Los Angeles Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Central District of California
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Federal Criminal Defense in Los Angeles: Entertainment Capital Meets Federal Enforcement
The Central District of California: Where Hollywood Meets Federal Law
The Central District of California represents the second-largest federal judicial district in the nation, stretching from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border. The Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse on North Spring Street serves as the epicenter for federal prosecutions that uniquely blend entertainment industry fraud, international trade violations, and cross-border criminal enterprises. This convergence creates a prosecutorial environment unlike anywhere else in America.
Los Angeles federal prosecutors handle an extraordinary range of cases shaped by the region's distinctive economy. Entertainment industry prosecutions involve complex intellectual property theft, film financing fraud, and union corruption cases that require understanding of Hollywood's intricate financial structures. The district's proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach—handling 40% of America's imported goods—means customs violations, trade-based money laundering, and smuggling operations feature prominently on federal dockets.
The statistics paint a challenging picture for defendants: the Central District files over 4,000 criminal cases annually, with immigration offenses, drug trafficking, and fraud comprising the bulk of prosecutions. What distinguishes Los Angeles federal cases is their international scope—prosecutors here work closely with Mexican authorities on cartel cases, coordinate with Asian law enforcement on trade fraud, and pursue entertainment piracy cases spanning the globe.
Cross-Border Crime: The Mexico Connection and Cartel Prosecutions
Los Angeles sits at the intersection of major drug trafficking routes from Mexico, making cartel prosecutions a cornerstone of federal enforcement efforts. The Drug Enforcement Administration's Los Angeles Field Division coordinates operations targeting the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and other transnational criminal organizations. These cases involve sophisticated wiretap investigations, undercover operations, and cooperation with Mexican law enforcement through the Merida Initiative.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles pioneered the use of kingpin statutes and continuing criminal enterprise charges against cartel leadership, pursuing cases that often involve dozens of defendants across multiple countries. The complexity of these prosecutions cannot be overstated—evidence includes intercepted communications in multiple languages, financial records from offshore accounts, and testimony from cooperating witnesses in protective custody. Defense attorneys must navigate not only American law but also understand Mexican legal procedures and extradition treaties.
The human trafficking corridor between Los Angeles and Latin America presents another prosecutorial priority. Federal authorities estimate that thousands of victims are trafficked through Southern California annually, leading to aggressive prosecution of trafficking networks. These cases often involve victims afraid to testify, language barriers, and complex immigration issues that require defense teams with multicultural competence and sensitivity to trauma.
Entertainment Industry Fraud: When Creativity Meets Criminal Law
Hollywood's glamour masks a darker reality of financial crimes that federal prosecutors aggressively pursue. Film financing fraud schemes, where producers inflate budgets or divert investor funds, have led to numerous high-profile prosecutions. The intersection of creative accounting and criminal fraud creates unique challenges—determining when aggressive business practices cross into criminal territory requires deep understanding of entertainment industry norms and financial structures.
Intellectual property crimes represent another major focus area, with Los Angeles serving as ground zero for digital piracy prosecutions. Federal authorities work with the Motion Picture Association and Recording Industry Association to identify and prosecute large-scale piracy operations. These cases often involve servers located overseas, cryptocurrency payments, and technical evidence requiring expert testimony on digital forensics and blockchain analysis.
Union corruption cases in the entertainment industry present particular challenges given the powerful role unions play in Hollywood. Federal prosecutors have pursued cases involving embezzlement from union pension funds, kickback schemes between union officials and producers, and no-show job arrangements. These prosecutions require navigating the complex relationships between studios, unions, and individual members while understanding collective bargaining agreements and entertainment industry labor practices.
The Port Complex: Trade Fraud and Customs Violations
The twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach handle over $450 billion in cargo annually, making them prime targets for customs fraud and trade-based money laundering. Federal prosecutors work with Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Coast Guard to identify and prosecute schemes involving false invoicing, tariff evasion, and prohibited imports. These cases require understanding of international trade law, customs regulations, and the complex logistics of global shipping.
Recent years have seen an explosion in cases involving counterfeit goods, from fake luxury products to dangerous counterfeit pharmaceuticals and electronics. Los Angeles federal prosecutors lead the nation in intellectual property enforcement at ports of entry, working with brand owners and trade associations to identify and prosecute importers of counterfeit merchandise. These cases often reveal connections to organized crime and terrorist financing, elevating their importance beyond simple trademark violations.
Environmental crimes at the port complex represent an emerging prosecution priority, with cases involving illegal disposal of hazardous waste, violations of the Clean Air Act by shipping companies, and smuggling of protected wildlife. These prosecutions require specialized knowledge of environmental regulations, international treaties like CITES, and the ability to work with expert witnesses on complex scientific evidence. The intersection of environmental law and criminal prosecution creates unique challenges for both prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
U.S. District Court
Central District of California
350 W. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout California, including:
• Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in California
• Population Served: 3.9 million+
Why Choose Our Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges