Criminal Defense Lawyers

What You Need to Know About Federal Target Letters

What You Need to Know About Federal Target Letters

Imagine this: You’re going about your day, minding your own business, when suddenly a letter arrives from the U.S. Department of Justice. Your heart races as you open it with trembling hands. It’s a federal target letter, and it says you’re under investigation for a serious federal crime.At Spodek Law Group, we understand how terrifying and overwhelming this experience can be. You likely have a million questions racing through your mind:

• What does this mean?
• Am I going to be arrested?
• What should I do next?

Take a deep breath. You’ve come to the right place. Our team of experienced federal defense attorneys is here to guide you through this daunting process and protect your rights every step of the way.In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about federal target letters – what they are, what they mean, and most importantly, what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you receive one.So pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive in together. With our help, you can face this challenge with confidence and clarity.

What Exactly is a Federal Target Letter?

A federal target letter is basically the government’s way of telling you that you’re in deep trouble. It means they have substantial evidence that you’ve committed a federal crime and they’re seriously considering indicting you.The letter will usually outline:

• The specific federal offense(s) you’re suspected of committing
• Your constitutional rights, like the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
• A request for you to testify before a grand jury

Now, receiving a target letter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be indicted. But it does mean that you’re a primary focus of a federal criminal investigation, which is a very serious matter.These letters can come from various federal agencies, like the FBI, DEA, or IRS. Regardless of which agency sends it, the implications are the same – you’re in the crosshairs of a federal investigation and you need to take action immediately to protect yourself.

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George Fernandez

14:16 30 Apr 24

Excellent 10 out of 10, Helped resolve my case. Jeremy explained everything and made everything easy to understand.

Raj

21:33 24 Apr 24

If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!

Yelva Saint-Preux

19:26 19 Apr 24

I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.

Katherine Sun

18:08 18 Apr 24

my lawyer is Alex Zhik. Efficient, patient and professional

Nun ya

17:48 18 Apr 24

Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.

Keisha Parris

20:45 15 Mar 24

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

16:26 15 Mar 24

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!

K Mar

01:37 25 Jan 24

I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.

The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid After Receiving a Target Letter

When that ominous letter arrives, it’s natural to panic. Your mind starts racing with questions and your first instinct may be to start talking – to the agents, to your friends and family, to anyone who will listen.Resist that urge. Seriously, do not start blabbing to everyone about your situation. Here are some of the biggest mistakes we see people make after receiving a target letter:

1. Talking to Federal Agents

You may think you can talk your way out of trouble or clear up the misunderstanding. Don’t fall into this trap. Federal agents are highly skilled at getting people to incriminate themselves. Anything you say can and will be used against you.If agents show up at your door or call you on the phone, politely decline to speak with them and direct them to your attorney. It’s your constitutional right to remain silent – use it!

2. Destroying or Concealing Evidence

If you think you can make this all go away by shredding some documents or deleting some emails, think again. Destroying evidence is a federal crime in itself, known as obstruction of justice. And it will only make you look more guilty.Leave everything as is and let your attorney advise you on dealing with any relevant evidence.

3. Reaching Out to Witnesses or Alleged Victims

You may be tempted to reach out to other people involved in the investigation to get your stories straight or convince them not to testify. Again, don’t do this. It could be construed as witness tampering, another federal offense.Let your attorney handle all communications related to the investigation. Speaking of which…

Your First Step: Hiring an Experienced Federal Defense Attorney

If you take away one thing from this article, let it be this: your first and most crucial step after receiving a target letter is to retain a skilled federal defense attorney.Do not try to navigate this process alone. The federal criminal justice system is incredibly complex, and the stakes are astronomically high. You need a savvy legal expert on your side to protect your rights and mount your defense.But not just any criminal defense attorney will do. You need someone with specific experience in federal cases, ideally with the particular crime you’re accused of. Federal court is a whole different ballgame than state court.At Spodek Law Group, our battle-tested federal defense attorneys have successfully handled countless federal investigations and prosecutions. We know the ins and outs of the federal system and we’re ready to fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.Don’t wait – the sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help. Call our offices anytime at 212-300-5196 for a confidential consultation.

What Happens Next? The Federal Investigation Process

So you’ve received a target letter and hired a rockstar attorney (hopefully us!). What happens next in this harrowing process? Here’s a brief overview:

The Grand Jury Investigation

In the federal system, felony charges typically have to be brought through a grand jury indictment. That’s why target letters often request your testimony before a grand jury.Now, testifying is rarely advisable when you’re a target. Your attorney will usually assert your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. But in some cases, it may be strategically beneficial to testify, if you have a compelling defense. This is something to discuss carefully with your attorney.It’s important to understand that a grand jury proceeding is very different from a trial. There’s no judge or defense attorney present. It’s not an adversarial process – the prosecutor runs the show and presents only the evidence they want the grand jury to hear.And grand jury proceedings are secret. If you do testify, don’t expect to hear about the outcome. The grand jury will either vote to indict (a “true bill”) or not (a “no bill”), but that result is not public until and unless an indictment is filed.

Negotiating with the Prosecutor

While a grand jury investigation is pending, your attorney will likely reach out to the prosecutor to discuss your case. This is a critical window of opportunity to advocate for your interests and potentially influence the charging decision.Your attorney may present exculpatory evidence, mitigating factors, or legal defenses to persuade the prosecutor not to bring charges, or to bring lesser charges. They may also explore the possibility of a pre-indictment plea bargain, if that’s in your best interest.Much of this negotiation happens behind the scenes, so don’t be alarmed if you’re not privy to every discussion. Trust your attorney – they’re your champion and they’re working hard to get you the best outcome possible.

Indictment and Arrest

If the grand jury votes to indict, the next step is usually an arrest. Yeah, we know – scary stuff. But don’t panic. Your attorney will help you arrange a self-surrender if possible, to avoid a surprise arrest at your home or work.You’ll be processed (fingerprints, mugshot, the whole nine yards) and brought before a judge for an initial appearance and arraignment. This is where you’ll enter your initial plea (almost always “not guilty” at this stage).Your attorney will also argue for bail so you can remain free while the case is pending. In federal court, there’s a presumption in favor of pretrial release unless you’re a flight risk or danger to the community.And that’s just the beginning. An indictment kicks off a whole new phase of the process, with discovery, motions, plea bargaining, and potentially a trial. But one step at a time. Your attorney will guide you through each stage and keep fighting for your freedom.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone – We’re Here to Help

Phew! We know that was a lot of heavy information to digest. Facing a federal investigation is undeniably daunting and stressful.But here’s the good news – you don’t have to go through this alone. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been down this road many times before, and we know exactly how to navigate it to get you the best possible result.We’re not just a law firm – we’re a team of warriors, ready to go to battle for you. We’ll leave no stone unturned in building your defense and fighting for your freedom.So if you’ve received a federal target letter, don’t hesitate – contact us immediately for a confidential consultation. Call us anytime at 212-300-5196 or visit our website at https://www.federallawyers.com.Remember – the sooner you get us on your side, the more we can do to help. Let us take the weight of this terrifying situation off your shoulders and fight fiercely for your future.Together, we’ll get through this.