Criminal Defense Lawyers

NYC Government Investigations Lawyers

When you are the target of a government investigation, many thoughts run through your mind. Confusion, fear, and uncertainty add up to make you feel powerless and terrified. However, while government investigators are counting on you to be scared enough to do as they say, that is actually the worst thing you can do. Whether you are being investigated by the FBI, IRS, DEA, or other federal agency, the good news is that you have constitutional rights that entitle you to legal protection. But to ensure your case goes as well as possible, it’s important to have a solid understanding of all aspects regarding a government investigation case.

Realizing You Are Under Investigation
When the federal government decides to pursue an investigation against you, it often orchestrates encounters with you that aim to make you confused and disoriented. In many cases, their aim is to make sure you do not have an attorney present when being questioned in these so-called chance encounters. Often coming to your home or place of work, investigators hope to use intimidation to their advantage. However, when faced with these situations, it’s best to not say anything at all until you have an attorney by your side. In addition to their attempts to have you answer numerous questions, prosecutors may send you what’s known as a target letter, which states you are the subject of an investigation. Simultaneously, you may also be served with a subpoena requesting you turn over key documents to investigators. But no matter what may come your way in these matters, it’s vital to never do or say anything to investigators until you have legal representation from an experienced and knowledgeable government investigations lawyer.

Early Morning Searches
If you are the target of a government investigation, be prepared to have federal agents at your door early one morning. Armed with a search warrant, they may knock on your door or use a battering ram to enter your home, attempting to locate documents, photos, computer records, or other information deemed vital to proving their case. Along with the search warrant, agents often bring scripted questions with them for you and your family members, hoping to gain additional information while you are intimidated.

Should I Cooperate?
While many of these situations appear as if you have no choice but to cooperate, the fact is you should make the government’s job as difficult as possible. To begin with, you should remain silent, as should any members of your family. Rather than speaking to agents, you should simply request a search warrant return, which documents all items seized by agents. By taking these measures, you ensure your constitutional rights will be protected, and that your attorney will be able to act as a buffer between you and the federal government.

Spodek Law Group, P.C. - NYC Criminal Attorneys

5.0

Based on 745 reviews

George Fernandez

14:16 30 Apr 24

Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.

Raj

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-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 Sun

18:08 18 Apr 24

my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional

Nun 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 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.

Taïko 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 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.

Penalties for Crimes
While there are various types of crimes that can be investigated by the government, many of them can result in similar penalties. Whether you are convicted of embezzlement, corruption and bribery, drug trafficking, identity theft, or other crimes, the penalties can involve prison time, fines, or a combination of the two. For defendants who have no prior criminal record or one with minimal convictions, probation or a sentence far less than the maximum may be imposed by the court. And contrary to some opinions, defendants found guilty of these crimes do not necessarily serve their sentence in a minimum-security prison. Depending upon the presiding judge and the circumstances surrounding the case, defendants may find themselves in medium or perhaps even a maximum-security prison. Other penalties may include a civil case being brought against a defendant, difficulty finding future employment, and deportation if they are not a United States citizen.
Contacting an Attorney
If you find yourself the target of a government investigation, it’s imperative you retain legal representation as soon as possible. To obtain the best results, hire an attorney skilled in handling these cases. By doing so, you will know what you may be facing and have an attorney who knows how to best prepare for your case. By communicating with your attorney in an honest and straightforward manner, you will give yourself the best chance possible to come out on top.
NYC Government subpoena lawyers
A subpoena is a document issued by a court that orders a person or entity to produce physical evidence or testify in connection with a pending case. It doesn’t allege that the recipient has done anything that might be against the law. It’s merely a way of compelling a person who might have information about a case to court or another location to testify or produce evidence. The subpoena sets forth when and where specific evidence is to be produced or when and where a person is required to testify in a case.

Types of subpoenas
There are generally two types of subpoenas. The first is a subpoena ad testificandum that requires a person to present himself or herself and testify in a court proceeding. The second type is a subpoena duces tecum for production of physical evidence. Physical evidence might include records, documents, computer files or the like. A subpoena duces tecum does not require actual testimony.

Subpoena in a civil case
If a subpoena is issued in a civil case, production of evidence or testimony might be for a deposition that is held outside of court at an attorney’s or court reporter’s office. It might also be issued for testimony in court in front of a judge or jury.

Subpoena in a criminal case
A subpoena in a criminal court will require the person served with it to appear in court. It might also require him or her to produce certain physical evidence in court.

Content of a subpoena

A validly issued subpoena should contain certain specific information. A careful examination will reveal:

The names of the parties and the case number
When the subpoena was issued
The date, time and location of when and where the witness should appear
The name of the attorney who issued the subpoena
What documents the witness might be required to bring to court
The court’s seal should appear on any subpoena
Service of a subpoena

A subpoena can be served by any deputy, a licensed process server or any person over the age of 18. A copy of the original subpoena is what is actually served. A witness fee plus mileage allowance is ordinarily required to accompany the subpoena.

Failure to appear
Failure to appear as commanded by a subpoena can result in being held in contempt of court and a jail sentence. Compensation fees to any parties who were damaged by a failure might also be awarded. A judge might also order the county sheriff to take the person who failed to appear into custody to be brought before him or her.

Motions in connection with subpoenas
There are times when a person who was served with a subpoena might want to modify it or fix its conditions. It might even be objected to it in its entirety. If the subpoena requires a court appearance, the law requires the person to act promptly pursuant to a motion in the court where the subpoena is returnable. If it’s not returnable in a court, any request to modify it, fix its conditions or quash it must first be discussed with the person who issued it. If an accord can’t be reached on a subpoena that is not returnable in court, any motion to modify it, fix its conditions or quash it is required to be heard in court. Courts are allowed to impose reasonable conditions in granting or denying a motion to modify or quash a subpoena.

If you or your business have been served with a subpoena that you object to, note the date and time of service along with how it was served, and contact our offices right away so that prompt action can be taken to preserve your objections and defenses. There are limits to subpoena power, and courts take those abuses of those limits seriously. You can contact us at any one of our three offices, and we can arrange for a free consultation and evaluation. We’ll then advise you of your options. The law requires you to make any objections to a subpoena promptly, so contact us right away at 888-997-2152.