about
About Our Firm
The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman provides equally vigorous defenses to both high-profile clients and everyday people who face federal and state criminal charges. We stand ready, willing, and able to put prosecutors to their burden of proof.
areas
Our Areas Of Practice
With extensive experience in all facets of criminal law, our practice involves all aspects of criminal defense work including defending those involved in state and federal matters, from initial investigations through appeals.
results
Our Client Results
We have a proven record of success in both complex federal matters and state court cases across the country that has been recognized by peers and clients alike. These successes range from not guilty verdicts, dismal of charges, and lenient sentences.
Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago
Dedication makes the difference at The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman. Federal criminal charges must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately with the most proficient and skilled defense strategy available. Many people do not appreciate the significant differences between state and federal criminal matters.
In a few ways, these two items are alike. But in most ways, especially procedural matters, they are very different. Attorneys who approach state and federal criminal matters the same way usually struggle to obtain the best possible result under the circumstances.
On a related note, many people do not fully appreciate the direct and indirect consequences of a criminal conviction. Typically, even following a serious felony conviction, the cell doors open eventually. But the collateral effects of a criminal conviction usually have no expiration date.
Even after a sentence is served, the ongoing stigma and negative life implications can continue. A Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer can only erase these convictions from permanent records in limited situations.
Short-sighted lawyers only think about today and fail to recognize procedural differences until it is too late. But the visionary Chicago federal criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman never lose sight of the big picture. We are always mindful of the direct and collateral consequences of a federal criminal conviction, so we work hard to reduce or eliminate both of them.
At the same time, we pay close attention to details. In our experience, small details are often the difference between a guilty and not-guilty verdict at trial. Let us use this experience to help you and your family through a difficult time in life.
Our Approach
Laws change, but the principles behind these laws normally do not change. So, for many years, we have used basically the same approach in federal criminal defense matters.
We begin with a thorough review of your case as opposed to a cursory review of the facts. We pay close attention to the details present and take careful note of any details which are absent. In court, prosecutors must prove every element of the case, and not just some of the elements. This review helps us identify all possible defenses in a criminal matter. These defenses usually fit into one of three categories:
- Procedural: The rules of criminal procedure and investigation are not just technicalities. They are based on Constitutional provisions which are the bedrock of our democracy. Most procedural defenses involve the Fourth Amendment’s provisions concerning search warrants and the Fifth Amendment’s guarantees of individual rights.
- Substantive: As mentioned, prosecutors must establish every element of every offense beyond any reasonable doubt. Guilt or innocence in criminal court are not moral or religious terms. Many defendants are morally guilty but they are not legally guilty of the charges they face. Legal guilt is our only concern, and we ensure that jurors stay focused as well.
- Affirmative: These defenses are risky because they require defendants to admit their legal guilt. However, they have worked successfully in the past, and they will work in the future. Common affirmative defenses include entrapment, or illegal enticement to commit a crime, self-defense, and consent which is usually a lack of affirmative non-consent.
Identifying defenses is only part of the puzzle. The best defense on earth is useless unless a skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer knows how to leverage that defense. At The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman, we have the requisite skills.
Over 95% of federal criminal cases settle out of court. These negotiations are not unlike poker games. You do not just play the hand you are dealt. You know what is needed to improve your hand, and you are mindful of the cards the other players are holding.
Of course, this analogy is incomplete. Attorneys have almost total control over plea negotiations. Furthermore, there is a lot more at stake than a few poker chips.
The high out-of-court settlement rate in federal court gives many attorneys a false sense of security. They assume the case will settle, so there is no need for thorough preparation. But at The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman, we always assume the case will go the distance, so we are always prepared to go to the mat for you.
Criminal Charges
We Handle
Drug possession is one of the most common charges in federal criminal court. Authorities arrest over a million people a year for drug crimes, and almost 90% of these arrests are possession matters.
The Drug Enforcement Agency’s drug schedule is significantly different from the one that state authorities use. Marijuana is a good illustration. This substance is legal for most purposes under Illinois law. But the DEA classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin, LSD, and Ecstacy.
We also handle many white-collar crimes, mostly because authorities are very aggressive in terms of arrests and prosecutions in this area. Some examples include:
- Bank Fraud: This umbrella term covers a wide range of fraudulent offenses, such as mortgage fraud and loan fraud. Banks have successfully lobbied for very strong laws in this area, and they are anxious to make an example out of any person who dares to cross the line.
- Money Laundering: Many people associate this offense with complex schemes that involve huge sums of money and international shell corporations. That’s true in a few cases. But many money laundering prosecutions focus on smaller transactions, like unusual cash transactions and questionable prepaid debit card purchases. Additionally, many money launderers do not fully know the details of the criminal enterprise. Regardless of the amount of money involved, the penalties for money laundering are usually the same.
- Healthcare Fraud: Overbilling and miscoding are two of the most common healthcare fraud matters in Chicago. Government prosecutors must prove that the defendant had the required intent in these cases. A mistake, even a negligent mistake, is usually insufficient. Other healthcare fraud prosecutions involve reimbursement requests for services not provided.
- Immigration Fraud: Other than drug possession, immigration fraud is probably the most common criminal fraud charge in federal court. Marriage fraud and document fraud are perhaps the most common matters in this area. There is a big difference between an unhappy or unwise marriage and an illegal one. And, many counterfeit or unauthorized documents look so much like real ones that it’s hard for non-experts to tell the difference.
Many white-collar criminal matters have related civil proceedings, like forfeiture proceedings or tax audits. At The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman, we provide representation in these matters as well.
The Federal
Criminal Process
Every successful criminal defense begins with prompt jail release. Extended pretrial detention essentially removes the presumption of innocence and replaces it with a presumption of guilt.
Jail release in federal court is perhaps one of the biggest procedural differences between state and federal court. So, only an experienced Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer is able to start on the right foot. All these procedures vary significantly in different courts. Judges have a great deal of discretion to make their own rules.
State defendants usually have several jail release options. But a surety bond is usually the only alternative in a federal criminal case. Furthermore, only federal magistrates have the power to set bail in these cases. Some other restrictions apply as well. For example, most magistrates require a second Nebbia hearing to ensure that the surety is completely unrelated to any criminal activity.
Later, at the first appearance, the judge usually admonishes the defendant as to certain rights and addresses the matter of legal representation. The Federal Public Defender represents a few defendants based on financial need. But most defendants have the opportunity to partner with the Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer of their own choosing.
As the case moves forward, lawyers develop defenses, and settlement negotiations progress, defendants must usually choose between a plea bargain agreement and a trial. Plea agreements are subject to the Federal Sentencing Act. This additional oversight is another significant difference between state and federal criminal charges.
The trial could be in front of a jury or solely before the judge. Other options, such as a mini-trial and a slow plea, which is basically a combination of a plea and a jury trial, may be available as well.
Connect with an Experienced Cook County Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
When you work with the aggressive, strategic legal team at The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman, the objective is to always secure a not guilty verdict or complete dismissal of charges. If these things aren’t possible, we engineer the most advantageous plea deal. Throughout every step of the criminal defense process, we are focused on securing the most favorable outcome possible.
Federal or state criminal charges can be unnerving and frightening, but a number of successful resolutions are available. For a confidential consultation with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Chicago, do not wait to contact The Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman by calling 312-726-9015. We stand ready, willing, and able to put prosecutors to their burden of proof. Convenient payment plans are available.
When you only have one call to make, make sure it is the right one.
We are here to defend your rights!
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news
In The News
Some of our work has been highlighted by several of these publications. When a case receives pretrial media attention, it is necessary to hire an attorney who is comfortable and capable handling the sensitive nature of the representation.
Vrdolyak associate sentenced to 2 years in prison for tax evasion scheme tied to tobacco settlement
Jon Seidel | Chicago Sun-Times | March 3, 2020
R. Kelly's former manager steps up defense against victim payout claims
FOX 32 Chicago | July 18, 2019
Our Office
Law Offices of Vadim A. Glozman
53 W Jackson Blvd
Ste 1128,
Chicago, IL 60604
312.726.9015