Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Criminal Investigations Lawyers

Have you ever wondered what it means to be subpoenaed by a federal grand jury? It’s not something most people think about – until it happens to them. Getting that official letter in the mail can be jarring, to say the least. But, take a deep breath. We’re here to walk you through exactly what a federal grand jury subpoena means, and what your next steps should be.

What is a Federal Grand Jury?

Let’s start with the basics. A federal grand jury is a group of 16-23 citizens who hear evidence presented by federal prosecutors. Their job? To determine if there is probable cause to believe a federal crime was committed, and if so, to issue an indictment.Grand juries have broad powers to subpoena documents and witnesses to testify under oath. So if you’ve been summoned, it means the grand jury wants to hear from you as part of their investigation into potential federal criminal activity.

Two Types of Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas

There are two main types of federal grand jury subpoenas you could receive:

1. A subpoena that requires you to testify: This is called a “subpoena ad testificandum.” It compels you to show up and answer questions under oath before the grand jury.
2. A subpoena that requires you to bring documents or other evidence: Known as a “subpoena duces tecum,” this demands you produce specified records, data, or physical evidence for the grand jury’s review.

You may receive one or both types of subpoenas. And here’s the kicker – that subpoena doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the target of the investigation. You could simply be a witness with information relevant to the case.

So, You’ve Been Subpoenaed – What Now?

Getting subpoenaed by a federal grand jury can be unnerving, no doubt. But staying calm and taking the right steps is crucial. Here’s what you need to do:1. Hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney ASAP. Do not, I repeat, do NOT go into that grand jury room alone. An attorney is permitted to be present to represent you, so take advantage of that right. They can protect your interests, advise you on how to answer questions, and ensure you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself.Why is this so important? Well, anything you say to that grand jury can potentially be used against you down the line. As former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti explains, “The prosecutor running the grand jury is looking for evidence of a crime. If you say something that implicates you, they can and will use it.” 12. Understand your rights and options. Your attorney will walk you through all the possibilities, which may include:

• Asserting your 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination
• Negotiating for limited immunity in exchange for your testimony
• Challenging the subpoena’s validity on legal grounds
• Complying with the subpoena, but being strategic about what you say

The path forward depends on your specific situation and whether you are considered a target, subject, or witness in the investigation.3. Prepare, prepare, prepare. If you do end up testifying, your lawyer will meticulously prepare you. You’ll go over potential questions, review relevant documents, and ensure you understand what topics are off-limits based on privileges like attorney-client confidentiality.As former Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmini states, “You have to be perfectly prepared and understand the scope of what you can and cannot be asked about.” 2The key? Follow your attorney’s advice to the letter. The grand jury room is not the place to wing it.

Why Hiring a Top Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer is Crucial

Look, we get it – hiring a lawyer is not something anyone wants to do. But when you’re subpoenaed by a federal grand jury, not doing so would be a massive mistake that could jeopardize your entire future.Federal criminal cases are a whole different ballgame compared to state charges. The government has extensive resources to investigate and prosecute. The penalties for convictions, including hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences, are severe. And once you’re indicted, it’s an uphill battle to avoid charges sticking.As former federal prosecutor Tor Ekeland bluntly puts it, “If you get indicted, you’re probably going to get convicted.” 3That’s why you need to bring in the big guns from the very start – an accomplished federal criminal defense attorney with experience handling grand jury matters and a track record of success.At Spodek Law Group, our team of former prosecutors and aggressive litigators know all the tactics federal authorities use. We can anticipate their next moves and implement a robust defense strategy to protect your rights and freedom.It’s simple. Every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. Every single client should know what he, or she, potentially faces. We lay it all out from day one, with no sugar coating. Then we get to work exploring every possible avenue to mitigate the situation.

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

What If I Don’t Comply With the Subpoena?

Ignoring a federal grand jury subpoena is not an option – it’s a federal crime in itself, often charged as contempt of court. You could face fines and even jail time for non-compliance.As the Cornell Legal Information Institute explains, “Failure to comply with the subpoena constitutes contempt of court and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.” 4Your attorney can request to quash (cancel) or modify the subpoena if there are valid legal grounds. But simply blowing it off? Not a chance.

An Insider’s Perspective on Federal Grand Juries

To provide an insider’s view, we spoke with Todd Spodek, Managing Partner at Spodek Law Group and a veteran federal criminal defense attorney.“Grand juries are a powerful investigative tool for prosecutors,” Spodek states. “They have tremendous ability to gather evidence through subpoenas. But they also have an obligation to uncover exculpatory information that could exonerate the accused.”“The problem,” he continues, “is that too often, federal prosecutors play games and skew the grand jury process to unduly favor the government’s narrative. They’ll present a very one-sided view of the case, leaving out key facts that could clear the accused.”This underscores why having a skilled defense lawyer is so vital when dealing with a federal grand jury subpoena. As Spodek explains:“My job is to counter that prosecutorial bias by advocating for my client’s interests. I’ll fight to get exculpatory evidence included and ensure the grand jurors get the full, unvarnished truth – not just the government’s slanted version of events.”

When You Need a Powerhouse Federal Criminal Defense Firm

At the end of the day, being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury is a big deal with potential life-altering consequences. This is absolutely not the time to go it alone or hire an inexperienced attorney.You need heavy-hitting legal firepower on your side from a firm with a proven track record of success against the federal government. A firm like Spodek Law Group that pulls no punches and will not back down no matter how aggressive the prosecutors get.As Todd Spodek summarizes, “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 – 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 – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.”So if you or a loved one has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury, don’t take chances. Hire a powerhouse legal team that will zealously safeguard your rights and freedom. Your future depends on it.

Defending Against Federal Criminal Charges – A Comprehensive Guide

Being under investigation or charged with a federal crime is a terrifying prospect. The penalties are harsh, the government’s resources are immense, and the road ahead is fraught with legal landmines.But with the right federal criminal defense lawyer in your corner, you can fight back hard and protect your rights, reputation, and liberty. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect and how to mount an aggressive defense.

The Federal Criminal Process Explained

To start, it’s important to understand the typical process for federal criminal cases:1. Investigation Phase
Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, etc. open an investigation into suspected criminal activity. This can involve surveillance, undercover operations, document analysis, witness interviews, and more.2. Charging Phase
If the investigation uncovers enough evidence of a federal crime, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will file charges – either an indictment from a grand jury or a criminal complaint if urgent action is needed.3. Arrest and Initial Appearance
The accused is arrested if not already in custody. They appear before a judge who informs them of the charges, sets bail conditions, and the case proceeds to the next phase.4. Pre-Trial Phase
This is the discovery process where both sides exchange evidence and make legal motions. Plea negotiations also occur during this phase.5. Trial Phase
If no plea deal is reached, the case goes to trial before a judge and jury. The prosecution presents evidence first, followed by the defense. The jury renders a verdict of guilty or not guilty.6. Sentencing and Appeals
If convicted, the judge determines the sentence based on federal guidelines and evidence. The defendant can appeal certain pre-trial rulings and the conviction itself.As you can see, it’s a lengthy and complex process with many potential pitfalls for the accused. This is why having a top-tier federal criminal defense lawyer is absolutely crucial from the very start.

Why Federal Criminal Cases Are Unique

Federal cases are a whole different beast compared to state charges. The government brings tremendous resources to bear, including elite law enforcement agencies, experienced prosecutors, and cutting-edge forensics capabilities.Federal crimes also tend to be more serious in nature – think terrorism, large-scale fraud, public corruption, and racketeering cases. The penalties upon conviction are harsh, with lengthy mandatory minimum sentences that allow for little judicial discretion.As former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmini bluntly states, “The federal system is a very unforgiving beast. The sentencing guidelines are extremely harsh.” 5That’s why you need a criminal defense firm with extensive experience handling the complexities and high stakes of federal cases. A firm that has gone toe-to-toe with the federal government and won – both at trial and in negotiating favorable plea deals.

Building an Aggressive Defense Strategy

At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal defense team takes a multi-pronged approach tailored to each client’s unique situation:1. Attacking the Investigation
We thoroughly examine the government’s investigation for any misconduct or constitutional violations that could get evidence suppressed or the entire case dismissed. Issues like illegal searches, coerced confessions, entrapment, and more.2. Poking Holes in the Evidence
Our attorneys will scrutinize all evidence and witness testimony to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, and reasonable doubts to exploit at trial.3. Negotiating From a Position of Strength
If the evidence appears strong, we can negotiate strategically for reduced charges or a favorable plea bargain – but never from a position of weakness.4. Mounting an Aggressive Defense at Trial
Should the case go to trial, you can count on our skilled litigators to mount a fierce, unrelenting defense aimed at creating reasonable doubt and securing an acquittal.5. Appealing if Necessary
Even if convicted, we will vigorously appeal any legal errors or improprieties that could get the conviction overturned or a new trial granted.The bottom line? We leave no stones unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome for our clients facing federal charges.