Federal Immigration Crime Defense

Deported and Back? The Feds Want 20 Years. We Want You Free.

If you're facing illegal reentry charges, you know the fear. You came back for family, for work, for survival - now they want to lock you up for decades. The government treats reentry cases like violent crimes. But we know your story is different. For over 50 years, we've defended thousands facing these charges. Todd Spodek - featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," interviewed by Fox News, Bloomberg, and Newsweek - brings the same fierce advocacy that made headlines to every immigration case. We understand immigration law, criminal law, and most importantly - we understand you're not a criminal, you're human.

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ICE detention + Criminal charges = Double jeopardy. Act NOW.

The Truth About Federal Immigration Charges

Let me be direct with you: The federal government now treats immigration violations like serious felonies. What used to be civil matters are now criminal prosecutions. If you've been deported before and came back, they're not just trying to deport you again - they want to imprison you first, sometimes for decades.

Here's what they don't advertise: These cases have become political weapons. Prosecutors seek maximum sentences to make examples. Judges face pressure to be "tough on immigration." You're not just fighting charges - you're fighting a system designed to destroy families.

What You're Really Facing:

  • 8 USC § 1325 (Illegal Entry): First time entry - up to 6 months (misdemeanor)
  • 8 USC § 1326 (Illegal Reentry): After deportation - up to 2 years base
  • With Prior Felony: Up to 10 years federal prison
  • With Aggravated Felony: Up to 20 years federal prison
  • Fast-Track Programs: Possible reduced sentences with early plea

But here's what prosecutors won't tell you: Their cases have weaknesses. The original deportation might have been illegal. Your prior conviction might not qualify as an aggravated felony. You might have had permission to return. We find these cracks and tear them wide open.

I've seen families destroyed by these prosecutions. Parents separated from U.S. citizen children. Workers who've been here decades treated like cartel members. This isn't justice - it's cruelty. And we fight it every single day.

How We Defend Immigration Crime Cases

Most lawyers treat reentry cases as guilty pleas waiting to happen. They tell you to take whatever deal the government offers. Not us. We've been fighting these cases since before the border became a political battlefield. We know every defense, every angle, every way to win.

Challenge the Deportation

Many deportations violate due process. We examine your original removal - was there proper notice? Translation? Right to appeal? One procedural violation can destroy their entire case.

Attack the Felony Enhancement

Not every conviction qualifies for enhancement. We analyze your record, challenge classifications, and often eliminate the 10 or 20-year maximums prosecutors seek.

Prove Permission to Return

Did you have advance parole? Asylum pending? TPS status? Many have permission they don't realize. We uncover authorizations that defeat the charges entirely.

Humanitarian Factors

U.S. citizen children, medical needs, family unity - we make prosecutors see you as human, not statistics. Compassion still exists in federal court when properly presented.

Here's something critical: Timing matters in these cases. Fast-track programs offer reduced sentences but require quick guilty pleas. We evaluate whether fast-track helps or hurts. Sometimes fighting gets better results than quick surrender.

Real Results in Immigration Crime Cases

"Todd Spodek's defense strategies have redefined immigration crime defense" - Featured in Bloomberg Law

20-Year Enhancement Defeated

Time Served

Client faced 20 years for reentry with aggravated felony. We proved the prior conviction didn't qualify under immigration law. Prosecutors forced to drop enhancement. Client released with time served - 6 months instead of 20 years. Case covered by Law360.

Saved 19.5 years

Illegal Deportation Exposed

Case Dismissed

Client's original deportation violated due process - no translator provided despite limited English. We filed motion challenging the removal order. Federal judge agreed. All charges dismissed. Client pursuing legal status.

Complete victory

Father of U.S. Citizens

5 Months

Client returned after deportation to support three U.S. citizen children. Facing 10 years with prior felony. We presented compelling humanitarian case, secured fast-track, and got unprecedented departure. Five months instead of years.

Family reunited

Critical Factors in Your Defense

Border vs. Interior Arrests

Where you were arrested matters. Border arrests face "zero tolerance" prosecution. Interior arrests often have more negotiation room. We leverage location to your advantage.

Family Ties

U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members matter tremendously. We document these relationships, show hardship, and humanize you to prosecutors and judges who often see only statistics.

Employment History

Years of tax-paying work speaks volumes. We present your contribution to America, your essential role in the economy, and transform you from "illegal alien" to valuable community member.

Prior Immigration History

Previous applications, asylum claims, or immigration court proceedings can help or hurt. We analyze your entire history to find helpful factors and neutralize harmful ones.

Fast-Track Programs: Opportunity or Trap?

Many districts offer "fast-track" plea programs with reduced sentences. But they require quick guilty pleas and waiver of rights. We evaluate whether fast-track helps your specific case or whether fighting yields better results.

Sometimes, rejecting fast-track and fighting leads to dismissal or better deals. Other times, fast-track is the best option. This decision requires experience and strategy - not desperation.

Beyond Criminal Court: Your Immigration Future

Here's what many lawyers don't understand: Criminal defense and immigration consequences are inseparable. A "good" plea deal in criminal court can destroy any chance of legal status later. We coordinate both aspects of your case.

Preserving Options

Some pleas preserve eligibility for cancellation of removal, asylum, or other relief. Others permanently bar you. We structure pleas to keep doors open for future immigration relief.

Detention Issues

After serving criminal time, ICE detention often follows. We negotiate with both criminal prosecutors and ICE to minimize total detention and expedite your case.

Future Entry

Some convictions create permanent bars to legal entry. Others allow waivers. We consider long-term consequences, not just immediate sentences.

Family Petitions

If family members can petition for you, we protect that eligibility. We ensure criminal resolution doesn't destroy family-based immigration options.

Why Immigration Defendants Trust Spodek Law Group

Immigration crime defense isn't just criminal law - it's understanding families, cultures, dreams, and the American promise. We don't see you as an "illegal alien." We see a parent, a worker, a human being caught in an broken system.

Todd Spodek has defended thousands facing these charges. From the Netflix series "Inventing Anna" that captivated millions, to his regular appearances on Fox News, CNN, and Bloomberg discussing immigration law, to features in the New York Post and Newsweek - we bring the same fierce advocacy that makes headlines to every client. When Business Insider calls us for comment on federal cases, when Court TV wants expert analysis, when major outlets need someone who actually wins these cases - they call Todd Spodek. Your case gets the same attention as our celebrity clients - because to us, every client matters equally.

What Sets Us Apart:

Bilingual Team

We communicate in your language, understand your culture, and ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

Immigration Knowledge

We understand both criminal and immigration law, protecting your future beyond just this case.

Family Focus

We fight for family unity, understanding that separation is often worse than incarceration.

Nationwide Practice

Whether you're detained in Texas, California, Arizona, or anywhere else, we're there. Our cases have been featured in regional and national media from coast to coast.

Payment Plans

We understand financial hardship and work with families to make defense affordable.

Common Questions About Immigration Crime Defense

Will I be deported after serving my sentence?

Usually yes, but we fight for alternatives. We negotiate with ICE, pursue withholding of removal, or Convention Against Torture protection. Sometimes we prevent deportation entirely. Every case is different - we explore every option.

Should I take the fast-track plea?

It depends. Fast-track can reduce sentences significantly but requires quick guilty pleas. We analyze your specific case - prior record, defenses available, immigration consequences - to determine if fast-track helps or if fighting yields better results.

Can my family visit me if I'm detained?

Yes, but it's complicated. We help families navigate detention center visits, phone systems, and money transfers. We also fight for bond or release to home detention when possible. Family support is crucial - we facilitate it.

What if I have U.S. citizen children?

U.S. citizen children are powerful factors in sentencing and immigration proceedings. We document hardship, present their needs, and fight for sentences that minimize family separation. Judges do consider family unity - when properly presented.

Can I ever return legally?

Possibly. Some convictions create permanent bars, others allow waivers after time passes. We structure criminal cases to preserve future options. We also connect you with immigration attorneys for long-term planning. Hope exists.

You Came Here for a Better Life. Don't Let Them Take Your Freedom.

You didn't cross borders to become a criminal. You came for family, for opportunity, for survival. Now the government wants to cage you for years before throwing you out. But you have rights. You have defenses. You have hope.

We've stood with thousands like you. We've won "impossible" cases. We understand your fear, your story, your dreams. One call changes everything. In your language. With compassion. Fighting for your freedom.

Spodek Law Group
Federal Criminal Defense Nationwide
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As Seen on Netflix's "Inventing Anna"
Featured: Fox News • Bloomberg • CNN • NY Post • Newsweek

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TREATING YOU LIKE FAMILY SINCE 1976

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