Criminal Defense Lawyers

Hiring the Right Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer: 10 Questions to Ask

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been defending clients against federal charges for over 50 years combined. Our team of battle-hardened attorneys know ALL the tricks prosecutors use to secure convictions. More importantly, we know how to counter them effectively.So brace yourself, because we’re about to take you on a guided tour through the most important questions to ask when hiring a top-notch federal criminal defense lawyer. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride!

1. What’s Your Experience with Federal Cases Like Mine?

When the federal government comes knocking, you don’t want just ANY lawyer – you need someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes federal criminal law. Ask your potential attorney about their specific experience handling cases similar to yours.For example, if you’re accused of federal drug crimes, you’ll want a lawyer who has successfully defended numerous drug trafficking or distribution cases. If you‘re facing fraud charges, an attorney with a background in white-collar crime is essential.Don’t just take their word for it either. Ask for case examples and outcomes. A good federal criminal defense lawyer will be able to rattle off past wins without missing a beat.At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience across the full spectrum of federal criminal charges, including:

• Drug crimes (trafficking, distribution, importation)
• White collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, money laundering)
• Cybercrimes (hacking, identity theft)
• Violent crimes (firearms offenses, RICO charges)
• Sex crimes (child pornography, sex trafficking)

No matter what you’ve been accused of, chances are we’ve defended a similar case before. And you can bet your bottom dollar we’re ready to fight tooth and nail for you.

2. How Many Federal Cases Have You Taken to Trial?

Any lawyer can negotiate a plea deal. But when the federal government refuses to budge, you need an attorney who can take your case all the way to trial and win.Ask your potential hire about their trial experience – specifically federal trial experience. How many federal criminal trials have they taken on? What were the charges? And most importantly, what were the outcomes?The ability to powerfully argue a case in front of a federal judge and jury is a CRUCIAL skill. You don‘t want to be someone’s first rodeo when your freedom is on the line.At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined trial experience, with successful verdicts in some of the most high-profile federal cases. We’re not just plea bargainers – we’re fearless litigators ready to fight for you every step of the way.

3. What Defensive Strategies Do You Typically Use?

Every case is unique, with its own set of facts and challenges. However, a skilled federal criminal defense lawyer should have a few go-to strategies up their sleeve to build a rock-solid defense.Some common defensive tactics include:

• Challenging the prosecution’s evidence (or lack thereof)
• Arguing legal technicalities or constitutional violations
• Negotiating for reduced charges or sentences
• Attacking the credibility of witnesses
• Raising affirmative defenses (self-defense, insanity, etc.)

Ask your potential attorney how they would approach YOUR specific case. What strategies seem most promising based on the facts? Are there any potential weaknesses in the prosecution‘s case they can exploit?At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned in crafting airtight defensive strategies. We‘ll comb through every shred of evidence, interview every witness, and explore every possible legal avenue to poke holes in the government‘s case.Our multi-pronged approach doesn’t just defend you – it goes on the offensive to dismantle the prosecution’s arguments piece by piece. We fight tirelessly to get charges reduced or dismissed entirely.No two cases are alike. But you can rest assured that with our innovative defensive tactics, we’ll construct the strongest possible defense for YOUR unique situation.

4. How Do You Charge for Federal Criminal Cases?

Let’s get one thing out of the way – hiring a top federal criminal defense lawyer won’t be cheap. These are complex, high-stakes cases that require a massive amount of time, resources, and expertise.But surely you’d agree that securing your freedom is priceless?When it comes to legal fees, there are typically three pricing models attorneys use for federal criminal cases:

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

1. Hourly rates
2. Flat fees
3. Contingency fees (rare for criminal cases)

Be wary of any lawyer offering rock-bottom fees that seem too good to be true. In the legal world, you get what you pay for. A cheap attorney is often a bad investment that could cost you dearly down the line.At Spodek Law Group, we structure our fees on a flat-rate basis, providing a personalized cost estimate after evaluating the details of your case. This way, you know exactly what you’re paying upfront with no surprise billing.We also offer flexible payment plans to make our services accessible to clients from all walks of life. Your constitutional right to an aggressive legal defense shouldn’t be determined by your bank account balance.During your consultation, we’ll break down our fee structure transparently so you can make an informed decision. No hidden costs, no shady pricing games – just straightforward legal fees from a firm you can trust.

5. Who Will Handle My Case? Can I Meet Them?

When you hire a law firm, you‘re not just hiring one attorney – you’re getting an entire team dedicated to your defense. But all too often, clients get passed off to junior associates or paralegals once that retainer is signed.Not at Spodek Law Group. When you become our client, you get direct access to the federal criminal defense attorneys you hired. Your case will be handled by the same skilled litigators you met during your consultation.We believe this personal touch and hands-on approach is crucial, especially for serious federal charges. You deserve to have your case meticulously handled by experienced professionals every step of the way.During your initial meeting, we encourage you to grill our attorneys on their qualifications and experience. Get a feel for their communication style and courtroom presence. After all, these are the people who will be fighting tooth and nail for your future.At the end of the day, we’re not just your lawyers – we’re your partners in this battle against the federal government. You deserve to have full confidence in the legal team representing you.

6. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?

The anxiety of a federal criminal case can be absolutely crippling. That‘s why open and frequent communication with your legal team is so vital.Ask your potential attorneys about their policies for keeping clients in the loop. How often can you expect case updates? What methods of communication do they use (phone, email, in-person meetings)?At Spodek Law Group, we understand that knowledge is power – especially when dealing with federal charges. That‘s why we make it a top priority to keep our clients constantly informed and involved at every stage.You’ll have a dedicated point of contact on our team to field any questions or concerns you may have. We also provide regular written case updates so you’re never left wondering what’s going on.Your right to make informed decisions about your case is extremely important to us. We’ll break down complex legal jargon into plain English, ensuring you understand all your options (and their potential consequences) inside and out.Federal criminal cases are marathon events, not sprints. With our commitment to open communication, we’ll be by your side every step of the way to guide and support you through this stressful process.

7. What’s Your Approach to Negotiating with Prosecutors?

For many federal criminal cases, negotiating with prosecutors is an inevitable part of the process. A skilled attorney should have demonstrated experience cutting favorable plea deals when it‘s in their client‘s best interests.But it’s a delicate balancing act. You don’t want an overly aggressive lawyer who refuses to negotiate at all. Nor do you want someone who will just roll over and accept the first lowball offer from the prosecution.Ask your potential hire about their general philosophy and track record when it comes to negotiating plea bargains. What factors do they consider before pursuing this route? How do they leverage prosecutors to get the best possible deal?At Spodek Law Group, we approach every negotiation as a battle of wits and wills. Our attorneys are savvy negotiators with a knack for identifying prosecutorial weaknesses and seizing any potential leverage.That said, we never recommend taking a plea deal unless we firmly believe it’s in your best interests. Our first priority is always to have charges dismissed entirely or seek an outright acquittal at trial when possible.If negotiating is ultimately the wisest path, you can trust that we’ll fight tirelessly to get you the most favorable terms. We never settle for the easy way out – only the best possible resolution for your unique situation.

8. What’s Your Impression of the Prosecution’s Case?

While it‘s impossible to have the full picture from day one, any good federal criminal defense lawyer should be able to provide an informed evaluation of the prosecution‘s case after reviewing the known facts and evidence.This initial assessment is crucial, as it will likely shape the overall defensive strategy moving forward. Don‘t be afraid to grill your potential attorney on their first impressions and thought process.For example: What obvious strengths or weaknesses do they see in the government‘s case so far? Are there any potential constitutional issues that could get evidence suppressed or charges dismissed? How strong is the prosecution‘s witness testimony likely to be?At Spodek Law Group, we dig deep to find any potential holes, inconsistencies, or legal vulnerabilities in the government’s arguments. We’ll walk you through our initial case assessment, explaining our thought process and preliminary game plan in plain English.Our attorneys have keen analytical minds honed from decades of experience taking on the toughest federal prosecutors. If there’s a flaw in the government‘s case, you can bet we’ll find it and exploit it to your advantage.

9. How Will You Protect My Rights and Reputation?

Being accused of a federal crime can be incredibly damaging to your personal and professional reputation – even if you’re ultimately acquitted. The stigma and media attention alone is often enough to derail careers and ruin lives.That’s why it’s crucial to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer who will proactively work to protect your rights, privacy, and public image throughout this process.Ask how your potential attorney plans to keep potentially damaging information out of the public eye. Will they pursue gag orders or redactions to shield sensitive details? How do they work with the media to control the narrative?At Spodek Law Group, we take a holistic approach that goes beyond just defending you in court. Our attorneys have extensive experience in crisis PR and reputation management for high-profile federal cases.From the moment you become our client, we‘ll implement strategies to safeguard your rights, preserve your privacy, and proactively shape how your case is portrayed. We‘ll leverage our media connections and legal muscle to control the flow of information and push back against any unfair smear campaigns.Your future is our top priority – and that includes protecting your good name from unfair persecution. With our 360-degree approach, you can trust that your rights and reputation are in capable hands.