Criminal Defense Lawyers

Kings County, New York Federal Target Letters

You Received a Federal Target Letter in Kings County – Here’s What to Do

What is a Federal Target Letter?

A federal target letter is an official notification that federal prosecutors have gathered substantial evidence potentially linking you to the commission of a crime. – It means you are the main “target” of their criminal investigation. The letter will likely:

• State you are the target of a federal grand jury investigation
• Outline the alleged criminal offenses you are suspected of committing
• Cite the specific federal laws that may have been violated
• Advise you of your constitutional rights, including the right to an attorney
• Warn against destroying evidence or obstructing the investigation
• Request you contact prosecutors to discuss the case or testify before a grand jury

Getting this letter means prosecutors believe they can likely get an indictment against you based on the evidence they currently have. – But it does NOT automatically mean you will be charged with a crime.

Why Did I Get a Federal Target Letter?

There could be several reasons why federal prosecutors in Kings County decided to send you a target letter, including:

Building Their Case

Prosecutors may want to see if you will make incriminating statements or produce potential evidence that could further strengthen their case against you.

Applying Pressure

The letter is a strategic move to rattle you and pressure you into cooperating, pleading guilty, or accepting a plea bargain.

Courtesy Notice

In some cases, prosecutors may simply want to formally notify you of the investigation as a professional courtesy before seeking an indictment.

Fishing Expedition

Prosecutors could be going on a fishing expedition, using the letter to see what potential evidence or witnesses you may reveal through your response. No matter the reason, receiving a target letter is a significant development that should not be taken lightly or ignored.

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

What Happens After Getting a Federal Target Letter?

After being identified as a target, here are some potential next steps federal prosecutors may take:

• Convene a grand jury to hear evidence if they haven’t already
• Issue subpoenas to compel you or others to testify before the grand jury
• Conduct additional investigation and gather more evidence against you
• Negotiate a plea bargain if you show willingness to plead guilty
• Seek an indictment from the grand jury to formally charge you with crimes

The timeline can vary from case to case. Some investigations wrap up quickly, while others can drag on for months or even years. – Prosecutors have significant discretion and resources when building a federal case.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Federal Target Letter?

Absolutely, 100% yes – you need to hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately after receiving a target letter. This is not something you can navigate alone. An expert lawyer can take several crucial steps, including:

• Contacting the prosecutor to gather intelligence about the investigation
• Advising you on how to respond to the letter and any requests for cooperation
• Working to get you off the target list or avoid indictment if possible
• Negotiating favorable terms if charges are inevitable
• Formulating a strong defense strategy if the case proceeds to trial

Trying to handle this yourself is ill-advised. Even seeming innocent statements can be twisted and used against you. Having skilled legal representation is vital to protecting your rights and interests.

What Not to Do After Getting a Federal Target Letter

After receiving that letter, it’s just as important to know what NOT to do as what to do. Here are some critical mistakes to avoid:

Don’t Speak to Federal Investigators

Politely refuse any requests for interviews or questioning from federal agents. Anything you say can potentially be used as evidence, even if you are being fully truthful.

Don’t Destroy Evidence

Never get rid of any documents, records, devices or other potential evidence related to the investigation. Doing so could lead to additional obstruction of justice charges.

Don’t Discuss the Case

Other than with your lawyer, do not talk about the details of the investigation with anyone. Those conversations are not privileged or confidential.

Don’t Make Rash Decisions

Resist the urge to quit your job, flee, transfer assets or take other drastic actions that could be viewed as an admission of guilt. The prudent approach is to go completely silent and have your lawyer handle all communication and strategy related to the target letter and investigation.

What If I’m Innocent? Do I Still Need a Lawyer?

The answer is unequivocally yes. Even if you are 100% convinced of your innocence, you still need to take this situation extremely seriously and hire an experienced federal defense attorney. Federal investigations and prosecutions are complex legal battlefields. Prosecutors have vast resources and many avenues to try to prove your guilt, even if you truly did nothing wrong.

An expert lawyer can:

• Ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire process
• Scrutinize all evidence being used against you for flaws or weaknesses
• Identify and exploit holes in the prosecution’s case theory
• Highlight reasonable doubts about your alleged involvement
• Negotiate for a dismissal of charges or reduced penalties

Representing yourself is simply not a viable option when your liberty and future are at stake against the power of the federal government. Innocent people get wrongfully convicted all the time without a strong legal defense.

What Are Common Federal Crimes Prosecuted in Kings County?

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York, which includes Kings County, frequently pursue cases involving charges such as:

No matter what alleged federal offense has you in prosecutors’ crosshairs, you need to take it extremely seriously and mount an aggressive legal defense.

How Long Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer After the Target Letter?

You should hire a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately – as in right now if possible. Every single day and hour that goes by increases the risks and potential consequences you face. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner your lawyer can start:

• Gathering intelligence about the investigation
• Identifying potential defenses and evidence to counter the allegations
• Negotiating for reduced charges or avoiding prosecution altogether
• Developing a comprehensive legal strategy for your defense

Prosecutors are not on your side. – They are building a case against you from the moment that target letter gets sent. – You need to have your own aggressive advocate working just as hard to protect your rights and interests.

What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

For federal cases, you have the right to legal counsel regardless of your ability to pay. If you truly cannot afford to hire a private attorney, you can request that one be appointed to represent you at no cost. However, court-appointed lawyers have huge caseloads and limited resources. You may be better served finding a way to hire a private federal criminal defense firm that can devote its full attention and expertise to your case. Many firms offer alternative fee arrangements or payment plans to make top-notch legal representation more affordable. Don’t let financial concerns stop you from protecting yourself to the fullest extent possible.

What Are My Chances of Beating Federal Charges?

There is no simple answer, as every case is truly unique based on the specific charges, evidence, prosecution and defense strategies, and many other factors. But here are some general stats on federal criminal case outcomes:

• Only 2% of federal cases go to trial – 98% are resolved through plea bargains
• Of the 2% that go to trial, the conviction rate is around 83%
• Federal prosecutors have a very high conviction rate overall around 90%

Those may seem like daunting numbers, but they reinforce why you absolutely must have the best legal representation possible. An experienced defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed by poking holes in the prosecution’s case. Even when the odds seem long, skilled attorneys have many tools to create reasonable doubt and secure acquittals at trial for their clients. Don’t lose hope, but do take prompt action to protect yourself.

What If I’m Convicted of Federal Charges?

If despite your best legal defense efforts you are convicted of federal crimes, the consequences can be extremely severe, including:

• Lengthy prison sentences, often 10-20 years or more
• Enormous fines and financial penalties, easily into the millions
• Asset forfeiture of cash, property, businesses and possessions
• Probation and supervised release with strict conditions
• Irreparable damage to your reputation, career and relationships

Federal cases are not like misdemeanor state charges, they carry a heavy hammer. Your life as you know it could be permanently upended by a conviction.This is why mounting the strongest possible defense from the very start is absolutely crucial. Don’t gamble with your freedom and future when this much is at stake.

What Makes Spodek Law Group Different?

If you received a federal target letter in Kings County, you want Spodek Law Group in your corner. We are not like other criminal defense firms. We are nationwide federal crime fighters who will leave no stones unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for you. Our difference starts with our team of elite, battle-tested lawyers, including former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We know the tactics and mentality of federal prosecutors because we used to be them. We also bring a level of tenacity, creativity and outside-the-box thinking that is unmatched.

We see federal cases not just from a legal perspective, but as complex strategic puzzles that we relentlessly work to solve in our clients’ favor.When you hire Spodek Law Group, you get:

• A team of lawyers working full-tilt on your case, not just one overworked attorney
• Extensive experience defending all types of federal criminal charges
• Meticulous preparation and command of every detail of your case
• Aggressive negotiation to avoid charges or secure the best plea deals
• Fearless, ethical litigation and trial skills if your case proceeds to court
• Constant communication so you always know what’s happening
• Convenient office locations and virtual meeting options
• Flexible fees and payment plans to work within your budget

We understand that you are likely going through an incredibly stressful and uncertain time in your life right now. Our firm’s mission is to lift that burden off your shoulders and be the fearless advocates fighting for your future. You don’t have to face the federal government alone. We’ve got your back every step of the way.

What If I Don’t Live in Kings County?

No matter where you live, if you received a federal target letter related to alleged crimes in Kings County, New York, we can help. Spodek Law Group has a nationwide presence with offices in major cities across the country. Our federal criminal defense attorneys are admitted to practice in courts throughout the United States. We routinely take on cases involving U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and federal agencies from coast to coast. Location is no obstacle, we can vigorously defend you against any federal charges or investigations originating in the Eastern District of New York. Your case will receive the full attention of our top-tier legal team.

What Are Some Hypothetical Scenarios?

To give you a better sense of how this process might play out, let’s walk through a couple hypothetical scenarios involving federal target letters in Kings County:

Scenario 1: Healthcare Fraud Investigation

You are a doctor who owns a private practice in Brooklyn. – One day, you receive a target letter from federal prosecutors. It alleges you are the target of an investigation into healthcare fraud involving Medicare/Medicaid billing. The letter instructs you to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss the case. It warns against destroying any medical records or other evidence.

What could happen next?

• Prosecutors may convene a grand jury to subpoena your billing records, patient files and other documents
• You or your staff could be summoned to testify before the grand jury about your billing practices
• Prosecutors may make you a plea offer to plead guilty to healthcare fraud in exchange for a lighter sentence
• If you refuse to plead guilty, prosecutors could seek an indictment on multiple fraud charges
• Your case could go to trial, where prosecutors would have to prove your intent to defraud Medicare/Medicaid

As you can see, there are many potential paths this scenario could take. Having skilled legal counsel from the very start is critical to put you in the best position for a favorable resolution.

Scenario 2: Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Let’s say you own a nightclub in downtown Brooklyn. You receive a target letter alleging you are under investigation for conspiracy to distribute illegal narcotics. The letter claims the FBI has evidence that your club was being used to facilitate drug sales and drug trafficking activities. It requests you appear before a grand jury to answer questions.How could this situation progress?

• The FBI could execute search warrants on your club, seizing any drugs, money, documents or other evidence
• Federal agents could arrest any of your employees suspected of involvement in the drug operation
• You could face charges for drug conspiracy, distribution, money laundering and other offenses
• Prosecutors may try to compel you to testify against higher-level traffickers in exchange for leniency
• If you fight the charges at trial, prosecutors would need to prove your intentional involvement in the conspiracy

As this scenario shows, federal drug cases can quickly spiral into complicated cases involving numerous charges and co-defendants. You need a legal team that has successfully handled these types of complex conspiracies. No matter what brought federal investigators to your doorstep, the prudent move is to have an aggressive legal strategy in place from day one. Spodek Law Group has the expertise and resources to protect you.

Free Consultation for Your Federal Target Letter

If you or a loved one received a federal target letter in Kings County, act now and get the legal representation you need. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case.During a free, fully confidential consultation, we will:

• Review the details of the target letter and alleged charges
• Explain what to expect from the federal investigation process
• Outline our firm’s qualifications and proven track record
• Answer any questions you have in clear, easy-to-understand terms
• Lay out a comprehensive defense strategy tailored for your situation
• Discuss fees and convenient payment options that work for you

You have no obligation by taking advantage of this free consultation. – It simply allows you to take the first step toward protecting your rights, freedom and future. The federal government has made it clear they are coming after you. Isn’t it time you had a powerful legal force like Spodek Law Group fighting back in your corner? Call us today at 212-300-5196 or contact us online. The moment you hire us, you’ll feel a weight lifted off your shoulders as we get to work defending you against these charges.