Criminal Defense Lawyers

Austin, Texas Federal Target Letters

You Received a Federal Target Letter in Austin – Now What?

What is a Federal Target Letter?

In simple terms, a target letter is a notification from federal prosecutors that you are the target of a criminal investigation. It means the government believes they have substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime. The letter will likely state the general nature of the investigation and the agency involved, like the FBI, DEA, or IRS. It may also include a request for you to take certain actions, such as:

• Testify before a grand jury
• Meet with the prosecuting U.S. Attorney
• Provide documents or evidence

Most importantly, the target letter signals that an indictment could be coming if the prosecutor can further build their case against you. Now you’re probably thinking – this sounds pretty serious, right? You’re not wrong. Receiving a target letter is definitely a big deal that requires your immediate attention.But here’s the key thing to understand:A target letter is not formal criminal charges or a conviction. It’s simply a notification that you are squarely in the government’s investigative crosshairs. The good news? By taking swift and strategic action, it may be possible to resolve the case before charges are ever filed. And that’s exactly what an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer like myself can help you do.

Why Do Prosecutors Send Target Letters?

Federal prosecutors have a few different reasons for issuing target letters:

1. To Inform You of the Investigation
   The letter officially notifies you that you are under scrutiny for potential criminal conduct.
2. To Advise You of Your Rights
   Target letters outline your constitutional rights, including the right to legal counsel.
3. To Seek Your Cooperation
   Prosecutors may use the letter to request your testimony, documents, or a proffer (informal meeting) in hopes you will cooperate.
4. To Induce Certain Actions
   By putting you on notice, prosecutors may intend to prompt you to take actions that could provide further incriminating evidence.
5. As a Strategic Move
   Issuing a target letter can be a tactical decision by prosecutors to gain leverage or intelligence in building their case.

While a target letter doesn’t guarantee an indictment is imminent, it does indicate the investigation against you has escalated to a serious level. Prompt legal representation is crucial.

First Steps After Receiving a Target Letter

If you get a target letter, the first steps you take are absolutely critical. Here’s what you need to do immediately:

1. Hire an Experienced Federal Defense Lawyer – Now

As soon as you receive that letter, your priority is to hire a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – just call a lawyer.Why is this so important? Because anything you say or do from this point forward can potentially be used against you. With so much at stake, you need an expert legal advocate in your corner to protect your rights.An experienced defense lawyer can:

• Fully review the letter and allegations
• Advise you on legal strategy and next steps
• Engage with prosecutors on your behalf
• Prepare you for potential grand jury testimony
• Fight to get the charges dismissed or reduced
• Represent you if charges are ultimately filed

Trying to go it alone or simply hoping for the best is a recipe for disaster. Hire a proven federal defense attorney you can trust – like those at Spodek Law Group.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

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

2024-03-15

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!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

2. Go Into Full Lockdown Mode

From the moment you receive a target letter, you need to go into complete lockdown mode:

• Do NOT speak to federal investigators or prosecutors without your lawyer present – no matter how small the discussion may seem. Anything you say can potentially be used against you.
• Do NOT destroy or conceal any documents, emails, mobile devices or other potential evidence. This can easily lead to additional obstruction charges on top of the original investigation.
• Do NOT lie or mislead investigators if they do approach you before you’ve hired a lawyer. This can compound your legal troubles significantly.
• Do NOT assume you can easily talk your way out of this situation on your own. Federal prosecutors are skilled and determined. You need an equally skilled defense attorney on your side.
• Do NOT take a “wait and see” approach, hoping the investigation will just go away. It won’t. You need to take decisive action to defend yourself.

The bottom line is that from the moment you receive a target letter, you are in the federal government’s crosshairs. Any missteps could seriously jeopardize your freedom and your future. So the prudent path is to go into complete lockdown mode – remain silent, remove yourself from the situation, and allow an experienced federal criminal lawyer to take the lead.

3. Let Your Lawyer Engage with Prosecutors

Once you’ve hired legal counsel, let your attorney take the reins in engaging with federal prosecutors and agents. Specifically, your lawyer can:

• Contact the assigned prosecutor to open a line of dialogue
• Request additional information about the evidence and allegations
• Potentially negotiate for a pre-indictment resolution
• Advise you on whether to accept an invitation for informal meetings (proffers)
• Assert your constitutional rights against self-incrimination
• Argue against formal charges if warranted by the facts

The key is having an experienced legal advocate who knows the intricacies of the federal justice system. Your lawyer can navigate this process strategically to position you for the best possible outcome. While this situation is undoubtedly stressful, try to stay calm and let your attorney be your voice. The risks of going directly against federal prosecutors are far too high.

What Not to Do After a Target Letter

I’ve covered the crucial “dos” after getting a target letter. Now let me warn you about some of the biggest “don’ts” I always caution my clients against:

• Do NOT speak to federal investigators or prosecutors without your lawyer present, no matter how small the discussion may seem. As I said, anything you say can potentially be used against you.
• Do NOT destroy or conceal any documents, emails, mobile devices or other potential evidence. This can easily lead to additional obstruction charges on top of the original investigation.
• Do NOT lie or mislead investigators if they do approach you before you’ve hired a lawyer. This can compound your legal troubles significantly.
• Do NOT assume you can easily talk your way out of this situation on your own. Federal prosecutors are skilled and determined. You need an equally skilled defense attorney on your side.
• Do NOT take a “wait and see” approach, hoping the investigation will just go away. It won’t. You need to take decisive action to defend yourself.

The bottom line is that from the moment you receive a target letter, you are in the federal government’s crosshairs. Any missteps could seriously jeopardize your freedom and your future. So the prudent path is to go into complete lockdown mode – remain silent, remove yourself from the situation, and allow an experienced federal criminal lawyer to take the lead.

What Happens After You Hire a Lawyer

Once you’ve retained a skilled federal criminal defense attorney, they will spring into action to protect your interests. Here’s what that might look like:

Your Lawyer Will Gather All the Facts

First, your lawyer needs to get up to speed on every aspect of your situation and the government’s case against you. This will involve:

• Reviewing the target letter thoroughly
• Requesting evidence and documentation from prosecutors
• Interviewing you extensively to understand your side
• Identifying potential witnesses
• Examining the prosecutor’s legal theories and accusations

Having full command of the facts is critical for your lawyer to start mapping out a comprehensive defense strategy tailored specifically to your circumstances.

They Will Evaluate All Possible Defenses

Based on the evidence, your lawyer will analyze all potential defenses that could be raised, such as:

• Challenging the prosecution’s legal theories and interpretations
• Arguing no actual crime was committed
• Claiming lack of criminal intent
• Identifying constitutional violations by investigators
• Questioning the reliability of witnesses/informants
• Casting doubt on physical evidence through expert analysis

Your lawyer will explore every possible avenue to poke holes in the government’s case and establish reasonable doubt.

Your Lawyer May Seek a Negotiated Resolution

In some cases, your attorney may advise trying to negotiate a pre-indictment resolution with prosecutors. This could involve:

• Arguing for your declination as a target
• Seeking an non-prosecution agreement
• Working towards a favorable plea bargain

However, any potential negotiations require extreme care and legal expertise. Your lawyer will weigh the pros and cons to determine if this path is in your best interests or not.

If Charges Are Filed, Your Lawyer Will Fight Them

If prosecutors move forward with filing criminal charges against you, your lawyer will fight them aggressively, potentially by:

• Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Rigorously preparing your defense for trial
• Forcefully cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses
• Presenting exculpatory evidence and expert witnesses
• Delivering impassioned arguments for your acquittal

With the right legal team on your side, you can be confident you’ll receive a vigorous defense against any federal charges.

What If I Don’t Hire a Lawyer?

At this point, you may be wondering – what if I just ignore the target letter or try to handle this myself without a lawyer? In a word – don’t.Representing yourself against the virtually unlimited resources of the federal government is an enormous risk that I would strongly advise against.Federal prosecutors have teams of experienced agents and attorneys working tirelessly to build cases. If you try to go it alone, you’ll be overmatched from the start. More importantly, anything you say or do can easily be twisted and used against you. One slight misstep could severely undermine your defense. And if you are ultimately indicted and convicted, you’ll face sentencing guidelines that are extremely unforgiving – especially without skilled legal representation arguing on your behalf. The bottom line is that the stakes are simply too high to leave anything to chance. Hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and provide you with the best chance at a favorable resolution.

What Crimes Commonly Trigger Target Letters?

While any alleged federal violation could potentially prompt a target letter, some of the most common crimes include:

Essentially, if federal investigators believe you may have committed a felony offense, they could issue a target letter to put you on notice as their case develops.

How Is a Target Letter Different Than an Indictment?

It’s important to understand that a target letter is not the same as an indictment. An indictment represents formal criminal charges being filed against you. A target letter is simply an investigative step that precedes an indictment. It signals that prosecutors are actively building a case against you as a “putative defendant.”However, receiving a target letter does not necessarily mean an indictment is inevitable or a certainty. In fact, skilled legal counsel may be able to persuade prosecutors not to indict you at all. The key difference is that an indictment is a substantive accusation, while a target letter is merely a notification that you are in the government’s sights as their investigation unfolds.

Can I Be Charged Without a Target Letter?

Absolutely. Federal prosecutors are not legally required to issue target letters at all.In fact, many individuals are indicted and charged without any prior target letter notification. Prosecutors may choose to proceed straight to an indictment if they believe:

• Issuing a target letter may risk a suspect fleeing
• A suspect could destroy evidence or obstruct justice
• The element of surprise could aid in the investigation

So while a target letter canprovide some advanced warning, you should operate under the assumption that charges could come at any time – with or without a target letter being issued first.

What If I Received the Wrong Target Letter?

In rare cases, a target letter could be issued erroneously – meaning you were mistakenly identified as a target when you should not have been.If this happens, it’s crucial to hire legal counsel immediately. Your lawyer can:

• Directly contact the prosecutor to clarify the situation
• Present exculpatory evidence of your innocence/non-involvement
• Demand a correction or withdrawal of the target letter
• Prevent you from being wrongfully indicted

The last thing you want is for an erroneous target letter to snowball into criminal charges being filed against you. Experienced legal representation can ensure you aren’t wrongfully prosecuted.

Hypothetical Scenarios

Let’s walk through a couple hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how your lawyer may advise you after receiving a target letter:

Scenario 1: You Are Completely Innocent

It could be that you simply did not commit the crime you are being investigated for. In this case, your lawyer may recommend:

• Providing exculpatory evidence and alibis proving your innocence
• Allowing you to be interviewed to establish you had no involvement
• Seeking to have you removed entirely as a target of the investigation
• Pushing prosecutors to issue a declination and close the case against you

The key is giving your lawyer every piece of information that proves you are factually innocent so they can make the strongest possible case.

Scenario 2: You Made a Mistake

Perhaps you did make a mistake or lapse in judgment, but your conduct does not rise to the level of criminal prosecution. Here, your lawyer could:

• Argue your actions were negligent rather than willful/intentional
• Negotiate for you to pay fines or make restitution
• Pursue a non-prosecution agreement in exchange for cooperation
• Seek a deferred prosecution to keep you out of criminal court

The goal would be to accept responsibility for your error in a way that does not saddle you with a federal criminal conviction.

Scenario 3: The Evidence Is Damning

In the worst case scenario where the evidence against you is very strong, your lawyer may need to:

• Negotiate an attractive plea bargain to reduce charges/sentencing
• Suppress any illegally-obtained evidence that hurts your case
• Identify legal grounds to have charges dismissed entirely
• Prepare rigorously to take the case to trial and argue for acquittal

Even if you are legitimately guilty, a skilled lawyer can often mitigate the consequences versus being convicted at trial. As you can see, there are multiple potential paths your case could take depending on the specific facts and circumstances. This underscores why hiring an experienced lawyer is so critical when you receive that target letter.

Why Hire the Spodek Law Group?

I know this guide contains a lot of serious information to process about federal target letters and investigations. It’s an unquestionably stressful situation to find yourself in.But here’s the most important takeaway: You don’t have to go through this alone. The elite team of federal criminal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group is here to help. We’ve represented clients across the nation in high-stakes federal cases, including:

• White collar fraud and embezzlement
• Drug trafficking and distribution
• Cybercrimes like hacking and identity theft
• Violent crimes like firearms offenses and robberies
• And more…

Time and again, our attorneys have been able to negotiate favorable resolutions – or outright dismissals – for clients who seemed squarely in the government’s crosshairs.When you hire Spodek Law Group, you get:

• A team of former federal prosecutors and public defenders
• Lawyers who understand how the system works from the inside
• Aggressive legal strategists who leave no stones unturned
• Meticulous preparation of every possible defense
• Representation from some of the nation’s most respected litigators

We know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to be investigated by the federal government. But with our elite team on your side, you don’t have to face this situation alone or uninformed. If you received a target letter in Austin or anywhere else nationwide, take the first step towards protecting your rights and your future. Contact the Spodek Law Group immediately for a free, confidential consultation.