Criminal Defense Lawyers

Passaic County Criminal Defense Attorneys

The Spodek Law Group: Elite Criminal Defense, Nationwide

You’re here for one reason – you need an elite criminal defense firm. Whether it’s a state charge or federal indictment, you want attorneys who understand what you’re up against, and will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and freedom.At Spodek Law Group, that’s exactly what you get. Our criminal lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest cases across the nation. From murder and racketeering, to white-collar fraud and sex crimes – we take on the most complex, high-stakes matters. And we do it with a focus on personalized attention and innovative strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group?

When your life is on the line, you can‘t afford to compromise. You need a team with a proven track record of winning tough cases, and a reputation for excellence that precedes them. Here’s what sets us apart:

Unparalleled Expertise: Our founding partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation trial attorney. He‘s handled over 1,000 criminal cases at the state and federal level, securing acquittals in the most complex matters. From grand jury investigations to appeals, he has an unmatched depth of experience.

Nationwide Presence: With offices in NYC and LA, we represent clients coast-to-coast. No matter where you’re charged, our criminal defense lawyers can appear on your behalf1.

White Glove Service: We believe every client deserves honesty and the highest level of service. You’ll never be just another case number – we take a hands-on approach, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.

Innovative Strategies: We leave no stone unturned in building a strategic defense. Our attorneys utilize cutting-edge technology, extensive investigations, and creative legal arguments to maximize your chances of success.

Media Savvy: In today‘s world, public perception matters. Our lawyers are media-trained, frequently appearing as legal experts on outlets like Netflix, NY Post, and Fox News2. We know how to control the narrative.When it comes to your freedom, you need a fighter in your corner. At Spodek Law Group, we’re not afraid to take on the toughest prosecutors and most complex cases. Our goal is simple – get you the best possible outcome, period.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’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

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

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 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

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 “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

2024-03-15

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!

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

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

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

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.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Understanding the Criminal Justice System

Being charged with a crime can be an overwhelming, terrifying experience. The criminal justice system is complex, with many potential pitfalls for the uninformed. Here‘s a quick overview of what you might face:

The Arrest: This is where it all begins. If law enforcement has probable cause, they can take you into custody. From there, you’ll be processed, fingerprinted, and held for arraignment3.

The Arraignment: This is your first court appearance before a judge, where charges are formally filed. The judge will advise you of your rights, set bail conditions if applicable, and schedule future court dates4.

Grand Jury Proceedings: In felony cases, prosecutors will present evidence to a grand jury, which decides whether there’s sufficient cause to indict you. Having skilled legal representation at this stage is crucial5.

Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney may file various motions before trial, seeking to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or obtain favorable rulings from the judge.

The Trial: If you proceed to trial, a jury will be selected to hear evidence and testimony from both sides before rendering a verdict. Having an experienced trial lawyer is absolutely essential.

Sentencing: If convicted, you’ll appear for sentencing, where factors like criminal history and crime severity influence the penalties imposed by the judge.

Appeals: Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may be able to appeal an unfavorable verdict or sentencing decision to a higher court.As you can see, the road ahead is complex, with many potential landmines for the uninformed. Having a top criminal defense attorney from the outset is vital to navigating this labyrinth and protecting your rights at every stage.

Why Hire a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use a public defender?” While public defenders are committed attorneys, the reality is their offices are overworked and underfunded. When your entire future hangs in the balance, you need a lawyer who can devote the time, resources, and personalized attention your case deserves.Here are some key advantages of hiring a private criminal defense firm like Spodek Law Group:

Specialization: Our practice is devoted 100% to criminal defense. We’re not juggling different areas of law – this is our sole focus and passion.

Availability: With a public defender, you may only meet briefly before court. At Spodek Law Group, we make ourselves available 24/7 to address your questions and concerns.

Investigations: We have the resources to conduct extensive fact-finding and investigations to uncover favorable evidence. Public defenders often lack funding for such efforts.

Trial Experience: Our attorneys have decades of first-chair trial experience, from cross-examining witnesses to delivering powerful closing arguments. We know how to fight for you before a jury.

Sentencing Advocacy: If convicted, we can present in-depth mitigation arguments and alternatives to harsh sentences that public defenders may not have time to develop fully.

Appeals: Our firm has the capability to pursue appeals aggressively if warranted, while public defenders often lack bandwidth for this vital recourse.When your life and liberty are at stake, you need to level the playing field against determined prosecutors. Hiring a private criminal defense lawyer from Spodek Law Group ensures you have a fiercely devoted advocate in your corner, every step of the way.

Common Criminal Charges We Handle

Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of matters at both the state and federal levels. Here are some of the most common charges we encounter:

Violent Crimes: Assault, battery, murder, manslaughter, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, sexual assault, rape6

Drug Crimes: Possession, trafficking, manufacturing, conspiracy, RICO violations

White Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, bribery, extortion, money laundering, tax evasion

Weapons Charges: Illegal possession, trafficking, use of a firearm in a violent crime

Sex Crimes: Rape, sexual assault, child pornography, solicitation, prostitution

Cyber Crimes: Hacking, identity theft, phishing schemes, internet fraudNo matter how serious the allegations, our firm has the skills and resources to mount an aggressive defense strategy. We leave no stone unturned in investigating the facts, challenging the prosecution‘s evidence, and protecting your constitutional rights.

What to Do If You’re Arrested or Charged

If you find yourself in the terrifying situation of being arrested or charged with a crime, the actions you take in those first crucial hours can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.First and foremost, remain silent. It cannot be overstated – do not answer any questions or make any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Anything you say can potentially be used against you, no matter how seemingly innocuous.Next, exercise your right to counsel and call Spodek Law Group immediately. We have attorneys available 24/7 to take your call and start protecting your interests right away. We‘ll advise you on what to do and what not to do, while beginning to build your defense strategy.In the meantime, avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your lawyer, even friends or family members who could potentially be called as witnesses. Do not post about your situation on social media or destroy any potential evidence.The sooner you get us involved, the sooner we can start safeguarding your rights and working towards the best resolution possible based on the facts of your case. Remember, the prosecutors are already building their case against you – you need an elite legal team doing the same to protect your interests.

Our Criminal Defense Process

When you hire Spodek Law Group, you get a team of battle-tested litigators who will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the most favorable outcome possible. Our criminal defense process is comprehensive and leaves nothing to chance:

Initial Consultation: We start by meeting with you one-on-one to gain a detailed understanding of the charges, allegations, and circumstances surrounding your case. No detail is too small, as they can prove pivotal.

Fact-Finding Investigation: Our team immediately launches an exhaustive independent investigation. We’ll interview witnesses, examine physical evidence, subpoena documents, and leverage cutting-edge forensics to build a robust defense narrative.

Pretrial Motions: Depending on the circumstances, we may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges due to lack of probable cause, or seek other pretrial rulings to gain strategic advantages.

Plea Negotiations: If the facts warrant it, we‘ll engage in skilled plea negotiations to pursue a favorable resolution that minimizes consequences like jail time. But we never accept a plea just to clear our docket – only if it’s truly in your best interests.

Trial Preparation: Should your case go to trial, we’ll be meticulously prepared. Our attorneys handle every aspect of trial preparation, from juror research to witness preparation. We utilize cutting-edge technology and creative storytelling to present your defense in the most compelling manner possible.

Trial Advocacy: In the courtroom, you’ll be represented by seasoned trial lawyers with decades of first-chair jury trial experience. We are aggressive yet disciplined, always advocating forcefully while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Sentencing/Appeals: Even if convicted, we don’t stop fighting for you. Our team will develop a powerful mitigation and sentencing argument. And if grounds exist, we have the resources to pursue an aggressive appeal.From start to finish, you‘ll have a dedicated team of legal professionals protecting your rights and working tirelessly to position you for the best possible resolution. We never take shortcuts or settle for less – that’s the Spodek Law Group way.