Fort Worth Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Northern District of Texas
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • Fort Worth Criminal Defense Leader
Todd Spodek, Esq.
Managing Partner & Lead Federal Defense Attorney
Federal Court Expertise
Deep understanding of federal prosecution strategies through decades of defense experience
Strong Track Record
Proven track record in federal criminal defense cases nationwide
50+ Years Combined Experience
Leading a team of seasoned federal defense experts
Featured In National Media
High-Profile Federal Cases
- Ghislaine Maxwell Juror Case: Legal analyst for national media coverage
- Anna Delvey Federal Fraud: Defense strategy expert commentary
- NBA Healthcare Fraud: Federal conspiracy defense analysis
- American Greed Feature: Expert on white collar defense
Todd Spodek in the Media
Federal Conspiracy Defense Strategies
Expert analysis on defending federal conspiracy charges and prosecution tactics
White Collar Crime Defense Expert
Featured expert on CNBC's American Greed discussing federal fraud defense
Federal Case Dismissal Strategy
Breaking down successful defense strategies in complex federal cases
What the Media Says
"Todd Spodek's analysis of federal conspiracy law provides invaluable insight into how these complex cases are defended at the highest level."
— Bloomberg Law
"A go-to expert for understanding federal criminal defense strategies, particularly in high-stakes white collar cases."
— CNN Legal Analysis
Federal Charges We Defend in Fort Worth
Federal Criminal Defense in Fort Worth: Where Aviation Meets Defense Manufacturing
The Northern District of Texas: Aviation Capital Under Federal Scrutiny
The Fort Worth Division of the Northern District of Texas operates in the heart of America's aerospace industry, where Lockheed Martin's aeronautics division builds the F-35 Lightning II and other advanced military aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration and Defense Criminal Investigative Service maintain major offices here, investigating crimes that span from simple aviation violations to complex international conspiracies involving the theft of aerospace technology. Federal prosecutors must understand not only criminal law but also aviation regulations, defense procurement procedures, and the highly technical aspects of modern aircraft manufacturing.
Fort Worth's unique position as both a major aviation hub and defense manufacturing center creates federal prosecution challenges seen nowhere else in America. The city hosts American Airlines' headquarters, major Boeing operations, and numerous aerospace suppliers, creating an environment where aviation safety violations, defense contractor fraud, and complex financial crimes intersect in unprecedented ways. Federal prosecutors coordinate with multiple agencies including the FAA, Department of Defense, and international partners to address crimes that often involve classified information, sensitive technology, and complex international transactions.
The proximity of DFW International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, adds another dimension to federal prosecutions in Fort Worth. Immigration violations, customs fraud, and international smuggling operations create substantial caseloads that require coordination with multiple federal agencies and international law enforcement partners. These cases often involve sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit the massive volume of international air traffic to disguise illegal activities within legitimate aviation operations.
Aviation Crimes: Safety, Security, and Criminal Enterprise
Fort Worth federal prosecutors handle more aviation-related crimes than almost any other district, reflecting the city's central role in both commercial and military aviation. Cases involve everything from pilots who falsify medical records to complex schemes involving the theft of aircraft parts and maintenance fraud that endangers flight safety. The Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Inspector General works closely with federal prosecutors to pursue cases involving mechanics who falsify maintenance records, airlines that violate safety regulations, and elaborate schemes involving the sale of counterfeit aircraft parts.
The intersection of aviation and international crime creates unique prosecution challenges in Fort Worth, where criminal organizations exploit air cargo operations to transport drugs, weapons, and other contraband. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving baggage handlers who facilitate smuggling operations, airport employees who provide inside information to criminal organizations, and complex money laundering schemes that use aviation businesses to disguise illegal profits. These cases often require understanding of airport security procedures, aviation industry practices, and the complex regulatory framework governing international air transportation.
Recent years have seen Fort Worth federal prosecutors develop expertise in cybersecurity cases involving attacks on aviation systems, unauthorized access to flight control computers, and violations of regulations governing aviation cybersecurity. The aviation industry's increasing reliance on computerized systems creates new vulnerabilities that criminal organizations and terrorist groups seek to exploit, requiring prosecutors and defense attorneys to understand both aviation technology and cybersecurity principles.
Defense Contractor Fraud: The Military-Industrial Complex Under Investigation
Fort Worth's role as a major defense manufacturing center creates substantial federal enforcement opportunities involving some of the nation's largest military contractors. Lockheed Martin's F-35 program, the most expensive weapons system in history, generates significant federal oversight and enforcement activity involving everything from cost overruns to allegations of technical performance fraud. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service operates one of its largest field offices here, investigating cases involving false claims about aircraft performance, overcharging on military contracts, and elaborate kickback schemes between contractors and Pentagon officials.
The complexity of modern military aircraft creates unique opportunities for contractor fraud that Fort Worth federal prosecutors aggressively pursue. Cases involve allegations that contractors have delivered defective parts, falsified test results for critical aircraft components, and engaged in elaborate schemes to conceal cost overruns on major defense programs. These prosecutions require understanding of highly technical aerospace engineering, complex financial arrangements, and the regulatory framework governing defense contracts that can span decades and involve multiple countries.
International defense sales create additional categories of federal prosecutions in Fort Worth involving violations of arms export regulations, unauthorized technology transfers, and complex schemes involving foreign military sales programs. Federal prosecutors work with the Departments of State and Commerce to investigate cases involving the illegal export of military technology, violations of end-use monitoring requirements, and elaborate schemes to circumvent export control regulations. These cases often involve classified information, international law enforcement cooperation, and complex technical evidence involving advanced aerospace technology.
Financial Crime: Following the Money in Aerospace Commerce
The aerospace industry's complex financial structures create substantial opportunities for sophisticated financial crimes that Fort Worth federal prosecutors pursue with increasing frequency. Cases involve elaborate money laundering schemes using aviation businesses, complex fraud involving aircraft financing and leasing arrangements, and sophisticated schemes involving the manipulation of aerospace commodity markets. The intersection of legitimate aerospace commerce and criminal activity creates prosecution challenges that require expert testimony from forensic accountants, aviation finance specialists, and experts in complex financial instruments.
Recent years have seen Fort Worth federal prosecutors develop expertise in cases involving cryptocurrency and digital assets used to facilitate aerospace-related crimes. Criminal organizations use digital currencies to disguise payments for illegal aircraft parts, facilitate money laundering through aviation businesses, and conduct elaborate fraud schemes targeting aerospace investors. These prosecutions require understanding of both aerospace industry practices and emerging financial technologies that criminals use to exploit gaps in traditional financial oversight.
The globalization of aerospace manufacturing creates additional financial crime opportunities that Fort Worth prosecutors address through coordination with international partners. Cases involve complex schemes involving overseas suppliers, violations of international trade regulations, and elaborate arrangements designed to disguise the true ownership of aerospace companies. These prosecutions require understanding of international financial systems, trade regulations, and the complex relationships between American aerospace companies and their international partners and suppliers.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in Fort Worth operates under strict guidelines that leave judges with limited discretion. Understanding these guidelines and how to navigate them effectively is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
Federal sentences are calculated using a complex point system based on offense level and criminal history. Factors include:
- • Base offense level
- • Specific offense characteristics
- • Victim-related adjustments
- • Role in the offense
- • Obstruction of justice
- • Acceptance of responsibility
Certain federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot reduce:
- • Drug trafficking: 5-40 years
- • Firearms offenses: 5-25 years
- • Child pornography: 5-20 years
- • Identity theft: 2 years consecutive
- • Some fraud offenses: 2-10 years
Experienced attorneys can pursue various strategies to minimize sentences:
- • Safety valve provisions
- • Substantial assistance motions
- • Downward departures
- • Alternative sentencing programs
- • Pre-trial diversion
- • Plea negotiations
Federal Courts in Fort Worth
U.S. District Court
Northern District of Texas
501 W. 10th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout Texas, including:
• Fort Worth Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in Texas
• Population Served: 918,000+
Why Choose Our Fort Worth Federal Defense Team
Federal Expertise
Our attorneys have decades of federal court experience and know the system inside out
24/7 Availability
Federal charges don't wait - neither do we. Available around the clock
50+ Years Experience
Combined decades of federal criminal defense experience in Fort Worth
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges