Seattle Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Top-Rated Defense Attorneys Serving Western District of Washington
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(212) 300-5196Lead Attorney Todd Spodek
Federal Defense Expert • National Media Legal Analyst • Seattle 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 Seattle
Federal Criminal Defense in Seattle: Technology Innovation Meets Environmental Protection
The Western District of Washington: Where Innovation Meets Investigation
The William Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse in Seattle oversees federal prosecutions in a district uniquely shaped by technology innovation, environmental consciousness, and international trade through one of America's busiest Pacific ports. The Western District of Washington handles an extraordinary range of cases that reflect Seattle's distinctive character as home to Microsoft, Amazon, and countless other technology companies alongside a deep commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Federal prosecutors here must understand cutting-edge technology, complex environmental regulations, and international trade law in ways that few other jurisdictions require.
Seattle's position as a global technology center creates federal enforcement challenges involving cybercrime, intellectual property theft, and complex schemes that exploit emerging technologies for illegal purposes. The FBI's Seattle Field Office operates specialized units focused on cybercrime and technology-related offenses, often coordinating with technology companies and cybersecurity firms to investigate cases involving everything from ransomware attacks to elaborate schemes involving the theft of artificial intelligence algorithms and trade secrets worth billions of dollars.
The intersection of major port operations, environmental sensitivity, and international trade creates complex federal enforcement opportunities involving customs violations, environmental crimes, and sophisticated smuggling operations that exploit Seattle's position as a gateway to Asia and the broader Pacific region. The Port of Seattle handles billions of dollars in trade annually, making it a target for criminal organizations seeking to exploit legitimate commerce for illegal purposes while operating in one of America's most environmentally regulated regions.
Technology Crimes: Seattle's Digital Criminal Landscape
Seattle federal prosecutors handle some of the nation's most sophisticated cybercrime cases, reflecting the city's central role in global technology development and the concentration of major technology companies that attract both innovation and criminal exploitation. Cases involve elaborate ransomware operations targeting major corporations, sophisticated identity theft schemes using artificial intelligence, and complex fraud involving cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The technical sophistication of these crimes requires prosecutors to work closely with cybersecurity experts, digital forensics specialists, and technology companies to build cases that can withstand challenges from defendants with access to world-class technical expertise.
The presence of major cloud computing providers, software companies, and cybersecurity firms in Seattle creates unique prosecution opportunities involving insider threats, trade secret theft, and complex schemes that exploit the trust relationships between technology companies and their employees, contractors, and business partners. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving employees who steal proprietary algorithms, elaborate corporate espionage schemes involving foreign intelligence services, and complex conspiracies involving multiple defendants who work together to steal and monetize valuable technology assets.
Recent years have seen Seattle federal prosecutors develop expertise in emerging technology crimes involving artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies that didn't exist when current criminal statutes were written. Cases involve manipulation of machine learning systems, theft of quantum computing research, and elaborate schemes involving the unauthorized use of proprietary AI algorithms. These prosecutions require expert witnesses who can explain technologies that are still being developed while protecting additional trade secrets and proprietary information from disclosure during legal proceedings.
Environmental Crimes: Protecting the Pacific Northwest's Natural Heritage
Seattle's location in one of America's most environmentally sensitive regions creates unique federal enforcement priorities involving environmental crimes that can affect everything from endangered salmon runs to air quality in urban areas. The Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division operates a major field office here, investigating cases involving illegal dumping in Puget Sound, violations of the Clean Air Act by major corporations, and complex schemes involving the falsification of environmental monitoring data. These cases require understanding of complex environmental science, federal environmental statutes, and the intersection of economic development and environmental protection.
The intersection of major industrial operations and environmental sensitivity creates particularly complex prosecutions involving companies that operate in industries like aerospace manufacturing, shipping, and technology where environmental compliance can conflict with operational efficiency and cost control. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving Boeing and other major manufacturers accused of violating environmental regulations, shipping companies that illegally discharge waste into marine waters, and complex schemes involving the manipulation of pollution control systems to avoid compliance costs.
Recent developments in environmental monitoring technology have created new categories of environmental prosecutions involving the circumvention of automated monitoring systems, cyberattacks on environmental infrastructure, and sophisticated schemes involving the manipulation of environmental data. Federal prosecutors work with environmental scientists and technology specialists to pursue cases involving companies that hack pollution monitoring systems, manipulate environmental databases, and engage in elaborate schemes to avoid environmental compliance while concealing violations from regulatory oversight.
International Trade and Port Security: Seattle's Pacific Gateway
Seattle's position as a major gateway for trans-Pacific trade creates substantial federal enforcement opportunities involving customs fraud, international smuggling, and complex schemes that exploit the massive volume of legitimate trade between Asia and North America. The Port of Seattle handles hundreds of billions of dollars in cargo annually, including significant trade with China, Japan, and other Asian nations, making it a target for criminal organizations seeking to exploit legitimate commerce for illegal purposes. Federal prosecutors coordinate with international partners to investigate cases involving false invoicing, tariff evasion, and sophisticated smuggling operations.
The intersection of technology trade and international commerce creates unique prosecution challenges involving export control violations, intellectual property theft, and complex schemes involving the unauthorized transfer of sensitive technology to foreign countries. Federal prosecutors pursue cases involving companies that illegally export dual-use technology, elaborate schemes involving the theft of technology for foreign military applications, and complex violations involving the circumvention of export control regulations designed to protect national security interests.
Recent years have seen Seattle federal prosecutors develop expertise in cases involving cryptocurrency and digital assets used to facilitate international trade fraud and money laundering. Criminal organizations use the port's massive trade volume and the city's technology infrastructure to conduct elaborate schemes involving trade-based money laundering, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital payment systems that exploit gaps between traditional customs oversight and emerging financial technologies. These cases require understanding of both international trade practices and cutting-edge financial technologies that criminals use to disguise illegal transactions within legitimate commerce.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines & Mandatory Minimums
The federal sentencing system in Seattle 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 Seattle
U.S. District Court
Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Service Area
We defend federal cases throughout Washington, including:
• Seattle Metropolitan Area
• All Federal Courts in Washington
• Population Served: 753,000+
Why Choose Our Seattle 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 Seattle
Exceptional Results
Proven track record of dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges