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Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested?
Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested?
Does a Target Letter Automatically Mean Indictment or Arrest?
Not necessarily. A target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors, often the U.S. Department of Justice, that you’re considered a “target” in a criminal investigation. It signals that the government believes it has substantial evidence linking you to a federal offense. But it doesn’t guarantee an indictment or arrest right away.
Potential Penalties and Crimes
If indicted and convicted, the penalties can be significant. Some can include:
- Prison Sentences ranging from 1 year to life, depending on the statute and sentencing guidelines. There are multiple variables which lead to this conclusion.
- Hefty Fines that can unfortunately reach hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars, for extensive financial crimes.
- Probation or Supervised Release with strict conditions.
- Restitution to victims.
Federal judges often refer to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines when determining punishments. These guidelines can be strict, and mandatory minimum sentences may apply in certain drug-related or violent offenses.
Why Does the Government Send Target Letters?
Under Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 6(e) (Cornell Law School), grand jury proceedings are secret. A target letter is often a strategic move by the prosecution to:
- Encourage voluntary cooperation.
- Inform you that you may have legal exposure (so you can obtain counsel).
- Potentially obtain a plea agreement before an official indictment is filed.
What Happens Next If an Indictment is Returned?
- You’ll be formally charged.
- An arraignment date will be set, where you’ll be informed of the charges.
- Bail or detention could be addressed.
But indictments are not the end of the road. They’re merely formal allegations. We scrutinize every piece of evidence, challenge unconstitutional searches and seizures, file pre-trial motions, and fight for case dismissal or favorable plea arrangements.
Remember: An indictment is not a conviction. Many cases can be won or resolved on favorable terms.
Our Strategies to Defend You
We have a proactive approach:
- Early Intervention: The moment you receive a target letter, we can help you by contacting the Assistant U.S. Attorney handling your case. Sometimes, clarifications or additional facts can defuse the situation.
- Evidence Review: We collect documents, speak to potential witnesses, and scrutinize every detail the government might be using against you.
- Negotiation or Pre-Indictment Resolution: In some cases, we can negotiate a declination of prosecution or a reduced charge. Our attorneys have relationships with prosecutors – but our loyalty is always to you.
- Trial-Ready Mindset: If your case does go before a grand jury, we’re fully ready to fight for a dismissal, or, if indicted, to prepare a powerful defense for trial.
We pride ourselves on providing the best possible legal representation at all stages of your case.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand the fear and anxiety that come with receiving a federal grand jury subpoena or target letter. We have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough federal cases nationwide.
NYC CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS
OVER 50 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
We Fight. We Protect. We Win.
Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation criminal defense lawyer who has handled thousands of criminal defense cases. One of Todd’s clients was the subject of the now-famous Netflix series about Anna Delvey. We’ve also handled juror misconduct allegations, high-profile celebrity investigations, and other complex federal cases.
Why Choose Us
- Multiple Offices and a digital portal for easy client collaboration.
- Top Rated Criminal Lawyers who have been featured on major news outlets.
- Experience dealing with investigations conducted by federal agencies across the USA.
- A proven record of achieving dismissals and favorable plea bargains.
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