Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Subpoena

You Just Got Subpoenaed – Now What?

Getting served with a federal subpoena can be an intimidating and stressful experience; it’s normal to feel anxious or confused. But don’t panic – you have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.At Spodek Law Group, we get it; dealing with the legal system is daunting. That‘s why we’re here to guide you through this process and fight for the best possible outcome. We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach – we examine every case’s nuances to develop a tailored strategy.So take a deep breath; you’ve got this. Let’s dive into what a federal subpoena means and how to respond effectively.

What is a Federal Subpoena?

A federal subpoena is a court order compelling you to take a specific action, such as:

• Testifying before a grand jury or at trial
• Producing documents or other evidence

Basically, it requires your participation in a federal legal proceeding or investigation. Ignoring a subpoena is inadvisable – it can lead to civil or criminal penalties for contempt of court.There are a few common types of federal subpoenas:

Subpoena Ad Testificandum

Subpoena Duces Tecum

Deposition Subpoena

The subpoena will specify which type it is and what it requires from you. Read it carefully and make sure you understand the demands.

Why Were You Subpoenaed?

There could be several reasons why you received a federal subpoena:

• You possess information or evidence relevant to a case
• You witnessed events related to the legal matter
• You have specialized expertise useful to the proceedings
• You are accused of a crime or misconduct (you may be a subject/target)

It’s crucial to determine your role from the outset. Are you simply a witness? Or are you under scrutiny as a potential defendant? Knowing the context will shape your response strategy.

Your First Crucial Step: Hire a Lawyer

Regardless of why you were subpoenaed, your first move should be hiring an experienced federal defense attorney. The stakes are too high to go it alone.At Spodek Law Group, we can’t stress this enough: do not try to handle a federal subpoena without legal representation. You could inadvertently waive rights, make statements that incriminate you, or fail to raise legitimate objections – any of which could severely undermine your position.Our team has over 50 years of combined experience dealing with federal subpoenas and protecting our clients’ interests. We know the procedures, rules, and case law inside and out. We can advise you on:

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.

Load more

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

• Whether the subpoena was properly issued and served
• What your rights and obligations are
• How to respond or raise objections
• Negotiating the scope of your compliance
• Representing you if you must testify

Having a skilled advocate in your corner from the very start is vital for mounting an effective defense. Don‘t take chances – get us involved immediately.

Understanding Your Rights and Options

When dealing with a federal subpoena, you have rights and options that an experienced lawyer can help you navigate, such as:

1. The Right to Object or Negotiate

You may be able to file a motion to quash (cancel) or modify the subpoena if:

• It is unreasonably burdensome
• It demands privileged or personal information
• It was improperly issued or served
• Complying would be oppressive or unreasonable

Your lawyer can evaluate the grounds for objection and negotiate with the issuing party to limit the subpoena’s scope.

2. The Right to Remain Silent

If you are a target or subject of an investigation, you have a constitutional right against self-incrimination. An attorney can advise you on when and how to assert this right.

3. The Right to Have an Attorney Present

For any testimony you provide, you can have your lawyer present to object to inappropriate questions and protect your rights.

4. The Right to Thorough Preparation

If you must testify or produce evidence, your lawyer can meticulously prepare you and ensure you understand the boundaries of what you must disclose.The key takeaway? You have rights, but you need skilled legal counsel to assert and protect them properly.

Potential Pitfalls of Not Hiring a Lawyer

We cannot overstate the risks of trying to handle a federal subpoena on your own:

• You could inadvertently waive attorney-client privilege
• You may make statements that are used against you
• You could fail to raise legitimate objections in time
• You may mishandle or improperly produce sensitive evidence
• You could face contempt charges for non-compliance

Even if you think the subpoena seems straightforward, the stakes are enormous. One misstep could permanently compromise your defense.At Spodek Law Group, we’ve seen firsthand how costly it can be for individuals or businesses to take a casual approach to federal subpoenas. Don‘t let that happen to you.

Our Comprehensive Approach

When you hire Spodek Law Group, we take a thorough, meticulous approach tailored to your specific situation:

1. Initial Consultation: We start with an in-depth consultation to understand your case’s nuances and your role/potential exposure.
2. Subpoena Analysis: Our team will analyze the subpoena’s demands, whether it was properly issued/served, and identify any grounds for objection.
3. Strategy Development: Based on the facts, we develop a customized strategy aimed at protecting your rights and limiting your liability.
4. Negotiation/Objections: We’ll negotiate with prosecutors to narrow the subpoena’s scope or file motions to quash/modify it if appropriate.
5. Evidence Management: If you must produce evidence, we’ll ensure full compliance while safeguarding privileged information.
6. Testimony Preparation: Should you need to testify, we’ll meticulously prepare you, ensuring you understand what you can/cannot/must disclose.
7. Vigorous Representation: Our attorneys will advocate fiercely for you at every stage – depositions, hearings, trial – raising objections and shielding your rights.

Our mission is simple: leverage our expertise and experience to secure the best possible outcome for you. We leave no stones unturned in pursuit of that goal.