Blog
What Is A Federal Target Letter
FEDERAL TARGET LETTERS: WHAT THEY MEAN AND HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Have you received a letter from a federal prosecutor, warning that you’re under investigation?
AS SEEN ON
We’ve seen countless situations like this. At Spodek Law Group, we are recognized as a top rated state, and federal, criminal defense law firm. Our objective is to win cases – and resolve them successfully, especially when it comes to federal target letters.
Juror in Ghislaine Maxwell mistrial scandal retains Anna Sorokin’s lawyer.
That’s just one example of high-profile legal matters where our attorneys have provided insight. If you’re reading this because you got a federal target letter, you’re probably worried, confused, and eager for answers. Keep reading—here’s everything you should know.
WHAT IS A FEDERAL TARGET LETTER?
According to the Department of Justice, a federal target letter is an official notification that you are the “target” of a criminal investigation. Being a target typically indicates the government has substantial evidence linking you to a potential crime. You can learn more about federal investigations on the DOJ’s official site at https://www.justice.gov.
Getting one of these letters can send shivers down your spine. It usually comes from a U.S. Attorney’s Office and outlines alleged violations of federal statutes—things like wire fraud, money laundering, drug offenses, and more. Regardless of the alleged crime, receiving a target letter means prosecutors are actively building a case that may lead to an indictment.
WHY YOU’RE A TARGET
The Department of Justice divides those caught up in federal investigations into three broad categories: witness, subject, and target. A federal target is someone the government believes has committed a crime. This designation is serious. Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, it’s crucial you speak to an experienced federal defense attorney—fast.
TYPICAL FEDERAL CRIMES AND PENALTIES
If your target letter references violations of Title 18 of the United States Code, or other federal laws, expect potential charges like:
- Wire Fraud – Can carry up to 20 years in federal prison, plus massive fines.
- Money Laundering – Often leads to hefty fines and sentences of 10 years or more.
- Drug Trafficking – Depending on the amount/seriousness, punishments can include lengthy prison terms (sometimes mandatory minimums) and property forfeiture.
- Conspiracy Charges – Prosecutors often employ conspiracy statutes for broader liability, potentially adding decades of incarceration.
The exact penalties depend on the federal sentencing guidelines, prior criminal history, and any aggravating circumstances. You can read more about potential punishments on the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s site at https://www.ussc.gov.
WE CAN HELP YOU
If you want a top rated federal criminal defense lawyer, it’s likely Spodek Law Group is on your radar – and capable of winning your case. We’ve handled extremely challenging legal issues from coast to coast. Our criminal lawyers understand how prosecutors build cases and know how to counter them effectively.
OUR STRATEGIES FOR DEFENDING YOU
We believe a strong defense starts before indictment. Once you receive a target letter, the clock is ticking, and we begin:
- Immediate Investigation
We gather all relevant documents and any evidence you have. Our attorneys contact potential witnesses, scrutinize the government’s claims, and look for procedural errors. - Pre-Indictment Advocacy
We communicate directly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigate if there’s an opportunity to resolve the investigation before formal charges are filed. In some cases, we can persuade prosecutors they don’t have enough evidence to move forward. Sometimes getting the case dismissed without formal charges is the best way to deal with the case. - Negotiations and Cooperation
If necessary, we will assess whether partial cooperation could be beneficial. The government might offer reduced charges or immunity—but only if it genuinely serves your best interests. There are many ways to get a good outcome, through negotiation and cooperation with the government. - Challenging The Evidence
Our lawyers will hunt for any missteps by law enforcement—like an unconstitutional search or seizure. If evidence was obtained illegally, we file motions to suppress it. - Trial Preparation
If prosecutors insist on pursuing charges, our criminal defense attorneys prepare a robust defense. We line up expert witnesses, re-check every piece of data for weaknesses, and stay 100% ready to argue your innocence before a jury.
WHY SPEED MATTERS
When you’re labeled a target, it’s not a time for procrastination. Prosecutors don’t sit idle – they are moving, and having limitless resources. They often use grand jury subpoenas, interview witnesses, and analyze bank records to build their case. Every moment you wait without counsel is a lost opportunity to protect yourself. Regardless of where your case is, we encourage you to act now. We are available 24/7, to provide a risk free consultation.
JUROR IN GHISLAINE MAXWELL MISTRIAL SCANDAL RETAINS ANNA SOROKIN’S LAWYER.
That underscores our national reputation for handling sensitive, high-stakes cases. Our criminal defense lawyers know how to navigate legal controversies in the media spotlight—or behind closed doors.
POTENTIAL OUTCOMES
Receiving a target letter doesn’t guarantee an indictment. It’s just the beginning of the case. Outcomes vary:
- No Indictment – If we present enough mitigating facts, prosecutors might drop the matter.
- Reduced Charges – Sometimes your legal team can negotiate a lesser offense that avoids mandatory minimums.
- Plea Bargain – If the evidence is strong, it may be advantageous to secure a plea agreement that limits penalties. We can work to negotiate a plea bargain that is in your favor.
- Full Trial – If prosecutors won’t budge, we are unafraid of fighting in court to prove your innocence. We will go to court to win your case if needed.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A FEDERAL TARGET LETTER?
First, don’t attempt to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office on your own. You risk incriminating yourself or giving prosecutors more ammunition to convict you. Second, gather any documents mentioned in the letter, as well as any related emails, receipts, or records. Third, contact a federal defense lawyer right away to get a risk free consultation today.
SPODEK LAW GROUP: OVER 50 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
We are recognized as a premier, and award winning, law firm handling federal cases nationwide. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, has been seen on major news outlets, and is committed to getting you the best possible outcome.
Our attorneys are here to help you, 24/7.
SPEAK TO A CRIMINAL LAWYER NOW
We aim to make your life easier by offering a digital portal for communication, invoicing, document submission, and more. That means you can speak to us from anywhere in the USA and get updates on your case in real time. We pride ourselves on thorough communication and straightforward advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I ignore the target letter?
Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Prosecutors can still seek an indictment without your cooperation. You risk missing the chance to avert charges before formal indictment.
Can I represent myself in court?
Technically, yes. But federal criminal law is complicated. Having experienced NYC Criminal Lawyers can mean the difference between charges dismissed and years in prison. You should hire a private attorney, self-representation is usually a mistake.
What if the prosecutor wants me to testify before a grand jury?
Talk to us first. Testifying without legal advice can be extremely risky. We’ll help you decide if you should comply, negotiate immunity, or invoke your rights. If you speak to us, we’ll advise you on what to do.
WE CAN HELP YOU
If you’ve received a federal target letter, we understand the fear and shock you’re going through. At Spodek Law Group, we fight—relentlessly—to protect you. We know how to find weaknesses in the government’s case, and we’ll exploit every opportunity to resolve your situation favorably. We are dedicated and committed to helping you.