Federal Target Letter

Feeling Overwhelmed by a Federal Target Letter?

I know it’s unnerving if you’ve just opened your mailbox and discovered a federal target letter, and you’re probably worried about potential charges or prison time, especially if the Department of Justice seem determined to investigate your every step, but please remember that you’re not alone in this process because here at the Spodek Law Group, we offer a truly “white glove” approach designed to keep you informed every step of the way, and Todd Spodek, our managing attorney, has spent years honing his craft both in and out of the courtroom, including media appearances on major outlets and high-profile cases such as the Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin representation that was spotlighted on Netflix, which helps demonstrate the level of dedication we bring our clients.

Why Does the Government Send Target Letters?

Honestly, most people never expect to be contacted by federal authorities until they suddenly are, and that initial shock can be truly stressful because a target letter means that prosecutors believe there is credible evidence linking you to a federal crime, which might stem from alleged violations of statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy) or 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (wire fraud), so understanding your rights and organizing a defense strategy right away is crucial—this is where Todd Spodek’s trial expertise and the Spodek Law Group’s dedication to a customized client experience really stands out, given our offices in New York City and Los Angeles and our ability to serve clients nationwide.

Risky Moves to Avoid After Receiving a Target Letter

If you retain inexperienced counsel or decide to speak to investigators on your own, you might ^inadvertently^ disclose facts that strengthen the government’s case, and in many situations, it can be disastrous to try to “talk your way out of it,” because even an innocent slip of the tongue might be misconstrued under the strict scrutiny of federal investigators, plus it’s worth noting that agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or DEA have considerable resources, so we at Spodek Law Group always advise consulting an attorney with substantial federal trial experience, like Todd Spodek, to help verify the authenticity of the allegations, figure out if any constitutional violations exist, and review whether the feds complied with evidentiary procedures (*see Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule 401, 402, 403*) because early missteps can severely limit your defense down the road.

Strategies We Might Use to Counter a Federal Target Letter

When our team at Spodek Law Group first reviews your letter, we will thoroughly scrutinize the alleged offense, decide if we can push for a pre-indictment resolution, and see if the written communication left gaps we can exploit, for example, if the facts rely on questionable witness testimony, we might challenge their credibility under United States v. Wade, 388 U.S. 218 (1967), which delves into the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and can sometimes affect lineup identifications or other testimonial elements, and Todd Spodek personally oversees each case to ensure that every potential flaw in the government’s evidence is identified early on, leveraging modern technology like our digital client portal to streamline evidence collection and documentation uploads.

Investigating Federal Agents’ Conduct

Our approach often involves scrutinizing whether agents, like those from the FBI or DEA, adhered to proper procedure during their evidence-gathering phase, because if any of the above are true, we can work to either have the case dismissed or evidence suppressed, which will weaken the prosecution’s case against you, and we find that Todd Spodek’s track record with jury trials and his willingness to fight questionable search warrants or improper interrogations can make the difference between a quick settlement and a protracted trial, plus our nationwide network of experts allows us to bring in specialized investigators if needed, ensuring your defense covers every angle.

What If You’re Anxiety is Getting Worse?

I understand that nobody wants to face a swarm of legal complexities alone, and at Spodek Law Group, we know your time is valuable, so we offer a fully digital portal that provides 24/7 access to the status of your case: you can upload supporting documents right from your smartphone, watch as we file motions and briefs, and see updates in real-time, while Todd Spodek stays personally available to answer questions along the way, because we believe consistent communication reduces stress, helps catch potential problems sooner, and aligns with our vow to deliver that “white glove” care you deserve.

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

Building Your Defense: A Deeper Look

We believe in aggressively exploring every angle of your defense, starting with a thorough evaluation of the letter’s contents, the alleged statutory violations, and potential mitigating factors, for instance, if there’s a possibility that your involvement was minimal or entirely unintentional—our team would document that evidence early and challenge the government to prove any higher degree of culpability, consistent with standards set forth in cases like United States v. Bailey, 444 U.S. 394 (1980), which requires prosecutors to establish that defendants acted with a particular mental state, and Todd Spodek, being a second-generation attorney, inherited a meticulous approach to fact-finding that has been recognized by media outlets like the NY Post, Fox 5 New York, and Newsweek, reflecting our tradition of vigorously defending every client’s rights nationwide.

Possible Outcomes and The Value of Early Intervention

Sometimes, our swift intervention leads to situations where the U.S. Attorney’s Office decides not to file charges at all, other times, we negotiate plea agreements that minimize jail time or hefty fines, but the key is acting fast because each passing day can reduce your window to gather evidence or find persuasive arguments, and Todd Spodek insists on a personal approach by getting to know your story, your background, and deciphering what might have led to this predicament, so that we can incorporate those details into an impactful defense strategy that truly reflects our commitment to treating every client with top-tier diligence, ethical standards, and continuous communication.

Taking the Next Step: Contacting Spodek Law Group

If you or someone close to you has received a federal target letter, we encourage you to reach out and schedule a consultation with our firm immediately, because our nationwide presence, along with Todd Spodek’s experience representing high-profile individuals (like Anna Delvey), means that we’re equipped to manage complex investigations and litigation across the country, and our network of co-counsel and experts ensures that you receive a full-spectrum defense—plus, our fees are transparent from the start so you always know what to expect and can focus on building a strong attorney-client relationship grounded in trust.

A Gentle Reminder

Before we part ways, please note that the information provided here is for general guidance only, it is not a substitute for actual legal advice, and we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney like Todd Spodek for advice specific to your unique circumstances, because laws, regulations, and prosecutorial tactics can change unexpectedly, and having a proactive advocate on your side can make all the difference in preserving your freedom and peace of mind—at Spodek Law Group, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, client satisfaction, and relentless pursuit of justice, so don’t hesitate to call us or visit our website to learn how we can help protect your future.

Why Would I Get a Federal Target Letter in the Mail?

I know how scary it is the moment you see something labeled as a Federal Target Letter from the Department of Justice or the FBI, and your heart races, almost like you’re about to run a marathon you never asked to join, because you feel confused, worried, and totally overwhelmed, which is natural given how serious federal matters can be. Our team at the Spodek Law Group, led by Todd Spodek himself, absolutely understands your concerns, and we have spent years establishing a tradition of meticulous attention to detail—in fact, thanks to Todd’s extensive media appearances and his experience handling high-profile clients like Anna Delvey (whose story was featured on Netflix), we’ve honed a strategy that leaves no stone unturned, no fact ignored, so you don’t have to keep guessing “what if?” every night.

Understanding the Basics of a Federal Target Letter

A federal target letter, according to the Department of Justice’s guidelines found in the Justice Manual (specifically JM 9-11.153), generally implies that federal prosecutors consider you a key suspect in a criminal investigation, and typically they want to let you know you’re being looked at prior to a grand jury proceeding, so it’s not just a friendly “FYI.” When Todd Spodek reviews these letters with our clients through our fully digital portal (where you can upload documents, see the step-by-step progress of your case, and communicate with our team instantly), we immediately begin strategizing about possible defenses, analyzing the evidence the government might have, and figuring out exactly how to neutralize the potential charges before you ever set foot in court.

Why Would the Government Send This Letter?

Sometimes, the government wants to see if they can get your cooperation as a witness, or they might be looking to see if you’ll make statements that could be used against you, so any conversation you have with prosecutors or federal agents needs to be handled carefully, which is exactly why we exist—to provide that protective buffer and to translate the legal jargon so you don’t say anything that might hurt your position. Todd Spodek, being a second-generation attorney, learned early on that open communication and transparency in fees is key, so when we talk about cooperating with the government or not, we also share exactly what costs might be involved, giving you peace of mind and letting you focus on your defense instead of worrying about hidden charges.

Possible Defenses: Where Do We Start?

We start by dissecting the evidence, piece by piece, because, honestly, you never know which detail can dismantle the government’s entire case, so we always gather all data, including emails, financial records, phone logs, potential witnesses, and any relevant electronic communications that might show the real story behind the allegations, and we do it with a fierce dedication to the facts, just like Todd Spodek did when representing Anna Delvey, meticulously going over transaction after transaction to find the gaps in the prosecutor’s version of events. Furthermore, we consider constitutional defenses—maybe the government violated your Fourth Amendment right by conducting an unlawful search, or perhaps the evidence was obtained in a way that breaks established precedent under Mapp v. Ohio, 367 U.S. 643 (1961), which means the evidence could be suppressed and potentially weaken the entire case.

Building a Customized Strategy

Once we verify if the government’s investigative approach was legitimate, and once we gather your side of the story (which some people ignore, but we never do), we shape a customized strategy that complements your goals: maybe you want to fight it all the way to trial, or maybe you’d prefer a negotiation or a quick resolution, and Todd Spodek has the trial experience plus the negotiation skills that come from years of being on major media outlets (like Fox 5 New York and the NY Post), demonstrating that he can handle intense federal scrutiny while still focusing on your best interests. Spodek Law Group only takes on clients we genuinely believe we can help, which is why we encourage you to bring all documents, share every detail, and trust that our white glove service mindset ensures that you receive regular updates, phone calls, even texts if needed, so there’s no confusion in the process.

Potential Outcomes and How We Tackle Them

If the target letter leads to an indictment, we’re going to be ready to address those charges in a systematic manner by challenging the government’s evidence through pretrial motions—like a motion to dismiss if they fail to meet the elements of the offense or a motion to suppress if certain statements were coerced in violation of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). Alternatively, if we see an opening to negotiate for reduced charges, or even a deferred prosecution agreement, we’ll discuss whether that meets your needs, and Todd Spodek will personally lead these talks, because while the government might be looking to secure a conviction, we’re looking to secure your future.

Innovative Tools and 24/7 Communication

You deserve top-notch representation that fits the reality of modern life, which is why we’ve integrated a fully digital client portal into our practice, giving you immediate access to updates, billing details, and a direct line of messaging so you can tell us about important developments at any hour, and we’ll see it because we’re committed to a white glove level of service that emphasizes responsiveness. Todd Spodek often says that a client’s sense of relief starts with knowing someone is there, day and night, to address their concerns, so we stay connected in case the government tries new tactics or if you simply need to talk through your anxieties.

Nationwide Reach, One Goal: Your Defense

Even though our offices are physically in New York City and Los Angeles, we represent clients all over the country, because federal cases aren’t constrained by state lines, and we’ve built a network of resources and relationships to make sure that you get the best defense possible no matter where you’re located. Todd Spodek has shown that through the Anna Delvey case—featured in 2022 on Netflix—he’s capable of handling large-scale matters with media attention, scrutiny, and high stakes, and we bring that same level of readiness to every federal target letter situation, whether you’re in a small town or a large metropolis.

Step-by-Step Guidance Through Each Stage

When you receive a federal target letter, the first step is usually to call us immediately, because we need to confirm if there is an active grand jury investigation, if agents have already subpoenaed documents, or if they are expecting you to voluntarily appear, and from there, we decide how to respond, whether it’s requesting discovery or seeking a proffer agreement that might protect you from certain admissions. We never assume anything; Todd Spodek insists on proactively investigating the facts by talking to witnesses, hiring experts, and using modern technology to gather intelligence, so we can build a game plan that is thorough and agile, always ready to shift if the prosecution changes direction.

We Keep You Informed at Every Turn

A huge part of our approach involves constant contact with you, whether it’s phone calls or messages through the portal, because we don’t want you to feel like you’re left in the dark, and we want you to know exactly how we’re shaping your defense at each stage, so if there’s changes in the charges or new developments in the government’s theory, you’ll be the first to know. Todd Spodek has always believed that an informed client is an empowered client, which is why our fee structures, our strategies, and our timelines are laid out plainly, so you can see how each step moves you closer to resolving this case in the most beneficial way possible.

Our White Glove Commitment in Action

From organizing databases of evidence so nothing slips through the cracks, to scheduling calls even on weekends if you need extra reassurance, we go the extra mile because we’ve seen how a single overlooked document can change the whole direction of a case, and we refuse to let that happen on our watch. Todd Spodek’s background as a tenacious litigator means we pursue every angle, just like we’ve done in countless federal cases across the nation, always aiming to keep you informed while we handle the legal heavy lifting so you can breath easier in the midst of a tough situation.

Taking the Next Step: Contact Us Today

If you’ve just received a federal target letter, or you suspect one might be on its way, we encourage you to reach out to Spodek Law Group, because the sooner we start building your defense, the better we can safeguard your rights and explore every available legal strategy. We offer a risk-free consultation so you can explain your situation, ask questions, and see how Todd Spodek and our entire team would map out a plan unique to your case, all while guiding you with empathy, clarity, and the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on. Remember, this article is for general guidance only; it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship, and for legal advice tailored to your exact fact pattern, or if you want to get a sense of how we can fight for you against the government’s allegations, please call us or contact us online as soon as possible.