Criminal Defense Lawyers

Utah Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers

The Ultimate Guide to Federal Criminal Defense

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm. Maybe you‘ve been accused of a federal crime like fraud, money laundering, or drug trafficking.

Or perhaps you‘re under investigation by the FBI, DEA, or another federal agency. Whatever your situation, you need the best legal representation possible to protect your rights and freedom.We get it – facing federal charges is terrifying. The federal justice system is an intimidating beast, with harsh sentences and aggressive prosecutors. But take a deep breath. We’re here to guide you through this every step of the way. Our criminal defense lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience taking on the toughest federal cases. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to fight for you.So let‘s dive in to everything you need to know about federal criminal defense.

We’ll cover the basics of the federal court system, common federal crimes, what to do if you’re under investigation, building a strong defense strategy, and more. It‘s a lot to take in, but we’ll break it down in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Think of this as your ultimate survival guide.

Understanding the Federal Court System

First thing‘s first – the federal court system is very different from state courts. Federal crimes are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys rather than local district attorneys. They have more resources, tougher laws, and a conviction rate over 90%. Not exactly a fair fight.Federal cases start with an investigation by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, or SEC. If they gather enough evidence, they‘ll take it to a federal grand jury. This is a panel that decides whether there’s probable cause to indict you – basically, if there’s enough evidence to charge you with a crime. If indicted, your case moves to U.S. District Court for prosecution.The federal court process is complex, with lots of rules and procedures. Having an experienced federal criminal lawyer is crucial from the very start. We know all the ins and outs to protect your rights and start building your defense immediately.

Common Federal Crimes

The feds prosecute all kinds of crimes, from “white collar” offenses like fraud and embezzlement to violent crimes like drug trafficking, weapons charges, and human trafficking. Some of the most common include:

Fraud: This covers a wide range of deceptive conduct for financial gain, like mail/wire fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, and more. Even a seemingly small fib can lead to federal fraud charges.

Drug Crimes: Federal drug laws are far stricter than state laws, with harsh mandatory minimum sentences. Charges may include drug trafficking, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and continuing criminal enterprise (for drug kingpins).Weapons Charges: It’s illegal under federal law to possess certain firearms or ammunition if you have a prior felony conviction. There are also laws against illegal weapons sales/trafficking.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

White Collar Crimes: In addition to fraud, this includes embezzlement, bribery, extortion, money laundering, racketeering, and more. Essentially any financially-motivated schemes to deprive others of money or property.

Cybercrimes: As the world has gone digital, so have crimes like hacking, identity theft, internet fraud, trafficking in illegal online content, and more.The penalties for federal crimes are no joke. Many carry huge fines and long prison sentences, sometimes 20 years or more. Having a top-notch defense lawyer is vital to avoid a life-altering conviction.

What to Do If You’re Under Federal Investigation

So let’s say you get that sinking feeling that the feds are investigating you. Maybe the FBI executes a search warrant at your home or office. Or you receive a target letter informing you that you’re the target of an investigation.The first thing you need to do? Exercise your right to remain silent and call an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Don‘t make the mistake of thinking you can talk your way out of it. Anything you say can and will be used against you.Once we‘re on your case, we’ll deal directly with federal agents and prosecutors. We know how these investigations work and the tactics they‘ll use to try and flip you. We’ll guide you on how to properly invoke your rights, what to say (and not say), and start mapping out a defense strategy.It’s also crucial to be proactive at this stage. We may conduct our own investigation to undermine the prosecution’s case. This could involve tracking down exculpatory evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing financial records or data, and more. The goal is to get ahead of the charges and negotiate from a position of strength.

Building a Winning Defense Strategy

If federal charges are ultimately filed against you, we’ll get to work creating a personalized defense strategy. This could involve:Attacking the Evidence: We‘ll scrutinize how evidence was obtained and whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights through illegal searches, entrapment, or other misconduct.Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, the best move is to pursue a plea bargain to reduce charges/sentences. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who will fight for the best possible deal.Preparing for Trial: If going to trial gives you the best chance at acquittal, we’ll leave no stone unturned. This means thorough investigation, hiring expert witnesses, crafting persuasive arguments, and aggressively cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses.Sentencing Advocacy: For clients who are convicted, we’ll advocate for the most lenient sentence possible within the complex federal guidelines. This could mean alternatives to prison time.The key is having a multi-faceted defense on all fronts. We‘ll find every possible hole in the prosecution‘s case and leverage that to your advantage.

Examples of Real Federal Cases We’ve Handled

Enough talking at you – let‘s look at some real-life examples of federal cases we’ve successfully defended:

Healthcare Fraud Charges Dismissed
Our client, a physician, was charged with defrauding Medicare/Medicaid of over $3 million. We discovered the government had improperly obtained evidence through an illegal phone tap. After filing a motion to suppress, the charges were completely dismissed.

Acquittal in International Drug Trafficking Case
Our client was accused of operating a global drug trafficking ring that imported cocaine, heroin, and meth into the U.S. After a three-month trial, we convinced the jury that our client was an unwitting participant who had no knowledge of the drug smuggling operation. He was acquitted on all charges.

Reduced Sentence in Multi-Million Dollar Embezzlement Case
Our client, a former CEO, was convicted of embezzling over $12 million from her company’s pension fund. Thanks to our sentencing advocacy, she received 5 years in prison rather than the 10+ years recommended under the federal guidelines.These are just a few examples, but they illustrate our commitment to fighting tooth and nail for our clients. No case is too big or too complex for our elite team of federal criminal defense attorneys.

Why Clients Trust Us

You have a lot of options when it comes to criminal defense lawyers. So why should you go with our firm? Here are a few key reasons:

Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of federal cases across the country. We know how to take on – and beat – even the most powerful federal prosecutors.

Accessible & Responsive: We actually return client calls and emails promptly. You’ll always be in the loop on what’s happening with your case.

Strategic Approach: We never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every case gets a customized, multi-pronged strategy tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Relentless Advocacy: From investigation to sentencing, we‘ll be your fiercest advocates every step of the way. We’ll never back down or give up on you.

Compassionate Service: Facing federal charges is incredibly stressful. We provide empathetic support and guidance to help ease your burdens.But don‘t just take our word for it. Read the testimonials from some of our past clients:

“When the federal government came after me, I was absolutely terrified. But [Todd Spodek] and his team immediately put me at ease. They worked day and night to dismantle the prosecution‘s case, and ultimately got all the charges dismissed. Their skill and tenacity saved my life.”

“I can’t say enough good things about this firm. From day one, they treated me with compassion and gave me a sense of hope during an incredibly dark time. Their legal expertise is second to none, and they worked tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for me.”

“I felt like [Todd Spodek] and his team were always two steps ahead of the federal prosecutors. Their strategic thinking and attention to detail was remarkable. They quite literally saved my freedom and allowed me to move on with my life.”

We could go on, but you get the point. Our attorneys get real results and provide top-notch service every time.