24/7 call for a free consultation 212-300-5196

AS SEEN ON

EXPERIENCEDTop Rated

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW
INVENTING ANNA

When youโ€™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.

Client Testimonials

5

THE BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR.

The BEST LAWYER ANYONE COULD ASK FOR!!! Todd changed our lives! Heโ€™s not JUST a lawyer representing us for a case. Todd and his office have become Family. When we entered his office in August of 2022, we entered with such anxiety, uncertainty, and so much stress. Honestly we were very lost. My husband and I felt alone. How could a lawyer who didnโ€™t know us, know our family, know our background represents us, When this could change our lives for the next 5-7years that my husband was facing in Federal jail. By the time our free consultation was over with Todd, we left his office at ease. All our questions were answered and we had a sense of relief.

schedule a consultation

Blog

How much does a federal criminal defense lawyer cost in San Jose?

April 20, 2024 Uncategorized

The Real Cost of a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Jose

Why Hiring a Top Criminal Lawyer is Crucial

Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. You should know exactly what you’re up against, and what it’ll take to beat those charges. That’s where a top-tier federal criminal lawyer comes in. At Spodek Law Group, we take immense pride in fighting tooth and nail for our clients. Our goal? Getting you the best possible outcome, period. We’re not here to be buddies with the prosecutors or judges. Our loyalty is to you and your future.

The Average Cost Range

Okay, let’s get to the nitty-gritty – what’s the typical price tag for elite federal criminal defense? Well, be prepared to open your wallet wide. On average, you’re looking at:

  • $25,000 – $75,000 for a federal misdemeanor case
  • $75,000 – $200,000+ for a federal felony case

Yeah, those numbers aren’t pretty. But remember, you’re paying for unparalleled expertise and a zealous advocate in your corner. This is your life and freedom on the line. Now, that’s just a broad range. Precise costs depend on several key factors:

  1. Case Complexity: The more complex your case (think reams of evidence, multiple charges, etc.), the higher those legal fees will climb.
  2. Your Lawyer’s Experience: An elite federal criminal attorney with decades of courtroom battles under their belt? You’d better believe their rates will reflect that hard-earned mastery.
  3. Case Timeline: The longer your case drags on (investigations, pre-trial motions, the trial itself, appeals), the higher that final invoice will be.
  4. Location: Lawyers in major metro areas like San Jose tend to charge top dollar for their services.

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. A cheap lawyer may save you money upfront, but could cost you your entire future.

Breaking Down the Fee Structure

Most federal criminal defense attorneys will require an upfront retainer fee to take your case. This is essentially a down payment that covers initial costs like:

  • Case assessment and strategizing
  • Gathering evidence and witness statements
  • Preparing pre-trial motions
  • General prep work

Retainers for federal cases can range from $25,000 on the low end to well over $100,000 for complex felonies. From there, lawyers will bill hourly once that retainer is exhausted. Hourly rates for elite federal criminal attorneys in San Jose can easily top $600-$800/hour. So those fees rack up fast, especially if your case goes to trial.You’ll also likely face additional expenses beyond just legal fees, like:

  • Private investigator costs
  • Expert witness fees (forensics, medical, etc.)
  • Court fees and transcription costs
  • Travel expenses for out-of-state cases

When it’s all said and done, the total bill for taking on the federal government can easily soar into the six-figure range. Not cheap by any means, but keeping your freedom is priceless.

Christine Twomey
Christine Twomey
2024-03-21
Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldnโ€™t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.
Brendan huisman
Brendan huisman
2024-03-18
Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!
Guerline Menard
Guerline Menard
2024-03-18
Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿผโค๏ธ
Keisha Parris
Keisha Parris
2024-03-15
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 โ€œIโ€™m not worried about itโ€. 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.
Taรฏko Beauty
Taรฏko Beauty
2024-03-15
I donโ€™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 thatโ€™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 thatโ€™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 canโ€™t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. Iโ€™m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!
Anthony Williams
Anthony Williams
2024-03-12
Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.
Loveth Okpedo
Loveth Okpedo
2024-03-12
Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience
Bee L
Bee L
2024-02-28
Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.
divesh patel
divesh patel
2024-02-24
I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Financing Options to Explore

Let’s be real, most folks can’t just write a $100,000+ check for legal fees. So what are your options to afford that first-rate defense? Here are a few routes to consider:

Payment Plans

Many criminal attorneys offer payment plans that break down fees into manageable installments. Be prepared for a hefty upfront retainer, but subsequent payments can be spread out over time.

Loans

Taking out a loan from a bank, online lender, or even a family member could be an option to cover legal costs. Just beware of high interest rates and the long-term financial burden.

Credit Cards

Putting legal fees on plastic can be a double-edged sword. The upside is most lawyers accept credit cards for at least partial payment. But you’ll get slapped with interest charges that add to the overall cost.

Equity Loans

For those who own property or assets like a home or investment portfolio, an equity loan could be a financing solution. Just know you’ll be putting that collateral at risk if you default.

Crowdfunding

Believe it or not, crowdfunding campaigns to cover legal defense fees are becoming more common. It’s a long shot, but every little bit helps when you’re facing financial ruin.

At the end of the day, paying for an elite federal criminal defense is an investment. It may require getting creative with financing, taking out loans, or tapping into savings. But having a skilled litigator in your corner could mean the difference between years behind bars or regaining your freedom.

Why You Can’t Afford to Skimp on Legal Fees

Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don’t look carefully at your situation โ€“ they simply want to move on to the next case. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficult and challenges of going through a case. If you’re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.Look, hiring a bargain basement lawyer for your federal case is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. You may save a few bucks upfront, but you’re essentially forfeiting any real chance at beating those charges. Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney.

At Spodek Law Group โ€“ we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency โ€“ we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.Regardless of how tough your situation is โ€“ we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency โ€“ so we can give you the best possible legal advice.

A skilled federal criminal lawyer doesn’t just understand the letter of the law. They:

  • Have an extensive network of expert witnesses and private investigators on call
  • Know all the legal loopholes and avenues to suppress evidence
  • Can negotiate favorable plea bargains when it’s in your best interest
  • Aren’t afraid to take the case all the way to trial and fight tooth and nail

When you try to penny pinch on legal representation, you’re sacrificing all those crucial advantages. And in a federal case, even a tiny misstep could mean the difference between walking free or getting slapped with draconian sentences. So how much is your future freedom worth to you? Investing in the best federal criminal defense possible is the only way to maximize your chances of beating those charges.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case

Okay, so you’re convinced you need to go all-in on an elite criminal defense attorney. But with so many options out there, how do you find the right fit? Here are some tips:

Ask About Their Federal Experience

You want a lawyer who lives and breathes federal criminal law. Not a general practice attorney who takes the occasional federal case. Grill them on their background, case history, and specific federal courtroom experience.

Scrutinize Their Reputation and Results

An attorney’s track record speaks volumes. Check out their online reviews, case results, and credentials. Have they won major federal cases with favorable outcomes for clients? Are they regarded as a powerhouse in their field?

Gauge Their Availability and Bandwidth

You don’t want a lawyer juggling a zillion cases at once. They need to have the time and bandwidth to give your case the attention it deserves. Ask about their current caseload and support staff.

Evaluate Their Communication Style

You’ll be working closely with this person, so clear communication is key. Do they take the time to explain complex legal concepts? Are they receptive to your questions and concerns? Trust your gut feeling.

Discuss Pricing and Payment Options Upfront

There’s nothing worse than surprise fees blindsiding you down the road. Have an open, honest discussion about pricing structure, potential additional costs, and payment plan options before signing anything. At the end of the day, your lawyer is quite literally your lifeline in a federal criminal case. Do your due diligence and find someone you can fully trust to have your back every step of the way.

When the Government Comes Calling, We Answer

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. We’re focused on providing the highest level of customer service, and case results for our clients. Our New York criminal defense lawyers are focused on servicing a very curated clientele, that expects high class service and exceptional understanding of the law. We have experience handling the toughest legal situations โ€“ that require experience, and excellence, in order to get the best possible legal outcomes for our clients. We have over 50 years of combined experience handing legal situations โ€“ nationwide, and even internationally. When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, Spodek Law Group is a firm that will be on your radar. Our reputation is well received by other attorneys and members of the media alike. The Spodek Law Group is an acclaimed law firm specializing in criminal defense, renowned for its provision of a fully digital portal. Through this portal, clients have the convenience of tracking the progress of their case, communicating with us, submitting documents, and accessing additional services.

The Spodek Law Group is a law firm with a nationwide presence, serving clients from coast to coast. We possess extensive experience in handling cases across the country, and our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing you with top-notch representation no matter what your legal situation. Todd Spodek, our founding partner, is a seasoned trial attorney with many years of experience. He is a second generation lawyer, and one who takes his work seriously. He has many years of experience handling hundreds of trials. He has been seen on major news outlets, ranging from New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5 New York, South China Morning Post, Insider.com, to other major news outlets. He has appeared as a legal expert on dozens of television and radio shows. In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin. It’s simple. Every single client should know what he, or she, potentially faces and what the outcome of their criminal defense case could be โ€“ before hiring a criminal defense attorney.Our lawyers have experience handling criminal defense cases nationwide, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC.

We provide white glove service and are unafraid of fighting for our clients. Other law firms care more about their reputation with the prosecutor, and other court officials โ€“ we are focused on our clients, and getting them the best outcome possible. Every client who works with Spodek Law Group is aware they have a problem, and need to pick a fighter who will help them. Hiring Spodek Law Group means you’re taking your future seriously, and are choosing to hire a top rated law firm who has a reputation for winning fights. Our attorneys handle cases nationwide, and are here to help you. Our goal is to take on clients who we believe we can truly help. We’re selective about the clients we work with โ€“ in order to ensure that every client gets a consistent successful outcome. We want to make a difference. This is different form other law firms who take on any client whose willing to pay. When you reach out to our law firm, the process begins with a free consultation. During this consultation you can ask us anything you want. We encourage you to take this opportunity to ask tough questions which enable us to show our experience, expertise, and case results.

The Spodek Law Group is a tier 1 top rated criminal defense law firm. We believe that hiring your next defense attorney isn’t a simple decision. There’s many candidates and variables to look at when evaluating law firms. If you’re accused of committing a crime, then you need a criminal defense attorney who is available 24/7 to help you. Our criminal attorneys NYC are here to defend you, and be your advocate. Unlike other criminal defense law firms, we charge reasonable fees, offer white glove service, and offer payment plans. We have been highly rated by business ranking websites like Avvo, Yelp, Google Places, and others.

Lawyers You Can Trust

Todd Spodek

Founding Partner

view profile

RALPH P. FRANCHO, JR

Associate

view profile

JEREMY FEIGENBAUM

Associate Attorney

view profile

ELIZABETH GARVEY

Associate

view profile

CLAIRE BANKS

Associate

view profile

RAJESH BARUA

Of-Counsel

view profile

CHAD LEWIN

Of-Counsel

view profile

Criminal Defense Lawyers Trusted By the Media

schedule a consultation
Schedule Your Consultation Now