Criminal Defense Lawyers

Montana Federal Target Letters

You Just Got a Montana Target Letter – Now What?

Understanding the Target Letter

A “target letter” (also called a “subject letter” or “Montana letter”) is a notification from federal prosecutors that:

1. You are the target of a criminal investigation
2. The prosecution is considering bringing charges against you

It’s called a “Montana letter” because the policy of notifying individuals that they are targets originated from guidance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana. Getting a target letter means the prosecutors have gathered evidence that they believe implicates you in a crime. But it does NOT mean you’ve been formally charged or that you will definitely be indicted. The purpose is to notify you that your constitutional rights may be implicated, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed – particularly whether to speak to investigators or assert your right to remain silent.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

One of the most important things to understand after receiving a target letter is that you have the absolute right NOT to speak to investigators. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in building a criminal case. The target letter will likely request an interview and may even suggest that if you talk, prosecutors will view it as a sign of cooperation and good faith on your part.Do NOT take the bait. Speaking to investigators without a lawyer is an extremely risky move that can easily backfire, even if you are 100% innocent. A single misworded statement or inconsistency in your story can be used as evidence that you lied to federal agents – a criminal offense in itself. And anything you say can be misconstrued or taken out of context by skilled prosecutors building a case against you. Bottom line: No matter how truthful you aim to be, you should never speak to federal investigators without an experienced defense attorney present to protect your rights.

Hire a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer – Now

As soon as you receive a target letter, your first move should be to hire a reputable, experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – call a lawyer before doing anything else. Federal criminal cases are extremely complex and carry severe penalties if convicted. You need a lawyer with particular expertise in federal criminal law to have any chance of avoiding charges or putting up an effective defense.When vetting potential attorneys, look for:

• Extensive experience defending federal criminal cases, especially those similar to your investigation
• A strong track record of getting federal charges dismissed or reduced
• Availability to take on your case immediately
• A fee structure you can afford for what could be a lengthy process

Be wary of attorneys who seem too eager to have you plead guilty or accept a harsh plea deal right out of the gate. A good defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case first to determine if fighting the charges makes sense.

What Happens Next?

Once you’ve hired legal counsel, your lawyer will take over all communication and correspondence with federal prosecutors regarding the investigation. This is crucial to ensure you do not accidentally incriminate yourself by saying the wrong thing. Your attorney will likely advise you to stay quiet and avoid discussing the investigation with anyone, including friends, family members, or colleagues who could potentially be called as witnesses against you.From there, your lawyer’s strategy could involve:

• Seeking more information about the evidence against you
• Trying to negotiate a non-prosecution agreement or reduced charges
• Aggressively fighting the charges if prosecution seems inevitable

Depending on the situation, your lawyer may advise you to accept a plea deal carrying lighter penalties. Or they may recommend going to trial in an attempt to have you fully exonerated.The bottom line is that you need to follow your attorney’s guidance closely. An experienced federal defense lawyer knows the system and can give you the best chance at a favorable resolution.

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.

Load more

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

Potential Scenarios and Outcomes

So what could happen after you receive a target letter? Here are a few potential scenarios:

You Avoid Charges Completely

In some cases, your attorney may be able to present evidence or arguments that lead prosecutors to decide against bringing charges in the first place. This is the ideal outcome, but certainly not a guarantee.

You Receive Reduced Charges

If charges do get filed, your lawyer may negotiate with prosecutors to bring lesser charges that carry more lenient penalties. For example, a felony charge could potentially be reduced to a misdemeanor in exchange for your cooperation or a guilty plea.

You Go to Trial

If your lawyer determines the evidence is beatable, you have defenses, or the charges are excessive, they may advise going to trial in an attempt to secure a “not guilty” verdict. This is a major gamble, as federal prosecutors have tremendous resources and a conviction could mean years in prison.

You Take a Plea Deal

To avoid the risk of a lengthy sentence after trial, your lawyer may counsel you to accept a plea deal that keeps you out of prison or limits your jail time. This is often a difficult but pragmatic decision when the evidence against you seems overwhelming. No matter which path your case takes, having a top-tier federal criminal defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible resolution.

An Ounce of Prevention: Don’t Talk to Investigators!

We can’t emphasize this enough – if you receive a target letter, do not make the critical mistake of trying to “explain your way out of it” by speaking to investigators without a lawyer. Federal agents are trained to get you to make incriminating statements, even inadvertently. They may use tactics like:

• Pretending to be your friend and giving you a chance to “get it all out”
• Downplaying the seriousness of the situation to keep you talking
• Lying about the evidence they have against you to get you to slip up
• Promising leniency or threatening harsher charges based on your cooperation

None of it is true. Their sole objective is to gather evidence to prosecute you. Do not take the bait!Even if you are 100% factually innocent, speaking without a lawyer leaves you vulnerable to making statements that prosecutors could misconstrue as lies, obstruction of justice, or consciousness of guilt. The only thing you should say to federal investigators is this:“I have nothing to say to you until I have had an opportunity to consult with an attorney.”Then, make that call to a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your future may depend on it.

An Insider’s Perspective

“As a former federal prosecutor, let me be blunt – if you get a target letter, you are in serious legal jeopardy. The federal government does not hand those out lightly.They have amassed evidence pointing to your involvement in a crime, whether it’s fraud, drug trafficking, corruption, you name it. And their mission now is to build an airtight case to indict and convict you.I’ve seen it countless times – suspects who think they can talk their way out of it, only to end up incriminating themselves and ensuring their conviction. Maybe they get flustered, maybe they misremember some details, maybe they just can’t keep their story straight under skilled interrogation. Whatever the reason, trying to ‘explain’ things without a lawyer is a catastrophic mistake that I’ve seen end in disaster over and over again. The federal agents questioning you are not your friends, no matter how friendly they may seem. The only winning move when you get that target letter is to shut your mouth and call an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. That’s the harsh reality. With a good lawyer handling things from that point, you may be able to avoid charges entirely through dismissal or a non-prosecution agreement. Or at minimum, you give yourself the best chance at beating the charges or getting them reduced. But if you try to ‘handle it yourself,’ even for a second, you are playing right into the prosecution’s hands. The odds of talking your way out of it are basically zero. And the risk of making your situation much, much worse is essentially guaranteed. So when that target letter arrives, as tempting as it is to ‘explain your side of the story,’ the only thing you should say is ‘Get me a lawyer.’ Your future may depend on it.”– Former Federal Prosecutor, Spodek Law Group

Target Letter Checklist: Protect Yourself

To summarize, if you receive a target letter from federal prosecutors, take these steps immediately:

• Do NOT speak to investigators without a lawyer present, no matter what
• Hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney right away
• Follow your lawyer’s guidance on all further actions and communications
• Let your lawyer handle all interactions with prosecutors from this point
• Be prepared for a lengthy process as your case gets investigated and charges get determined

Getting that target letter is terrifying, but it doesn’t have to mean game over. By lawyering up and exercising your constitutional rights, you give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding charges or mitigating the consequences. The alternative – trying to “explain” or “cooperate” your way out of it – is a recipe for disaster that experienced defense attorneys have seen backfire time and time again. When your freedom and future are at stake, the only smart move is to stay silent and bring in the legal cavalry to protect your rights. We’re here to help if you need it.

Hypothetical Scenarios

Let’s walk through a couple hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how things could play out:

Scenario 1: The Accountant

You’re a certified public accountant. One day, you receive a target letter from federal prosecutors alleging you committed tax fraud by helping clients underreport income and claim false deductions. The allegations are baseless – you always acted in good faith based on your understanding of the tax laws. But the feds clearly suspect otherwise. What do you do? Take the bait and try explaining your way out of it? Bad idea. As an accountant, you know how complex tax laws can be. A single misspoken word or inconsistent statement could be twisted to appear as if you intentionally tried to defraud the government.

Your best move is to:

1. Immediately hire an experienced tax fraud defense lawyer
2. Follow their advice to remain silent
3. Allow them to deal with prosecutors directly

From there, your lawyer can:

• Seek to get the charges dismissed by poking holes in the prosecution’s case
• Negotiate for lesser charges like negligence rather than fraud
• Or push the case toward trial if you are clearly innocent

But trying to “clear things up” by speaking for yourself could easily create new evidence that prosecutors could claim proves criminal intent – even if you are 100% truthful. The stakes are too high to take that risk. 

Scenario 2: The Business Owner

You own a small import/export business. You get a target letter accusing you of money laundering and structuring cash deposits to avoid reporting requirements. You know you didn’t commit any crimes – you simply had some cash-heavy customers that led to large cash deposits, but you always reported everything properly. The feds are probably just overreacting due to some misunderstanding, right? If you explain your business to them, they’ll realize their mistake and back off. What’s the harm in talking? Wrong. Even if everything you say is 100% truthful, skilled federal agents can easily twist your words during intense questioning.For example:

• They ask why you made so many large cash deposits under $10,000
• You say it’s because you didn’t want to deal with the reporting hassle for each one
• Bam – they claim that’s an admission you purposely structured deposits!

Or they ask about cash received from customers in high-risk industries. You share details to show you were unaware of any illicit activities. Suddenly they claim you were “willfully blind” as part of the laundering scheme. See the problem? No matter how convincingly you explain yourself, anything you say can and will be used against you by prosecutors looking for any shred of “evidence.”By staying silent and hiring a top money laundering defense lawyer from the start, you avoid that entire trap.

Your lawyer can:

• Gather and present the ACTUAL evidence showing your business was legitimate
• Negotiate to have charges dropped or reduced if there was a misunderstanding
• Prepare a defense and advise you on if/when to take the case to trial

But trying to “clear the air” yourself is just asking for prosecutors to misconstrue your words into “admissions” that make their case easier. The prudent move is to shut up and put your fate in the hands of an experienced legal team from the moment that target letter arrives. Your business and freedom may depend on it.

Spodek Law At Your Service

The key is to let your lawyer handle everything from the moment that target letter arrives. Do not make the critical mistake of trying to “explain your way out of it” by speaking to investigators yourself.cAs skilled as federal agents are at extracting incriminating statements, your only safe move is to:c“Remain silent and call my lawyer immediately.”Those six words may be your path to survival when your freedom hangs in the balance. Use them, and put your faith in an experienced legal team to guide you through this legal minefield safely.

While there are no guarantees, you stand a far better chance of reaching a favorable resolution than if you attempt to “go it alone” against a federal prosecution machine with nearly unlimited resources.

So if that dreaded envelope shows up in your mailbox, pause, take a deep breath, and make the call to Spodek Law Group right away. When it comes to target letters, knowledge is power – and we’re here to ensure you don’t get steamrolled. Call us today at 212-210-1851 or schedule a free consultation online.