Criminal Defense Lawyers

California Federal Target Letters

You Just Received a Federal Target Letter in California – 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.

What Not to Do After Receiving 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.

Why Do Prosecutors Send Target Letters?

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

Investigation – The investigation is still happening, and the prosecutor is looking for more evidence before moving forward.

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2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

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2024-03-18

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2024-03-15

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2024-03-15

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2024-03-12

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Negotiation – The target letter is a starting point for negotiations. In some cases, you might choose to cooperate with the investigation, provide information, or agree to a plea.

Strategy – It is a move on the prosecutor’s part. By notifying you that you’re a target, the prosecutor is trying to induce you to make certain steps: making statements, or taking steps, that can provide additional evidence.

Rights – The target letter serves to tell you your rights, including your right to legal representation. This is an attempt to handle the investigation, and give you an opportunity to engage and get legal counsel. Most law firms implement a cookie cutter strategy in order to fight your case, and save their own time. They don’t look carefully at your situation – they simply want to move on to the next case. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned. We do everything possible to win. Everything we do is focused on getting you results. We understand the difficulties and challenges of going through a case.If you’re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today.

Understanding the Two Types of Federal Target Letters

Not all federal target letters are the same. There are two distinct types you could receive, each with different implications:

Target Letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
This is a notification that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. As the “target,” it means there is substantial evidence potentially linking you to the commission of a federal crime.

Target Letter from the Grand Jury
This letter comes directly from the grand jury itself. It indicates you are a target of the grand jury’s investigation, which has likely already been convened to examine the alleged criminal conduct.Regardless of where it originated, receiving any type of target letter is an extremely serious matter. It signals that federal prosecutors have moved into the final stages of their investigation targeting you. Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.

Common Reasons for Federal Target Letters in California

Federal prosecutors in California frequently use target letters in a wide range of criminal investigations, including:

No matter what alleged federal crime you are being investigated for, the stakes are extremely high if charges are filed. Federal cases carry much harsher penalties than state crimes, including lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences.For example:

• Drug trafficking charges alone can lead to 10 years to life in federal prison, depending on the quantities involved.
• Federal fraud charges frequently result in sentences of 5-10 years or more.
• Charges related to terrorism can easily put you behind bars for 20 years or more with no chance of parole.

That’s why you need a defense team that has extensive experience handling the specific type of federal case you are facing.At Spodek Law Group, we have lawyers who specialize in each area of federal criminal law. We’ll know all the relevant statutes, case precedents, and effective defense strategies for your charges.Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice.

What to Do After Receiving a Federal Target Letter

If you receive a target letter, the single most important step is to hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not attempt to handle this situation alone.Your lawyer will be able to:

• Review the letter and advise you on the allegations and potential charges
• Gather more details about the investigation from prosecutors
• Determine if there are grounds to avoid charges or get the case dismissed
• Protect your constitutional rights throughout the process
• Negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable resolution
• Mount an aggressive defense strategy if charges are ultimately filed

The key is taking action at the earliest possible stage. More preparation time equals more options for your attorney to resolve the case successfully.Here are some additional tips on responding to a target letter:

Remain Calm and Avoid Panic
While receiving a target letter is unnerving, it’s important not to do anything rash. Hasty actions could potentially incriminate you further.

Carefully Review the Letter
Read through the letter multiple times and take notes. Pay close attention to any deadlines, requests, or instructions it provides.

Preserve All Relevant Evidence
Do not destroy, delete, or conceal any documents, emails, devices or other potential evidence related to the investigation. This could lead to obstruction charges.

Avoid Discussing the Case
Other than your attorney, do not discuss the letter or investigation details with anyone, including potential witnesses. Anything you say could potentially be used against you.

Follow Your Attorney’s Guidance
Once you’ve retained a lawyer, follow their instructions exactly before taking any further actions. Do not attempt to reach out to prosecutors yourself.The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles.

What If I’m Asked to Testify Before a Grand Jury?

One potential request in a target letter is an invitation for you to testify before the federal grand jury investigating your case. This is not something to take lightly. Everything you say in grand jury proceedings can be used to indict you. However, testifying can sometimes work to your advantage and present an opportunity to explain your side of the story. It’s a strategic decision that requires careful consideration.An experienced federal defense lawyer can help you decide if testifying is the right move, based on factors like:

• The strength of the prosecution’s case against you
• Whether you have information that could exculpate you
• If there are grounds to negotiate a immunity deal
• Potential for your testimony to backfire and further incriminate you

If you do testify, your lawyer can also prepare you extensively. This includes:

• Reviewing the types of questions you may face
• Ensuring you understand your rights fully
• Allowing you to consult them during the testimony if needed

The key is having skilled legal guidance before ever setting foot in the grand jury room.

What If I Want to Cooperate With Federal Prosecutors?

In some cases, cooperating with the federal prosecutors handling your investigation may be a viable strategy.This could involve:

• Providing information or evidence about other individuals
• Agreeing to wear a wire or participate in sting operations
• Testifying against co-defendants at trial

In exchange, prosecutors may be willing to dismiss charges against you entirely. Or they may pursue reduced charges and a more favorable sentence.However, cooperating comes with severe risks if not handled properly. You could potentially make yourself look even more culpable in the process. That’s why you need an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to negotiate and navigate any potential cooperation agreement on your behalf. This ensures you receive adequate consideration while protecting your rights.

What If Federal Charges Are Filed Against Me?

If despite your best legal efforts charges do get filed against you, it’s not the end of the road. An indictment does not automatically equal a conviction. Your attorney can continue working tirelessly to obtain an acquittal at trial or a plea bargain to lesser charges. Potential defense strategies include:

• Challenging the legality of the prosecution’s evidence
• Identifying constitutional rights violations
• Presenting exculpatory evidence that creates reasonable doubt
• Negotiating for reduced charges or sentencing considerations

No matter how dire your situation may seem, maintaining hope is crucial. With the right legal team, even those initially charged can sometimes end up with a favorable resolution. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for our clients. If you’re facing federal charges, our criminal defense attorneys will fight tooth and nail to protect your future.

The Spodek Law Group Advantage

Receiving a federal target letter is undoubtedly an unnerving and high-stakes experience. But it’s not an automatic conviction – it’s a starting point in the legal process. By taking swift action and retaining experienced legal counsel, you can protect your rights and give yourself the best chance at a favorable resolution. An indictment may potentially be avoided, or your charges could be reduced.The bottom line – don’t go it alone against the vast resources of the federal government. Having a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your corner from the very start is an absolute must. If you or a loved one has received a target letter, don’t wait. Contact the Spodek Law Group immediately to begin building a strategic defense. Our team will be by your side every step of the way. Call us today at 212-210-1851 or schedule a free consultation online.