New York City Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Southern District of New York
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • New York City 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 New York City
Navigating Federal Criminal Defense in New York City
The Southern District of New York: America's Premier Federal Court
The Southern District of New York stands as the most influential federal court in America, handling cases that shape national legal precedent. Located at 500 Pearl Street in Manhattan, this courthouse has witnessed the prosecution of everyone from Bernie Madoff to Michael Cohen, from international terrorists to Wall Street executives. The sheer complexity and sophistication of cases prosecuted here demand defense attorneys with exceptional expertise and resources.
What makes SDNY unique extends far beyond its famous cases. The office employs over 220 Assistant United States Attorneys, many recruited from the nation's elite law schools and white-shoe firms. These prosecutors bring unparalleled resources to bear, including dedicated units for securities fraud, terrorism, public corruption, and organized crime. They work hand-in-hand with agencies headquartered in New York, from the SEC's enforcement division to the FBI's largest field office.
The statistics tell a sobering story: SDNY's conviction rate exceeds 95%, with average sentences running 37% higher than the national federal average. Defendants here face prosecutors who have virtually unlimited budgets, access to the most sophisticated forensic accounting firms, and cooperation agreements with major financial institutions. This reality makes the selection of defense counsel perhaps the most critical decision a defendant will make.
Wall Street and White-Collar Crime: The Heart of Federal Prosecution
New York City's position as the global financial capital means federal prosecutors here handle the most complex white-collar cases in the world. The Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, operating from One St. Andrew's Plaza, investigates everything from insider trading at hedge funds to manipulation of cryptocurrency markets. These investigations often span years, involve millions of documents, and require defense teams capable of understanding intricate financial instruments and trading strategies.
The evolution of financial crime prosecution in Manhattan reflects broader changes in global markets. Where prosecutors once focused primarily on traditional securities fraud, they now pursue cases involving high-frequency trading algorithms, dark pool manipulations, and blockchain-based money laundering schemes. The U.S. Attorney's Office has established specialized units for cryptocurrency enforcement, working with blockchain analysis firms to trace digital assets across international borders.
Recent years have seen SDNY pioneer novel theories of prosecution, particularly in areas like spoofing, layering, and other forms of market manipulation. These cases require defense attorneys who not only understand federal criminal law but also possess deep knowledge of financial markets, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies. The intersection of criminal law and financial regulation creates unique challenges that demand specialized expertise.
International Dimensions: Cross-Border Investigations and Extraditions
New York's status as a global city means federal cases here frequently involve international elements. SDNY regularly handles extraditions, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty requests, and cases involving foreign corruption practices. The office maintains relationships with law enforcement agencies worldwide, from Interpol to Scotland Yard, facilitating complex multi-jurisdictional investigations.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement has become a particular focus, with New York prosecutors leading investigations into bribery and corruption involving American companies operating abroad. These cases often involve parallel proceedings in multiple countries, requiring defense teams to coordinate strategies across jurisdictions while navigating different legal systems and cultural contexts.
Manhattan's federal prosecutors also lead the nation in sanctions enforcement, investigating violations of economic restrictions against countries like Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Major banks headquartered in New York have paid billions in penalties for sanctions violations, and individuals face serious criminal charges for facilitating prohibited transactions. These cases demand attorneys familiar with the complex web of Treasury Department regulations and international banking practices.
The Human Cost: Federal Detention and Bail in New York
Behind the high-profile nature of Manhattan federal cases lies a harsh reality: the Metropolitan Correctional Center and Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, where federal defendants await trial. These facilities have gained notoriety for their conditions, and the challenge of preparing a defense while detained cannot be overstated. Securing pre-trial release in SDNY requires skilled advocacy, particularly given the presumption of detention in many federal cases.
The bail process in federal court differs dramatically from state court, with no commercial bail bonds available and strict conditions often imposed even when release is granted. Electronic monitoring, surrender of passports, and multi-million dollar bonds secured by property are common requirements. For international defendants or those with substantial assets, the government frequently argues for detention based on flight risk, requiring creative solutions from defense counsel.
The pressure to cooperate with the government intensifies in the federal system, where substantial assistance can lead to significant sentence reductions. However, cooperation comes with risks, including potential retaliation and the requirement to testify against former associates. Navigating these decisions requires attorneys who understand not just the legal implications but also the personal and professional consequences for clients and their families.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in New York City 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 New York City
U.S. District Court
Southern District of New York
500 Pearl Street
New York City, NY 10007
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout New York, including:
• New York City Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in New York
• Population Served: 8.3 million+
Why Choose Our New York City 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 New York City
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges