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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. […]

Pre trial motions in federal criminal cases

Pre-Trial Motions in Federal Criminal Cases The Moment Your Federal Case Actually Begins A federal case doesn’t start with an arrest. It started months, maybe years ago, when some federal agent decided someone was worth investigating. By the time they knock on the door with that arrest warrant, the government has already built most of […]

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 […]

The ultimate guide to the federal insider trading statute

Martha Stewart sold her ImClone shares on December 27, 2001, saving herself exactly $45,673. That single phone call from her broker — lasting less than two minutes – triggered a federal investigation, that consumed four years of her life, cost her $195,000 in avoided losses (yes, more than she saved), five months in federal prison, […]

The ultimate guide to the federal bankruptcy fraud statute

What Federal Bankruptcy Fraud Actually Means 18 U.S.C. § 157 makes bankruptcy fraud a federal felony, punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison. This isn’t just about making mistakes on paperwork. The government has to prove you knowingly and fraudulently made false statements, concealed assets, or otherwise tried to game the bankruptcy system. […]

How do I protect my assets in healthcare investigations

How do I protect my assets in healthcare investigations The federal government’s healthcare fraud enforcement machine has become a monster that devours medical practices whole,and when they come for you — they don’t just investigate, they systematically dismantle everything you’ve built over decades. Last year alone the Department of Justice recovered $5.6 billion through medical […]

Responding to ICE workplace search warrants

RESPONDING TO ICE WORKPLACE SEARCH WARRANTS AS SEEN ON MAJOR NEWS OUTLETS – We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We’ve handled high-profile cases, and we understand the fear you feel when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears. You might be worried about arrests, heavy penalties, or […]

The ultimate guide to the federal insurance fraud statute

FEDERAL INSURANCE FRAUD STATUTE If you’re on our website, it’s because you’re in legal trouble and need the best possible attorney. We get it, and we take this very seriously. Our law firm, Spodek Law Group, is a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. We have over 50 years of combined experience […]

Broker investigation defense strategies

BROKER INVESTIGATION DEFENSE STRATEGIES If you’re reading, you’re worried, and that’s smart, because when FINRA’s Office of Enforcement decides you’re worth its time, it rarely backs off, and every missed deadline ‑‑ even a day late ‑‑ snowballs into bigger problems, eventually turning an administrative probe into a career‑ending sanction. We don’t sugar‑coat. We fix things. First Reality Check—Why Regulators Care, even when the loss […]

What is the worst case scenario in a DEA pharmacy audit

What is the worst case scenario in a DEA pharmacy audit DEA Shows Up at Your Door Without Warning At 8:47 AM on a Tuesday, three agents in dark suits walk past morning customers. Administrative inspections don’t require warrants – thats the thing most pharmacists don’t realize until it’s too late. The lead agent hands […]

Drug diversion opioid investigations

DRUG DIVERSION INVESTIGATIONS Drug diversion investigations are serious inquiries that focus on the misuse of prescription medications. Officers who are assigned to these cases often look for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or regular individuals who may be involved in illegal activities such as stealing medication or forging prescriptions. If you find yourself under investigation, you need […]

The FINRA 8210 letter what to do if you receive one

FINRA 8210 LETTER: WHAT IT IS AND WHY YOU MUST TAKE IT SERIOUSLY If you’re in the securities industry—especially in places like NYC or Long Island—you already know FINRA can investigate alleged misconduct. When you get a FINRA 8210 letter, it’s not a casual request; it’s a serious demand for documents, testimony, or other information. […]

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 […]

OIG investigations compliance and defense for labs

OIG INVESTIGATIONS COMPLIANCE AND DEFENSE FOR LABS If your laboratory is under investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for alleged wrongdoing, you could face serious consequences, like crippling fines and prison time. These penalties can destroy your lab’s reputation, and they can stop you from doing business in the future. At Spodek Law […]

Can the government take my money in a health care fraud case

Can the Government Take My Money in a Health Care Fraud Case? If you’re accused of health care fraud, you could face serious penalties, including prison and losing your money. This isn’t something to ignore or underestimate. It’s direct, straightforward law: if you’re guilty, the government will take your assets. Understanding Asset Forfeiture In health […]

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 […]

When does the DEA get involved in health care fraud cases

DEA INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASES If you’re on our website, it’s probably because you’re worried about a potential investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for health care fraud. Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, understands this fear and won’t tolerate excuses for not taking immediate […]

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?

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 […]