Criminal Defense Lawyers

Sacramento, California Federal Target Letters

At the Spodek Law Group, we’ve seen it all when it comes to federal cases. Our nationwide team of experienced attorneys knows how to navigate these treacherous legal waters. In this article, we’ll break down what a target letter is, what it means for you, and most importantly – what you need to do next.

What is a Federal Target Letter?

A target letter is the federal government’s way of letting you know that you‘re under investigation for a crime. It comes from a U.S. Attorney‘s Office and it means they have substantial evidence linking you to a federal offense.The letter will outline a few key things:

• That you’re the target of a federal grand jury investigation
• The specific crime or crimes they think you’ve committed
• Your right to assert the Fifth Amendment and not incriminate yourself
• Information on how to obtain court-appointed counsel if you can’t afford a lawyer

In essence, a target letter is a warning shot. It’s the prosecutor’s way of saying, “We’re coming for you.” But, it‘s also an opportunity. With the right legal strategy, charges can potentially be avoided or minimized at this stage. That’s why it‘s crucial to involve an experienced federal defense attorney as soon as possible.

I Got a Target Letter. What Do I Do?

If a target letter shows up in your mailbox, your next steps are critical. Here‘s what you need to do:

1. Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even terrified when you receive a target letter. These are serious accusations with potentially life-altering consequences.But, as scary as it is, ignoring the letter won’t make it go away. In fact, burying your head in the sand is the worst thing you can do. You need to face this head-on, and the clock is ticking.

2. Retain an Experienced Federal Defense Attorney Immediately

This is not a situation to handle on your own. You need a seasoned lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the federal system.Look for an attorney or firm with a proven track record in federal cases, preferably one with experience in the specific crime you’re accused of. For example, if it’s a white-collar offense, you want a lawyer who has successfully handled similar white-collar cases.At the Spodek Law Group, we have a deep bench of federal defense attorneys across the country. No matter where you are or what you’re accused of, we can help.

3. Don’t Talk to Anyone Except Your Lawyer

You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney – not your friends, not your family, and certainly not any law enforcement officials.The target letter may ask you to come in for an interview or to testify before a grand jury. Do not do this without consulting your lawyer first. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let your attorney do the talking.

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

4. Preserve All Relevant Documents, But Don’t Destroy Anything

The target letter may reference specific documents or types of evidence. Preserve these, but do it carefully. Don’t alter or destroy anything, as this could lead to additional charges of obstruction of justice.Let your attorney guide you on how to handle any relevant evidence. They can advise on what to preserve and how to lawfully protect your interests.

Can I Avoid Charges?

Receiving a target letter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be indicted. In some cases, skilled defense counsel can engage with prosecutors at this stage to avoid charges altogether.Every case is unique, but some potential strategies include:

• Presenting exculpatory evidence that proves your innocence
• Negotiating a non-prosecution agreement in exchange for cooperation
• Demonstrating that the government’s evidence is insufficient to secure a conviction
• Showing that key evidence was obtained illegally and should be suppressed

The key is to intervene early and aggressively. The more time your attorney has to work with before charges are filed, the better your chances of a positive outcome.At the Spodek Law Group, we’ve successfully resolved many cases at the pre-indictment stage. Our attorneys know how to constructively engage with prosecutors to influence their charging decisions.

What Happens if I Am Charged?

If you are ultimately indicted, remember that an accusation is not a conviction. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.The next steps in the process typically include:

• An initial appearance and arraignment where you enter a plea
• Discovery and pre-trial motions where your attorney assesses the evidence and raises legal challenges
• Plea bargaining and/or trial preparation
• The trial itself, if necessary

Throughout this process, your defense team will work tirelessly to poke holes in the prosecution‘s case and advocate for the best possible result. This could mean fighting for an acquittal at trial, or negotiating a favorable plea deal to minimize the consequences.At the Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on our trial skills and our negotiating prowess. We‘re ready to take your case all the way to a jury if necessary, but we also know how to secure the best possible plea bargain when that’s the smart move.