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Idaho Federal Sentencing Guidelines

If you’re facing federal charges in Idaho, you’re probably terrified – and you should be. Federal prosecutors have a 95% conviction rate, and they’re coming after you with virtually unlimited resources. You’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one. Every hour matters in federal cases. The federal government doesn’t mess around – and neither should you. At Spodek Law Group – we’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it. Our top rated attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest federal cases nationwide – coast to coast.

You Don’t Understand What You’re Facing

Let’s be honest: you don’t understand federal sentencing guidelines. You don’t know mandatory minimums. This knowledge gap will hurt you. Federal sentencing guidelines in Idaho are complex, unforgiving, and designed to put you away for a long time. Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up convicted. The District of Idaho – which handles all federal cases in Boise, Pocatello, and Coeur d’Alene – isn’t like state court. It’s not.

You’re facing 10-20 years. That’s not speculation. That’s the sentencing guideline for your charge. Whether it’s drug trafficking on I-84, or white collar crimes in Boise, or firearms violations near the Fort Hall Reservation – the stakes are astronomical. Our premier federal defense attorneys know a thing or two about beating these charges. We have handled some of the toughest cases and have come out on top.

The Reality of Federal Sentencing in Idaho

Here’s what you need to know about Idaho federal sentencing guidelines – and why you need an attorney ASAP. Recent federal cases in Idaho show prosecutors are aggressive. They’re not playing games. Andrew Clifford Meyer got 135 months for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute. Santiago Prieto got 52 months for unlawful firearm possession. These aren’t slaps on the wrist – these are years of your life.

Federal sentencing works differently than state court. The U.S. Sentencing Commission creates guidelines that judges must consider. They look at two main factors: the offense level (how serious your crime is) and your criminal history category. Then they use a sentencing table to figure out your prison time. Sounds simple? It’s not. There’s departures, variances, mandatory minimums – it’s a minefield, and one wrong step means decades behind bars.

Mandatory Minimums Will Destroy Your Life

If you’re charged with drug trafficking in Idaho, mandatory minimums are your worst nightmare. Federal drug trafficking penalties start at 5-10 years for first offenses. That’s the MINIMUM. Judges can’t go below that, even if they want to. If someone died or got seriously hurt from the drugs? You’re looking at 20 years mandatory. No exceptions. No mercy.

Let me break this down for you, because you need to understand what you’re facing:

• Methamphetamine: 5 grams of pure meth or 50 grams of meth mixture = 5 years minimum, 40 years maximum
• Fentanyl: 40 grams mixture = 5 years minimum; 400 grams = 10 years minimum
• Cocaine: 500 grams mixture = 5 years minimum; 5 kilograms = 10 years minimum
• Heroin: 100 grams mixture = 5 years minimum; 1 kilogram = 10 years minimum

And if you have a prior felony drug conviction? Those minimums DOUBLE. You heard that right – double. The federal government has virtually unlimited resources, and they’re using them against you. That’s where we come in. At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously.

Idaho’s Unique Federal Challenges

Idaho presents unique challenges for federal defendants. Major highways like I-84 and I-15 are drug trafficking corridors that federal agents monitor constantly. Recent DEA operations in Idaho seized over 30 pounds of methamphetamine in the Magic Valley area alone. The Fort Hall Reservation has special jurisdictional rules – crimes there often become federal cases. North Idaho sees white-collar crimes and environmental violations on federal lands.

You think this is like state court in Idaho. It’s not. Idaho state courts might offer probation, or a rider program, or withheld judgments. Federal court? Forget it. Federal conviction rates exceed 95%. Only 0.4% of federal defendants go to trial and win. Those aren’t good odds. Without proper representation, you’re likely to become part of that statistic.

We’re Different – And That’s Why We Win

Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors and judges, Spodek Law Group owes loyalty to only YOU. Many law firms are “mills” and take on every single client. Not us. We’re selective about who we represent – because we only work with clients we can truly help. Our top rated criminal defense attorneys focus on only working with clients who we can truly help.

Todd Spodek – a second-generation attorney, has represented many clients in federal cases. His experience has led to him handling thousands of tough cases. His work has resulted in him being featured on major media outlets, like NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and others. In 2022, Netflix released a special TV series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey. HeWeargued that Sorokin’s behavior was not criminal but rather reflective of the culture of New York’s elite.

When you hire Spodek Law Group, you’re not just getting an attorney – you’re getting a rock star team that provides white-glove service. We have over 50 years of combined experience. We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal. Our attorneys are available 24/7 because tragedy never waits. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want.

Your Options Are Running Out

Let’s talk about what happens next in your Idaho federal case – because time is NOT on your side. First comes the indictment from a grand jury. Then you’ll face an initial hearing before a magistrate judge in Boise, Pocatello, or Coeur d’Alene. Bail in federal court is different than state court. If it’s a serious drug or gun case, there’s a presumption you should stay in custody. That means you could sit in jail for months waiting for trial.

Once you’re arraigned, discovery begins – reports, wiretaps, surveillance footage. The government’s been building this case for months, maybe years. They have everything. You have nothing. Except us. Our premier federal criminal defense attorneys know how to fight back. We know how to challenge evidence, suppress illegally obtained proof, and negotiate with federal prosecutors who think they’re untouchable.

Federal Sentencing Process in Idaho

If you’re convicted – and remember, 95% are – here’s what happens. The probation office prepares a Presentence Investigation Report (PSR). This document will control your life. It calculates your offense level, criminal history, and recommends a sentence. Idaho Criminal Rule 33 requires at least two days between verdict and sentencing, but federal cases often take weeks.

At sentencing, victims speak. The prosecutor argues for the maximum. Your family begs for mercy. The judge considers the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors: nature of the offense, your history, need for deterrence, protecting the public. Then comes the sentence. No parole in federal prison. You serve at least 85% of your time. Good time credits are limited. This isn’t Idaho state prison with its rider programs and early release options.

There’s Still Hope – But Only If You Act Now

Not everyone gets mandatory minimums. There are ways out – but you need an attorney who knows them. The “safety valve” under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(f) can help first-time, non-violent offenders avoid mandatory minimums. But you must meet ALL five criteria:

• No more than 1 criminal history point
• No violence or credible threats
• No one was hurt
• You weren’t a leader or organizer
• You tell the government everything (and we mean EVERYTHING)

There’s also substantial assistance under § 5K1.1. If you cooperate – really cooperate – prosecutors can ask for a sentence below the mandatory minimum. But This isn’t snitching on your buddy. This is providing information that leads to other prosecutions. It’s dangerous, complicated, and you need an attorney who’s done it before.

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the best possible outcome.

The Clock Is Ticking

Every day you wait is a day closer to prison. Federal investigations move fast. By the time you receive a target letter, they’ve been investigating for months. U.S. Attorney’s offices are under pressure to get convictions. They have unlimited resources. You have limited time.

Your future is in jeopardy. Your family’s future is in jeopardy. Everything you’ve worked for is about to disappear. Federal prison isn’t like what you see on TV. It’s worse. You’ll be shipped hundreds of miles from home. Your kids will grow up without you. Your career will be over. Your life as you know it will end.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Spodek Law Group has handled federal cases nationwide – coast to coast. We’re not intimidated by federal prosecutors. We’re not impressed by their conviction rates. We fight. And we win. Our top rated attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience taking on the federal government and winning.

Why Spodek Law Group?

We’re not your typical law firm. We provide white-glove service that’s unmatched. Free consultation available 24/7. Payment plans available. We treat every client like family – because to us, you are family. Your case is our case. Your fight is our fight.

Todd Spodek, our managing partner, is a second-generation attorney who’s been called a “high-powered lawyer” by elite magazines. When Netflix needed someone to represent Anna Delvey in one of the most high-profile cases of the decade, they called Todd. When clients need someone who gets it, who understands what they’re going through, who will fight tooth and nail – they call us.

Don’t become another statistic. Don’t let federal prosecutors railroad you into a plea deal that destroys your life. Don’t trust your future to a public defender who’s overworked and underpaid. You need the best possible legal representation. You need attorneys who will treat your case with the urgency it deserves.

Contact Us Now – Before It’s Too Late

If you’re facing federal charges in Idaho, you need help NOW. Not tomorrow. Not next week. NOW. Every moment counts. Federal prosecutors are building their case against you right now. They’re not taking weekends off. They’re not waiting for you to get your affairs in order.

At Spodek Law Group, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll tell you exactly what you’re facing – no sugarcoating, no false promises. Just straight talk about your options and how we can help. We’re available 24/7 because we know federal agents don’t work 9 to 5.

Call us now. Email us now. Contact us however you can – but do it NOW. Your freedom depends on it. Your family depends on it. Your future depends on it. Because when you’re facing federal charges in Idaho, you don’t just need any attorney. You need the best possible legal representation. You need attorneys who’ve been there, done that, and won. You need Spodek Law Group.