Jun 4, 2025

Defending Federal Immigration Crimes

If you’re reading this article, you’re facing federal immigration charges – and you’re terrified. You should be. Federal conviction rates exceed 95% according to recent DOJ statistics. You’re not just facing criminal charges, you’re facing deportation, separation from your family – and potentially decades in federal prison – there is no simple way of explaining this. If you’re stressed, you have good cause: you might be separated from your family.

The federal government has unlimited resources, and they’re using them to prosecute immigration crimes at record-breaking levels. In the first two weeks of 2025 alone, 565 immigration charges were filed. There is no simple way to say this: you need to hire a criminal attorney if you’re looking to defend yourself from immigration consequences, due to federal or state crimes.

You made mistakes. You crossed the border without permission, or you came back after being deported. Maybe you helped a family member enter the country. Now you’re researching lawyers online instead of calling one – and every hour matters.

At Spodek Law Group – we understand that, and take this very seriously. Our top rated federal criminal defense attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest federal immigration cases. We’re not your average law firm – we get it.

The Reality of Federal Immigration Charges

Here’s the truth: You’re likely facing mandatory minimum sentences. If you’ve been charged with illegal reentry after deportation under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, you’re looking at 2 years minimum – but if you have prior convictions, that jumps to 10 or even 20 years.

The prosecutors – and the DOJ – are watching your every move.
They know you’re scared, and they’re counting on you to make mistakes.

Most people in your situation try to explain their way out. That’s how they end up convicted. Over 99% of people charged with immigration crimes plead guilty. Why? Because they don’t have a premier criminal defense attorney, like Todd Spodek, who understands both federal criminal law AND immigration law. They don’t have someone who gets it.

Common Federal Immigration Crimes We Defend

Our top rated attorneys handle all types of federal immigration crimes – nationwide. We have experience defending clients coast to coast against charges including:

Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. § 1325) – If you entered the United States without inspection, elluded examination by immigration officers, or used false documents, you’re facing up to 6 months for a first offense.

But here’s what they don’t tell you: a second offense carries up to 2 years in federal prison. The government takes these cases seriously.

Illegal Reentry (8 U.S.C. § 1326) – This is the most common federal immigration crime. If you were deported and came back without permission, you’re facing a felony with mandatory prison time.

The base penalty is 2 years, but it can reach 20 years if you have certain prior convictions. We’ve handled hundreds of these cases – we know how to fight them.

Alien Smuggling and Harboring (8 U.S.C. § 1324) – Did you help someone enter the country? Transport them? Give them a place to stay?

Federal law makes it a crime to knowingly harbor or transport illegal aliens. The penalties are severe: up to 10 years for each person, with mandatory minimums for certain violations.

Marriage and Business Immigration Fraud

If you entered into a marriage for immigration purposes – or helped establish a business to evade immigration laws – you’re facing up to 5 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.

These cases are complex, requiring a law firm with experience in both criminal and immigration law. That’s where we come in.

Why Federal Immigration Cases Are Different

Federal cases aren’t like state cases. The prosecutors have unlimited resources, conviction rates are sky-high – and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

You’re not just facing prison time; you’re facing permanent separation from your family, your life in America. Unlike other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors, we fight for YOU.

Many law firms are “mills” and take on every single client. Not us. We focus on only working with clients who we can truly help. Many law firms will take on any client who can pay the bill – regardless of whether the law firm can help you get good results. This is malpractice, in our opinion. Our star team of attorneys includes Todd Spodek – a second-generation attorney who has represented many clients in high-profile 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, also known as Anna Sorokin.

Defense Strategies That Work – When You Have the Right Attorney

Regardless of how complicated your federal immigration defense is, or how challenging it is – we can help you. Our attorneys, know a thing or two about beating federal charges. We understand how being convicted of a crime can potentially result in immigration consequences. We also know how to diffuse the situation.

Successful defense requires understanding both criminal and immigration law. Here’s what we do differently:

Constitutional Challenges – Federal agents make mistakes. They violate your rights. Maybe they didn’t have reasonable suspicion to stop you. Maybe they failed to read your Miranda rights.

Lack of Intent Defense – Many immigration crimes require the government to prove you acted “knowingly” or “willfully.” This is harder than it sounds.

We’ve won cases by showing our clients didn’t have the required criminal intent – even when this could look bad.

Procedural Defenses – The government must follow strict procedures in immigration cases. When they don’t, we can get charges dismissed.

We examine every detail: Was your prior deportation order valid? Were you properly notified? Did ICE follow proper procedures?

What You’re Really Facing

Let’s be clear about what’s at stake here. If you’re convicted of a federal immigration crime:

• You’ll serve mandatory prison time – there’s no probation for most immigration offenses
• You’ll be permanently barred from returning to the United States
• Your family may lose their immigration status too
• You’ll have a federal felony on your record forever
• You may face additional state charges

Your future is in jeopardy – and you need an attorney who understands that. Someone who’s available 24/7, who takes your calls, who fights for you like family. That’s what makes us different.

Recent Changes Making Things Worse

The landscape has changed dramatically. The DOJ has directed prosecutors to prioritize immigration cases.

They’ve created a Sanctuary Cities Enforcement Working Group. They’re prosecuting not just immigrants, but anyone who helps them. The message is clear: they’re coming after you with everything they’ve got.

Federal judges are required to impose mandatory minimum sentences. The 2025 sentencing guidelines are being revised, but not in ways that help defendants.

If anything, sentences are getting longer, enforcement is getting stricter.

What Makes Spodek Law Group Different

We are one of the few law firms in the country have a completely online digital portal – making it easy to stay updated on your case 24/7.

Our white-glove service means you’re never left wondering what’s happening. We provide updates constantly, answer your calls immediately, and treat you with the respect you deserve.

Our premier attorneys have handled some of the toughest federal immigration cases in the country. We’ve represented clients facing decades in prison – and gotten them home to their families.

We have over 50 years of combined experience, and we use every bit of it fighting for you.

Todd Spodek is a second-generation attorney with a proven track record in federal court. When the stakes are highest, that’s when we shine.

We’ve handled cases that other attorneys said were impossible. We’ve won when everyone said we’d lose. That’s because we don’t give up – ever.

The Process: What Happens Next

If you’ve been arrested for a federal immigration crime, time is critical. Here’s what typically happens – and what you need to do:

1. Initial Appearance – You’ll appear before a federal magistrate within 72 hours. This is when bail is set.

Without an experienced attorney, you’ll likely be detained throughout your case. We fight for your release – because we know you need to be with your family.

2. Grand Jury Indictment – The government will present your case to a grand jury. They only show their side.

By the time you’re indicted, they think they’ve already won. That’s why you need us working behind the scenes – NOW.

3. Discovery and Motions – This is where cases are won or lost. We file motions to suppress evidence, challenge the charges,and attack the government’s case.

Most attorneys just go through the motions. We go for the jugular.

4. Plea Negotiations or Trial – Over 99% of federal immigration cases end in guilty pleas. But with the right attorney, you have options.

We negotiate from strength, not fear. And if we need to go to trial? We’re ready.

Free Consultation – Available 24/7

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that our criminal defense attorneys can help you. We offer free consultations because we believe everyone deserves to know their options.

When you call us you’ll speak directly with an attorney – not a paralegal, not an intake specialist. An actual attorney who can answer your questions immediately.

We’re available 24/7 because we know federal agents don’t work 9 to 5. They arrest people at dawn. They show up at your work. They separate families without warning.

When that happens, you need someone you can call – immediately.

Our nationwide practice means we can help regardless of where you’re located. Federal immigration crimes are prosecuted coast to coast, and we defend clients coast to coast.

From detention centers in Texas to federal courthouses in New York – we’re there.

What Our Clients Say

We don’t just talk about our results – we deliver them. Our clients know the difference a top rated attorney makes.

They’ve seen us fight when other attorneys would have given up. They’ve watched us turn impossible cases into victories.

Most importantly, they’ve gone home to their families instead of federal prison.

The Cost of Not Hiring the Right Attorney

Some people try to save money by hiring the cheapest attorney they can find. Or worse – they use a public defender who’s handling 200 other cases.

Here’s what that Really costs you:

• Years in federal prison that could have been avoided
• Permanent separation from your family
• A criminal record that follows you forever
• Lost income, lost opportunities, lost hope

Can you really afford NOT to hire the best? Your family is counting on you to make the right choice.

Your children need you home, not in federal prison. Your spouse needs a partner, not a visiting schedule.

Don’t let them down by trying to save a few dollars now.

Take Action Now – Before It’s Too Late

Every day you wait is a day the government builds their case against you. They’re interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, preparing to destroy your life.

Meanwhile, you’re reading articles online, hoping for a miracle. Stop hoping. Start fighting.

At Spodek Law Group – we’re not your average criminal defense law firm. We’re fighters. We’re winners. And most importantly – we get it.

We understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped thousands of clients in your exact situation.

Call us now for your free consultation. Tell us about your case. Let us show you why we’re different. Let us show you how we can help.

Because 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.

Don’t become another statistic. Don’t join the 95% who get convicted because they didn’t have the right attorney.

Defending Federal Immigration Crimes