San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Southern District of California
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • San Diego 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 Diego
Federal Criminal Defense in San Diego: Navy Town Meets International Border
The Southern District of California: Naval Command and Border Security
The Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in San Diego oversees federal prosecutions in a district uniquely shaped by massive naval operations and international border dynamics. As home to the largest naval fleet in the world, San Diego's federal prosecutors handle an extraordinary range of military-related cases involving active-duty personnel, defense contractors, and civilian employees working on classified naval projects. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service maintains its largest field office here, investigating everything from espionage cases involving foreign intelligence services to complex fraud schemes targeting Navy procurement programs.
The intersection of military justice and civilian federal law creates unique prosecutorial challenges in San Diego. Recent changes in military justice procedures have shifted certain serious crimes from courts-martial to civilian federal courts, requiring prosecutors to navigate complex jurisdictional issues while coordinating with naval authorities. These cases often involve sexual assault, domestic violence, and other serious crimes where the defendant's military status affects everything from pre-trial detention to sentencing considerations.
San Diego's position directly on the Mexican border, connected to Tijuana through one of the world's busiest border crossings, generates substantial federal enforcement activity. Unlike other border districts focused primarily on immigration violations, San Diego prosecutors pursue sophisticated international criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling operations that exploit the massive legitimate cross-border commerce between the two cities.
Naval Criminal Investigations: Protecting National Security
San Diego's naval installations house some of America's most sensitive military assets, making security violations and espionage cases a constant prosecutorial priority. Federal prosecutors work closely with counterintelligence agencies to pursue cases involving unauthorized access to classified information, technology transfer violations, and foreign intelligence operations targeting naval personnel. These cases often involve sophisticated electronic surveillance, classified evidence, and international elements that require specialized expertise in national security law.
Defense contractor fraud represents a major category of federal prosecutions in San Diego, involving companies that build and maintain Navy ships, submarines, and advanced weapons systems. The complexity of naval procurement creates opportunities for sophisticated fraud schemes involving everything from false certifications of materials used in submarine construction to elaborate kickback arrangements between Navy personnel and private contractors. These cases require understanding of highly technical military specifications, complex financial arrangements, and the regulatory framework governing defense contracts.
Recent years have seen San Diego federal prosecutors develop expertise in cybersecurity cases involving attacks on naval computer systems, theft of classified technical data, and violations of export control regulations involving military technology. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command's presence in San Diego makes cybersecurity a particular focus, with cases involving both foreign intelligence services and criminal organizations seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in military networks.
Environmental Crimes: Protecting California's Coastal Resources
San Diego's pristine coastline and marine ecosystems create unique federal enforcement priorities involving environmental crimes that distinguish this district from others nationwide. The Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division operates a major field office here, investigating cases involving illegal dumping in San Diego Bay, violations of the Clean Water Act by naval facilities, and complex schemes involving the illegal disposal of hazardous materials from military and civilian sources.
The intersection of military operations and environmental protection creates particularly complex prosecutions in San Diego. Cases involve Navy facilities accused of violating environmental regulations, defense contractors who illegally dispose of toxic materials from ship construction and repair, and elaborate schemes involving the falsification of environmental compliance reports. These prosecutions require understanding of both environmental law and military regulations, often involving conflicts between national security needs and environmental protection requirements.
Maritime environmental crimes represent another unique category of federal prosecutions in San Diego, involving everything from oil spills by commercial vessels to the illegal discharge of waste by cruise ships and cargo vessels. The Coast Guard Investigative Service coordinates with federal prosecutors to pursue cases involving violations of international maritime environmental treaties, requiring understanding of complex international law and coordination with foreign law enforcement agencies.
Cross-Border Crime: The Tijuana-San Diego Corridor
The Tijuana-San Diego border crossing processes over 50 million people annually, creating massive opportunities for sophisticated criminal organizations to exploit legitimate cross-border commerce for illegal purposes. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving drug trafficking organizations that use the constant flow of legitimate trade to disguise shipments of fentanyl, cocaine, and other narcotics. These investigations often involve years of surveillance, cooperation with Mexican law enforcement, and complex financial analysis to track money flows across multiple countries.
Human trafficking represents a particular focus for San Diego federal prosecutors, who pursue cases involving sophisticated criminal networks that exploit the border's proximity to move victims throughout the United States. These cases often involve victims from Latin America, Asia, and other regions who are trafficked through San Diego to destinations across the country. The cultural and linguistic complexities of these prosecutions require specialized expertise in trauma-informed victim interviewing and understanding of the social and economic factors that make individuals vulnerable to trafficking.
Recent developments in border security technology have created new categories of federal prosecutions involving the circumvention of sophisticated surveillance systems, including cases involving tunnels under the border, drone operations, and cyberattacks on border infrastructure. Federal prosecutors work with Customs and Border Protection's technology specialists to pursue cases that require understanding of emerging surveillance technologies and the methods used by criminal organizations to defeat border security measures.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in San Diego 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 Diego
U.S. District Court
Southern District of California
333 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout California, including:
• San Diego Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in California
• Population Served: 1.4 million+
Why Choose Our San Diego 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 Diego
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges