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What Is A Federal Target Letter Lawyers
What Is a Federal Target Letter Lawyers
If you’re on this page, it’s because you, or someone you love, might’ve received a federal target letter – and now you’re worried. At Spodek Law Group, we get how unsettling it is to find out the federal government is looking at you. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling federal criminal defense nationwide, so we know this situation is extremely serious. A federal target letter isn’t a random letter you can ignore. It’s a direct notification from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, stating you’re the main focus in an ongoing federal investigation, and you need legal help now.
We frequently see people assume that if they’ve never been in trouble before, there must be a misunderstanding. That may be true – or it may not. A federal target letter typically means prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to bring formal charges. Maybe they’re looking at potential wire fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, or a possible conspiracy violation, under 18 U.S.C. § 371. The bottom line is: the government doesn’t send these letters lightly. At Spodek Law Group, our immediate task is to figure out if there’s a path to avoiding an indictment by negotiating early. Sometimes, we request a “proffer session” with federal prosecutors to clarify misconceptions. Other times, we advise clients to stay silent if it’s clear the government is fishing for self-incriminating statements.
Federal cases are very different from state prosecutions. Issues like double jeopardy can arise if you’ve already dealt with a state-level case for related allegations. You might think, “I beat the charges in local court, so I’m off the hook.” But in federal court, prosecutors represent a separate sovereign. We’ve seen situations where a client had state charges dismissed – yet the feds came in with new evidence and decided to prosecute all over again under federal statutes. That’s why reading a target letter isn’t enough. You need to act.
What are the stakes? The federal sentencing guidelines can be severe. Federal prosecutors tend to come prepared. By the time you receive a target letter, they’ve likely spent months or even years building a case. They might have digital surveillance, cooperating witnesses, or financial records they subpoenaed. Many federal offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, which means the judge’s hands could be tied if a conviction happens. Once an indictment is filed, it’s tough to unwind the process. That’s why we aim to intervene before charges are set in stone.
Below is a short table illustrating scenarios we often see, plus the potential penalties and possible strategies we might employ:
| Type of Allegation | Potential Penalties | Our Defense Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Up to 20 years in federal prison, large fines, restitution obligations | Show lack of intent, highlight misinterpretation of business activity, challenge evidence |
| Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Up to 5 years in prison, probation in certain contexts, substantial fines | Argue no agreement existed, question credibility of cooperating witnesses |
| Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956) | Up to 20 years in prison, heavy fines, asset forfeitures | Trace legitimate origins of funds, dispute the government’s financial records |
| Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841) | Lengthy mandatory minimums, supervised release, property seizures | Raise illegal search and seizure, entrapment defenses, chain-of-custody failures |
Here’s how we handle these cases. First, we have a detailed consultation – either by phone or in person. You tell us about the letter, what it says, the agents who delivered it, and anything else you know. Sometimes the letter references a grand jury or a specific criminal statute. Other times, it’s vague. Regardless, we need to move fast. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office is inviting you to testify before a grand jury, you need to understand the risks. Voluntary testimony can be a trap if you’re not fully prepared. Anything you say can be used against you. We typically step in, contact the assigned prosecutor, and see if there’s room for negotiation. You might have information that helps the government go after bigger targets. Or maybe they misunderstood your role entirely. Whichever path we choose, our job is to protect you at every turn.
Another concern is the trial penalty. If you decide to fight, and lose, you could face harsher sentences than you’d have gotten in a plea deal. Federal prosecutors are known to offer pleas that trade cooperation or admissions of guilt for reduced prison time. But that’s not always the best path. We’ve taken numerous federal cases to trial when the evidence was weak or the defendant had a solid legal defense. Sometimes, fighting is the right call – especially if the government’s entire case hinges on questionable testimony from co-conspirators who struck deals for leniency. It depends on the circumstances, and we’re here to give you honest advice about your odds.
We also see a lot of confusion about sentencing guidelines. Federal judges consult the United States Sentencing Guidelines to figure out a recommended range for prison time. The guidelines look at the offense level, criminal history, and aggravating factors like the amount of loss in a fraud case or the quantity of drugs in a trafficking case. If the government claims the loss amount is $500,000, that can push you into a much higher sentencing bracket than if the actual total is only $50,000. Our job is to challenge every piece of the government’s case – especially these crucial numbers – to lower the recommended sentence. If we can show the government is inflating the alleged losses or overestimating drug weight, the recommended sentence drops, and judges often follow these guidelines closely.
We’re also proactive about constitutional defenses. Was the search of your home or business lawful? Did the government properly execute wiretaps or subpoena records? If there’s a Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment violation, we might file a motion to suppress that evidence. Without it, the government’s case could crumble. We recently handled a situation where the FBI seized client computers without a valid warrant. Once we pressed that issue in court, prosecutors realized key evidence would be thrown out. They dropped the most serious charges, and our client avoided prison time.
Sometimes you’ll hear conflicting advice about cooperating early vs. staying silent. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. In certain cases, providing info quickly can result in no charges being filed at all. In others, it can trap you into statements the government later twists. That’s why you need to speak to experienced attorneys who know the particular U.S. Attorney’s Office you’re dealing with. Our Spodek Law Group attorneys practice nationwide. We handle cases coast to coast, so we have a handle on local procedures and personalities. Each district has its quirks. We make it our priority to know them.
We also see less common scenarios, such as parallel civil and criminal investigations – or situations where multiple federal districts are fighting for jurisdiction. It can get complicated when the alleged conduct crosses state lines, or when agencies like the SEC, IRS, or Department of Homeland Security also have an interest. We coordinate your defense holistically, because anything you say in a civil investigation can be used in the criminal one, and vice versa. It’s our job to make sure you don’t accidentally harm your own defense.
At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on providing the best possible customer service. That means transparent communication, an online portal for document sharing, and 24/7 availability. We understand your freedom and reputation are on the line. It also means we’re selective about who we work with. We want to ensure we can truly help you. If you’re dealing with a federal target letter – or suspect you might get one – reach out now. Don’t wait for an indictment to drop in your mailbox. The earlier we start, the better chance we have of heading off a disaster.