San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Western District of Texas
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • San Antonio 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 San Antonio
Federal Criminal Defense in San Antonio: Military Justice Meets Border Security
The Western District of Texas: Where Military Law Intersects Federal Crime
The John H. Wood Jr. United States Courthouse in San Antonio operates within a unique federal landscape shaped by the city's status as Military City USA. With Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston, Randolph Air Force Base, and Lackland Air Force Base all within the metropolitan area, federal prosecutors here handle an extraordinary range of military-related cases that distinguish this district from others nationwide. The intersection of civilian federal law and military justice creates complex prosecutorial challenges requiring specialized expertise in both systems.
San Antonio's federal prosecutors coordinate closely with military authorities to address crimes involving active-duty personnel, veterans, and defense contractors. The Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act has shifted certain military cases to civilian federal courts, creating new categories of prosecutions that require understanding of both the Uniform Code of Military Justice and federal criminal statutes. These cases often involve sexual assault, domestic violence, and other serious crimes where military and civilian jurisdictions overlap.
The defense contracting industry's massive presence in San Antonio generates significant federal enforcement activity. The Defense Criminal Investigative Service maintains one of its largest offices here, investigating everything from procurement fraud involving major defense contractors to small-scale schemes targeting military families. These investigations often reveal complex webs of corruption involving military personnel, contractors, and government officials, requiring prosecutors to navigate intricate relationships between the military-industrial complex and federal procurement regulations.
Veterans Affairs Fraud: Exploiting Those Who Served
San Antonio's large veteran population makes it a prime target for various forms of veterans benefits fraud, and federal prosecutors have responded with aggressive enforcement programs targeting those who exploit former service members. The VA Office of Inspector General operates a major field office here, investigating everything from disability benefits fraud to elaborate schemes involving veterans education benefits. These cases often involve complex medical evidence, psychiatric evaluations, and detailed analysis of military service records spanning decades.
Healthcare fraud targeting veterans represents a particularly egregious category of federal prosecutions in San Antonio. Cases involve physicians who bill the VA for unnecessary procedures, pharmacists who steal medications intended for veterans, and elaborate schemes involving fake medical equipment suppliers. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System, one of the largest VA medical facilities in the nation, generates substantial federal enforcement activity as prosecutors pursue those who defraud programs designed to care for injured and disabled veterans.
Recent years have seen San Antonio federal prosecutors develop innovative approaches to veterans-related fraud, including cases involving Post-9/11 GI Bill fraud, vocational rehabilitation scams, and complex schemes targeting veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. These prosecutions require understanding of military culture, veterans benefits regulations, and the unique vulnerabilities faced by service members transitioning to civilian life. Defense attorneys must navigate cases where their clients may themselves be veterans dealing with service-related disabilities and mental health issues.
Defense Contractor Corruption: The Military-Industrial Complex Under Scrutiny
San Antonio's role as a major hub for defense contracting creates unique federal prosecution opportunities involving some of the nation's largest military contractors. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving bid rigging on major defense contracts, false claims regarding contract performance, and elaborate kickback schemes between military personnel and private contractors. The complexity of defense procurement regulations creates cases that require expert testimony on contract law, military specifications, and government acquisition procedures.
The cybersecurity industry's growth in San Antonio has created new categories of defense contractor fraud involving classified information systems, military communications networks, and sensitive technology transfers. Federal prosecutors work with multiple intelligence agencies to investigate cases involving unauthorized access to classified information, theft of military technology, and violations of export control regulations. These cases often involve international elements, sophisticated technical evidence, and classified information that creates unique challenges for both prosecution and defense.
Recent high-profile cases have involved major defense contractors accused of overcharging the government for military equipment, falsifying test results for military hardware, and engaging in corrupt relationships with Pentagon officials. These prosecutions require understanding of complex financial arrangements, technical specifications for military equipment, and the regulatory framework governing defense contracts. The intersection of national security concerns and criminal prosecution creates additional complications for defense attorneys representing contractors accused of defrauding the military.
Border Security and Immigration: The Rio Grande Frontier
San Antonio's position along major smuggling corridors from the Rio Grande Valley makes it a critical center for border security prosecutions, though distinct from the mass immigration processing seen in other border districts. Federal prosecutors here focus on sophisticated smuggling organizations, corrupt border officials, and complex human trafficking networks that use San Antonio as a distribution hub for operations extending throughout the United States. These cases often involve years of investigation, extensive surveillance, and cooperation with Mexican law enforcement agencies.
The prosecution of border-related cases in San Antonio often reveals the intersection of drug trafficking, human smuggling, and corruption within law enforcement agencies. Cases involve Border Patrol agents accused of taking bribes, elaborate schemes involving false documents, and complex money laundering operations that span both sides of the border. The cultural and linguistic complexities of these prosecutions require defense attorneys who understand both American and Mexican legal systems, as well as the economic and social factors driving cross-border criminal activity.
Recent developments in border security technology have created new categories of federal prosecutions involving the circumvention of surveillance systems, cyberattacks on border infrastructure, and sophisticated schemes involving drones and other technology to transport contraband across the border. Federal prosecutors work with Customs and Border Protection's technology specialists to pursue cases involving high-tech smuggling operations that require understanding of emerging surveillance technologies and cybersecurity protocols.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in San Antonio 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 San Antonio
U.S. District Court
Western District of Texas
655 E. César E. Chávez Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78206
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout Texas, including:
• San Antonio Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in Texas
• Population Served: 1.5 million+
Why Choose Our San Antonio 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 San Antonio
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges