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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU RECEIVE A FEDERAL TARGET LETTER
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU RECEIVE A FEDERAL TARGET LETTER
You check your mail.
You see an official envelope from the United States Attorney’s Office.
You open it, and inside you find a federal target letter. This is no laughing matter.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE IT
A federal target letter is serious. Underline this fact: You cannot just ignore it and hope it goes away. This is part of an investigation, and just the first step. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), a “target” – aka you – is someone against whom the government believes it has substantial evidence tying them to a crime. The target letter is informing you that you’re now in their crosshairs. In other words, you are not merely a witness—the government suspects you of criminal wrongdoing.
No matter where you are in the country, no matter your background, no matter the alleged offense, the nature of a federal target letter means the government is already building a case against you. It means something is coming your way.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEDERAL TARGET LETTER
A target letter often indicates that a grand jury investigation is in progress or will begin soon. The federal target letter may ask you to appear before a grand jury, or it might outline the crimes that federal prosecutors believe you have committed. In either scenario, it’s an invitation to cooperate—or a warning that formal charges could be on the horizon. This is where you need a criminal lawyer to help you.
Visit the official U.S. Attorney’s Office site at https://www.justice.gov/usao to learn more about how prosecutors determine whether to bring charges.
COMMON FEDERAL CRIMES AND PENALTIES
Federal investigations focus on a wide array of crimes. Many are found in Title 18 of the U.S. Code (viewable at CornellLaw School). Crimes frequently leading to federal target letters include:
- White Collar Offenses (fraud, embezzlement, money laundering)
- Drug Conspiracies (importation, distribution, possession with intent)
- Cybercrimes (hacking, identity theft)
- Tax Offenses (tax evasion, filing false returns)
- Public Corruption (bribery, election fraud)
Penalties in federal cases can be harsh. Depending on the offense, you could face:
- Lengthy prison sentences (sometimes decades in a federal facility)
- Massive fines (potentially in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars)
- Supervised release (probationary periods after prison)
- Permanent criminal record (making employment, housing, and licensing difficult)
ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU WHEN DEALING WITH FEDERAL TARGET LETTERS
Regardless of the crime. Regardless of the evidence. Regardless of your innocence.
Any statement you make, intentionally or not, could strengthen the government’s case.
It’s important you not speak, without an attorney present. Do not make any statements to anyone who comes to you.
If someone comes to your home, request that they speak to you when your attorney is there.
EARLY LEGAL COUNSEL MATTERS
When you receive a federal target letter, your first move should be to contact an experienced federal defense attorney. You need a legal team that understands federal procedures, grand jury indictments, plea negotiations, and trial strategies. We at Spodek Law Group have over 50 years of combined experience handling complex investigations nationwide. We have seen how devastating a target letter can be when mishandled. We also know how to fight back.
POTENTIAL STRATEGIES FOR FIGHTING BACK
Strategy #1: Negotiation & Early Intervention
Sometimes, cooperating or negotiating with prosecutors before formal charges are filed can significantly reduce the severity of accusations and charges. By clarifying misunderstandings, or presenting mitigating evidence, we can persuade prosecutors to drop the matter or pursue less serious charges. This is an early way to provide a solution to charges before they’re filed.
Strategy #2: Challenging Evidence & Procedures
Federal agencies like the FBI (https://www.fbi.gov) and other investigators must follow strict guidelines on searches, wiretaps, interviews, and evidence collection. If they violate your constitutional rights, we can file motions to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence. This can weaken the case, and substantially make the prosecutors case harder.
Strategy #3: Creating Reasonable Doubt
At the end of the day, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our lawyers often attacks weaknesses in the government’s evidence—such as unreliable witnesses, contradictory statements, or forensic errors—to ensure you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. This can help you weaken the prosecutors case. It’s a great way at improving the chances of the case getting thrown out later
Strategy #4: Plea Bargaining & Avoiding Harsh Sentences
Even if the evidence is strong, there can be ways to minimize punishment. Under the federal sentencing guidelines (see United States Sentencing Commission), a well-negotiated plea can drastically reduce jail time or eliminate certain charges.
THE ROLE OF THE GRAND JURY
If you’re being summoned before a grand jury, it means prosecutors want testimony or documents to support their case. A grand jury decides whether there is “probable cause” to believe a crime was committed and who should be indicted. It’s critical to understand the following:
- You may be asked to testify under oath. Lying to the grand jury is perjury—another serious crime. This is something which can make your case worse.
- You have the right to counsel, though your attorney may not be in the grand jury room with you. You can, however, step out to consult with your lawyer. If you hire us, we will be there with you to help you.
- This process can be intimidating, but we’re here to protect you.
WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING A TARGET LETTER
- Contact an attorney: Do not wait. Reach out to a skilled federal defense lawyer. We are available 24/7 to guide you.
- Do NOT speak to federal agents: Without legal guidance, you risk incriminating yourself and making agents that make it so you make false admissions. Agents often have extensive training in interrogation techniques—stay silent until legal counsel is present.
- Gather documents: If the target letter references specific information, locate and organize relevant documents.
- Keep calm: Panic leads to poor decisions. Instead, focus on building a strong defense strategy.
REGARDLESS OF THE CASE. REGARDLESS OF THE STAGE. WE CAN HELP YOU.
We understand how overwhelming a federal target letter can be. It feels like your entire future is on the line. But know this: We have defended clients in seemingly unwinnable cases, and we have succeeded.
HOW WE POSITION YOUR DEFENSE
We take a comprehensive approach to your defense:
- Detailed Case Assessment: We go through your target letter line by line, clarifying exactly which statutes and allegations apply.
- Investigative Team: Our network of private investigators, forensic experts, and legal researchers digs for exculpatory evidence to strengthen your case.
- Open Communication: We keep you in the loop at every stage—whether it’s updating you on negotiations, court dates, or new evidence from prosecutors.
- Customized Strategy: No two federal cases are the same. We tailor our strategy—whether that means aiming for dismissal, a solid plea, or an acquittal at trial.
POTENTIAL SENTENCING OUTCOMES
Depending on the crime charged and whether it’s a felony or misdemeanor, federal sentencing can vary widely. Many serious felonies carry mandatory minimums, meaning the judge must impose a certain minimum prison term if you’re convicted or plead guilty. White collar crimes, for instance, can still lead to years in federal prison if the sums involved are large or there are multiple victims.
Moreover, financial penalties can be extensive. You may be ordered to pay restitution to victims, alongside fines that fund government agencies. Probation and supervised release can last for years. And certain convictions might restrict your future job opportunities, professional licenses, and even your right to possess a firearm.
CAN YOU REFUSE TO TESTIFY?
Yes, in certain circumstances you can refuse to testify. You can invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if you believe that answering questions could incriminate you. However, navigating this process requires skill, because improper use of the Fifth can lead to contempt charges if misapplied. Speaking with a criminal attorney is crucial before making any decisions on whether to testify.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
We fight.
We protect.
We stand by your side.
We at Spodek Law Group understand that your life, your reputation, and your freedom depend on how well your attorney handles this. We handle your case with tenacity and empathy. We do not back down. We know how important this is to your family members, and you.
WHAT’S NEXT
- Request a consultation: The sooner we review your target letter, the better we can craft a strategy. We can also proactively take steps to weaken the prosecutors case.
- Compile relevant documents: Anything that might relate to the alleged offense—emails, financial records, phone logs—should be gathered immediately. Do not try deleting, or destroying any evidence that might be needed later, or requested.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on official sources like the DOJ website. Federal rules and policies can change, and your attorney should stay current with them.
CONTACT US BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
You received a federal target letter. That’s serious. But it doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. If you hire our law firm, we can work with you.
At Spodek Law Group, we’ve handled countless federal investigations and guided clients to better outcomes.
We are available 24/7.
We have a proven track record.
We can help you now.
Under federal law, immediate action can be the difference between indictment and a dismissal.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Each case is unique, and reading an article does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Spodek Law Group. Before you do anything, make sure to consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. The information here is based on general legal principles and publicly available government resources. Laws are subject to change, and the application of those laws depends on individual facts and circumstances.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE