matters. If you ever find yourself in a federal criminal case, intent is often the center of everything. Prosecutors who decide whether to charge you—and judges who decide how to sentence you—pay close attention to your state of mind and they’re looking for criminal intent. […]

The ultimate guide to the federal counterfeiting statutes

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL COUNTERFEITING STATUTES Counterfeiting is no joke. If the government accuses you of creating or passing fake currency, you face the possibility of serious legal penalties. There is a set of federal counterfeiting statutes, found in Title 18 of the U.S. Code, that govern such crimes. Prosecutors who believe you […]

I was served with a subpoena now what

I WAS SERVED WITH A SUBPOENA—NOW WHAT? You just got served. A stranger knocked on your door or approached you in public, handed over legal papers, and left you feeling shocked. This single event, that might take less than a minute, can turn your entire life upside down. If you are reading this, you are […]

The FINRA 8210 letter what to do if you receive one

WHAT IS A FINRA 8210 LETTER A FINRA 8210 letter that was issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority can feel intimidating, which might lead you to panic if you do not know how to respond – it’s a serious issue. This letter that was sent by FINRA demands information about your business practices or […]

How to be compliant with cardiac testing for lab executives and cardiologists

How to Be Compliant with Cardiac Testing for Lab Executives and Cardiologists AS SEEN ON major medical bulletins and government health alerts, cardiac testing has become a top priority for labs and cardiology practices nationwide. It’s not just about reading an EKG—it’s about running your entire operation in a way that was designed to satisfy […]

What you should do when a qui tam lawsuit has been filed against your business

YOU JUST GOT SERVED WITH A QUI TAM LAWSUIT Imagine you walk into your office, and someone hands you papers that were filed in a federal court. You glance at them, and you realize it is a qui tam lawsuit. Your heart might skip a beat, because any lawsuit that was initiated under the False […]

Investigating health care fraud through CID

INVESTIGATING HEALTH CARE FRAUD THROUGH CID If you’re on our website right now, it’s likely because you or someone you care about received a document that was delivered from the government. That document, which is typically called a Civil Investigative Demand (CID), can open the door to a massive investigation. It’s serious. You need a […]

Understanding the two types of DEA search warrants

UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES OF DEA SEARCH WARRANTS If you’re on our website, it’s likely because you’re dealing with a serious legal issue in terms of the DEA, and need urgent help. We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide DEA federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, and we have over 50 years of […]

What is a proffer agreement

WHAT IS A PROFFER AGREEMENT UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS A proffer agreement is a tool that was created to help prosecutors and individuals under investigation exchange information. If you are caught up in a criminal investigation, then you might hear the prosecutor mention a “proffer session.” What does that mean? It means you can share what […]

What information is included in a subpoena?

What information is included in a subpoena? Key pieces of information you’ll often find in a subpoena include:  Name of the Court and Case NumberThis identifies the court handling the matter and the case in which you’re being called. Parties InvolvedThe subpoena typically states who is requesting the documents or testimony, and which government agency, […]

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same?

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same? What Is a Subpoena? A subpoena is a court order telling you to appear at a proceeding—or produce documents and evidence. If you ignore it, you could be held in contempt of court. That can mean fines, even jail time. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 […]

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference?

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference? Federal Subpoenas  When a subpoena comes from a federal agency or prosecutor, it means you’re dealing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or potentially other federal authorities. Federal subpoenas often cite Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and they might compel documents, testimony, or […]

What is a subpoena ad testificandum?

Subpoena Ad Testifcandum: Understanding The Basics  What is a subpoena ad testificandum? A subpoena ad testificandum is a essentially a formal order compelling a witness to appear in court, or before a grand jury, to provide testimony. This type of subpoena focuses specifically on requiring verbal statements under oath, rather than the production of documents […]

What is an administrative subpoena?

WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA? If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you or someone close to you has received, or is worried about receiving, an administrative subpoena and wants to know what it means. Administrative subpoenas are very powerful tools used by government agencies to demand documents, records, or testimony, when they are investigating […]

What are the different types of subpoenas?

Are target letters common in federal cases?

Are Target Letters Common in Federal Cases?  Crimes that lead to Receiving a Target Letter   White Collar Crimes: Charges like mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy often trigger target letters. Drug Trafficking: Serious narcotics cases, especially those crossing state lines, can come with official warnings to potential defendants. Financial Offenses: Securities fraud, embezzlement, […]

Can I negotiate with prosecutors after receiving a target letter?

What exactly is a Target Letter?  A target letter typically comes from federal prosecutors or agencies such as the Department of Justice. This letter indicates you’re under investigation for a federal crime, and that prosecutors believe you may have committed an offense. Federal investigations can be terrifying. The stakes are high. The penalties can include prison […]

Can a lawyer help me avoid indictment after a target letter?

Can a lawyer help me avoid indictment after a target letter? What is a Target Letter and Why does it matter? WHAT IS A TARGET LETTER AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? A “target letter” is a notification from federal authorities—typically from the U.S. Department of Justice indicating you’re under investigation for allegedly breaking the law. […]

Can I ignore or delay responding to a target letter?

Can I ignore or delay responding to a target letter? If you’ve received a target letter, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed right now. You might be wondering if you can ignore it—or at least postpone dealing with it. Here’s the simple truth: ignoring or delaying your response could be a huge mistake. We get it. Life […]

What does “target of an investigation” mean (vs. subject or witness)?

What does “Target of an Investigation” mean? The differences between a Target, a Subject and a Witness  Target:When the government calls you a “target,” it means prosecutors believe you committed a crime. They might be gathering the final pieces of evidence necessary to seek an indictment. Subject:You might be a “subject” if investigators think you […]

Can the SEC Subpoena My Accountant or Auditor? Understanding Third-Party Requests

CAN THE SEC SUBPOENA MY ACCOUNTANT OR AUDITOR? UNDERSTANDING THIRD-PARTY REQUESTS If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re worried about an SEC investigation, and need answers right away. You think you might be under investigation by the SEC, and you think the SEC is about to subpoena your accountant for more information. The goal […]

What rights are explained in a federal target letter?

Understanding your rights in a Federal Target Letter What Rights Does a Federal Target Letter explain? When the DOJ sends a target letter, it notifies you that you’re officially the subject (or “target”) of their investigation. This formal notice usually outlines: The Right to Counsel – The letter informs you that you can (and should) […]

Can I Negotiate with the SEC Over the Scope of a Subpoena?

CAN I NEGOTIATE WITH THE SEC OVER THE SCOPE OF A SUBPOENA If you’re on our website, it’s likely you or someone you know has just been served with an SEC subpoena – and needs to figure out what to do next. Getting an SEC subpoena can be a scary process. Many people aren’t aware […]

Target letter vs. Subpoena – what’s the difference?

Target Letter VS. Subpeona What is a Target Letter?  A target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors—often from the Department of Justice (DOJ)—letting you know you’re the focus of a criminal investigation. According to the DOJ’s own informational resource, a target letter might indicate federal authorities believe you’ve committed a crime. A target […]

Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested?

Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested? Does a Target Letter Automatically Mean Indictment or Arrest?Not necessarily. A target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors, often the U.S. Department of Justice, that you’re considered a “target” in a criminal investigation. It signals that the government believes it has substantial […]