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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.





Federal Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges and Defense Strategies

There are three main categories of drug crimes. These are drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is a federal crime that can result in a felony conviction. While drug possession and trafficking may be easy to confuse and some people may use the terms interchangeably, these are different crimes with different penalties. Because drug trafficking is a serious felony offense with hefty penalties, it is crucial to seek professional legal representation as soon as possible. Because of the nature of these charges, the accused often learns about the case after he or she has been arrested. However, it is wise to seek counsel even if you are the subject of an investigation and have not yet been arrested.

Understanding Drug Trafficking

With both drug trafficking and drug possession, you are in physical possession of an illegal, controlled substance. However, to be convicted of drug possession, you generally would be caught carrying the substance on your body or in some other way. Drug trafficking, on the other hand, specifically pertains to the movement and sale of drugs that you possess. You may be convicted of drug trafficking if you are caught moving or importing a large amount of drugs. This amount may be defined as being more than what is reasonable for personal use. The distribution or sale of drugs also falls under the realm of trafficking.

The Controlled Substances Act

Both the federal and state governments have unique drug laws. For example, marijuana possession and use are legal on the state level in multiple states, but the drug has not been legalized on a national level. When the federal government passed the Controlled Substances Act, it created drug classes based on their health risks, addictive properties and medical uses. A Schedule I substance, for example, is addictive, unsafe and has no medical purposes. A Schedule III substance, on the other hand, is moderately addictive, has accepted medical purposes and is minimally addictive.

George FernandezGeorge Fernandez
14:16 30 Apr 24
Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.
RajRaj
21:33 24 Apr 24
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!
Yelva Saint-PreuxYelva Saint-Preux
19:26 19 Apr 24
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.
Katherine SunKatherine Sun
18:08 18 Apr 24
my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional
Nun yaNun ya
17:48 18 Apr 24
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.
Keisha ParrisKeisha Parris
20:45 15 Mar 24
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.
TaĂŻko BeautyTaĂŻko Beauty
16:26 15 Mar 24
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!
K MarK Mar
01:37 25 Jan 24
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.
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Penalties for Drug Trafficking Offenses

It is important to note that penalties for drug trafficking offenses vary based on the classification of the drug in some cases. In addition, the penalties will vary based on the quantity of the drug that you are carrying. If you are accused of distribution, the geographic area may be taken into account. If children are targeted in distribution activities, the severity of the punishment upon conviction will be much more severe. If someone has experienced serious bodily harm or if a firearm was involved, the punishment may also be more severe. Because of the wide range of drug crimes and charges that fall under the banner of drug trafficking, prison sentences can range from three years to life in prison. In addition, years of probation, major fines and the fallout associated with having a felony conviction on your record should be expected.

Drug Trafficking Defense Strategies

While each drug trafficking case has unique nuances, there are three primary defense strategies that experienced drug crime attorneys use. One of these strategies is a claim of entrapment. This means that the defendant was somehow set up by the police. However, if the defendant has prior charges or if other significant evidence exists, this defense is generally not suitable.

Another claim is to deny that the defendant has possession of the drugs. For example, if drugs were found hidden in someone’s car, the defendant may claim that he or she was not aware of their presence. The prosecutor is then faced with the burden of proving that the defendant had ownership.

Another common defense strategy that drug trafficking attorneys use is illegal search and seizure. Law enforcement must have the proper warrants in place to search a vehicle, a residence or another location. A warrant will dictate exact areas where the authorities are permitted to search. The lack of a proper warranty may result in the dismissal of charges.

Request a Consultation with a Drug Trafficking Attorney

Your drug trafficking attorney will represent you through questioning, the initial hearing, plea bargaining, the trial, sentencing and even the appeals process. He or she should be a true expert regarding the facts of your case, so it is important to get your attorney involved as soon as possible. To request a consultation with a drug trafficking attorney, contact the office today.

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