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What To Do First If You Receive A Federal Target Letter

March 21, 2024 Uncategorized

Samples of Federal Target Letters from U.S. Attorney’s Offices

Have you received a federal target letter in the mail? If you realize that you, or someone you know, is the subject of a federal investigation, you will be notified by way of a federal target letter.  The target letter will tell you what you’re being investigated for, and it will request your cooperation with the investigation. You should be aware –  by the time you get a target letter, you will probably already know, or at least have some suspicion, that you are under investigation by a government agency or federal prosecutors. Federal agents might have already questioned you, or loved ones by that time, or perhaps the same federal agents might have presented a search warrant at your door. Depending on the details of the offense you allegedly committed, it’s possible you’re under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or any of the many other federal agencies. 

No matter what you did, it is important that you move fast and speak with a federal defense lawyer who can represent you, and stand up for  your rights throughout every phase of your case. If you have received a target letter, or are under investigation, it’s advisable you speak to our experienced, licensed federal defense attorney as soon as possible. Once we see the target letter, we can give you advice on how to move forward.

Receiving a Federal Target Letter from a U.S. Attorney

When you get a target letter, it means that you are under investigation, and are in need of a defense attorney as soon as possible. You should consider yourself at risk of imminent arrest, or worse. It means there’s a credible case being built against you, and it’s time to speak to a federal defense lawyer.

The federal target letter you get will be addressed to you from the U.S. attorney in the district where your case is being done. The target letter will also tell you what federal agency is investigating you, what they’re investigating you for, and also inform you of what the charges are connected to. The target letter you get in the mail will also likely offer you an opportunity to resolve the legal issue, before you are indicted and arrested. You should never assume that it means you can resolve your case by working with the entity that is trying to convict you. Many people make the mistake of assuming the prosecutors on the case are your ally.

A Sample of a Federal Target Letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office

There are a variety of different target letters available on the United States Attorney website.  These include letters for cases involving document subpoenas and grand juries. Target letters can also be used to request a meeting, or to request a lawyer call. 

Here below is sample of the possible text of a target letter:

U.S. Attorney’s Office Header

Dear {Subject of Investigation}:

{FBI/DEA/IRS/Other Agency} is investigating you in connection with {offense}.

We are preparing to present evidence to a grand jury and seek indictment and an arrest. If you would like to resolve this matter before a possible warrant is issued, please contact before {date}. Please have an attorney represent you at this meeting.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a court-appointed lawyer. Please complete the attached form and present it to the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

Sincerely,

U.S. Attorney

Speed and Skill

These are two crucial skills, when you’re dealing with federal investigation approaching: speed and skill. You have to act fast in order to get the highest quality of legal representation, and to start building a defense before the U.S. attorney has time to build a case against you. You have to get yourself a criminal defense attorney who has what it takes to win, regardless of whether he or she is up against the unlimited resources of the federal government.

What To Do First If You Get A Federal Target Letter

Have you ever received a target letter? If you have never received, it is most likely you do not understand what it is. A target letter is a written document sent by the United States attorney to an individual stating that they are a target of a federal criminal investigation. It is a letter that asks you to co-operate by providing the assistance needed to complete the investigations. In the letter will be information on what federal crimes you are facing and what they would like you to do as a measure of cooperation. Before a target letter is sent to you, the chances are that an agent from an investigating body will have contacted you.

Hire a lawyer

It is common that whenever you find yourself under investigation or facing charges, you will need to hire the services of a lawyer. However, it is possible that if you are reading this article, you are already in the process of hiring a lawyer. Maybe you are asking yourself how you will find a lawyer who will help you to deal with the charges facing you. If you know how to hire a good lawyer, then you’ll be on your way to responding appropriately to the target letter.

The process of hiring a lawyer should be based on the crimes you are being investigated for. If you are facing a federal criminal investigation, you’ll need to have the services of a federal criminal defense lawyer who is adequately furnished with knowledge on how to deal with such issues. If it is bank fraud, you need the services of a lawyer who has experience in that field. It’s also important to take into consideration that there are thousands of statute under the U.S Justice System and they are applied differently depending on the jurisdiction. So, it is important to hire a lawyer who is familiar with the statute of your area.

Do you respond to the target letter?

Whenever you receive a target letter, there is without a doubt something that the prosecutor won’t you to do. The letter might be asking you to present yourself for a meeting with the team investigating the matter you are associated with. Others will ask you to present yourself before a grand jury to give a testimony. Some target letters will ask you to hire the services of a lawyer who will then contact the prosecutor. Regardless of the request contained in the target letter, the prudent decision to make is to hire a lawyer who will, in turn, contact the prosecutor on your behalf. Do not attempt it call the prosecutor by yourself since you might not understand the legal implication of your actions. The prosecutor can use such an opportunity to corner you into a position that will negatively affect your defense.

A target

In the case of a federal criminal investigation, anyone involved is classified into three categories: subject, witness and target. If you are identified as the target of a federal investigation, it means that investigators are looking into your conduct. The investigating agency is considering you as the person responsible for the crime committed. If you are a subject, it means that federal agents have identified you with the crime committed, but they need you to provide valuable information that they believe you might possess, but that does not necessarily mean that you are to be prosecuted. Clearly, you do not want to be a target since you are likely to be the one facing charges in a court of law.

What will happen after a target letter?

When the government sends you a target letter, it might be asking you to join them at the negotiating table so that you can take a plea and avoid a situation where you will be formally indicted. In this case, the prosecutor will provide some information but not as much as what would happen in a court of law. At this stage, you and your lawyer should consider the information that the government has and what is likely to happen if the case goes to trial. In case you take the plea, chances are that the government will not press charges in court.

If the government has no intentions of prosecuting you, your lawyers will liaise with the prosecutor and later with you with the aim of making a presentation and why the prosecution should not initiate charges against you. It is the role of the lawyer to cushion the client from the prosecution at the earliest possible stage. It is therefore important to get a qualified lawyer who understands these issues.

The fact that you have received a target letter does not mean that you’ll ever be prosecuted. You can receive it yet nothing will ever happen to you. Maybe the prosecutor was reassigned to another case or retired.

What To Do First If You Get A Target Letter?

Federal criminal investigations are often large in scope, are intricate, and potentially involve numerous individuals. Federal criminal charges are serious accusations. Therefore, the government usually exercises significant caution when determining which individuals to formally accuse.

Under specific circumstances, subjects who said bureaucracy might believe had some involvement in varying federal criminal offenses might be sent a document called a target letter.

The Spodek Law Group

The Spodek Law Group, a team of skilled federal criminal defense lawyers serving New Jersey residents, requests their followers read this piece offering explanation regarding what a target letter is, in addition to the most appropriate actions those receiving said correspondences should take.

 

Definition

Federal government officials draft target letters to inform intended recipients that they might soon be subject to federal criminal prosecution.
These documents are authored following an investigation. Said undertakings often yield enough evidence to suggest that letter recipients engaged in some type of wrongdoing. Typically, however, target letters are issued to those suspected of engaging in one or more forms of white-collar offenses.

Information Contained Within

Said correspondences usually contain several key facets of information including the specific act the accused is believed to have committed, information on how to obtain legal representation should they not be able to afford said benefit, the alleged individual’s involvement in a grand jury investigations, and said subject’s right to remain silent.
Furthermore, the document might warn the recipient not take any potentially detrimental actions that might hinder or interfere with the ongoing investigation and may even invite said party to further discuss the issue with prosecutors.

Are Target Letters Merely A Prelude To Criminal Charges?

The short answer to this question is not necessarily. Occasionally, prosecutors cannot find enough credible evidence to proceed with charges or formal indictments.

Steps Recipients Are Encouraged To Take

Do Not Act Impulsively

Granted, receiving such a correspondence is stressful. That said, anyone who is in question  and received the target letter shouldn’t make any rash decisions. They should, however, refrain from engaging in any actions federal authorities caution them not to partake in.

Consult With An Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

It is extremely important to mention that federal criminal charges are super complex. Target letter recipients should consult with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney ASAP in order to avoid an escalation. Spodek Law Group’s team of attorneys can consult with prosecutors on your behalf, and learn information such as if the government intends to press charges, evidence, and other information. In the past, our federal criminal lawyers have been able to negotiate plea deals, and even convince prosecutors to drop charges in order to dismiss charges.

Potential Defensive Strategies

Most federal criminal defense attorneys maintain that a target letter recipient should never subscribe to a wait and see approach. Rather, said individual and their legal representation should promptly and actively respond to such inquiry.

The government might invite cooperation and be willing to hear what the recipient has to say but will not wait forever. Their duty is to stop a given crime and bring its alleged perpetrators to justice.

Quick intervention is needed to yield the target letter grantee potentially favorable outcomes such as:

Not Being Arrested

Once a client of a reputable criminal defense attorney, government officials are less likely to be formally arrested.

Avoiding Charges

Skilled defense attorneys might discover credible evidence that might help exonerate their client and help them avoid formal charges.

What is a Federal Target Letter and what does it mean if I received one?

Federal target letter is a way for the government to inform someone that they are the target of criminal prosecution. It means the federal prosecutors believe that the recipient of the letter has committed a crime, and that the investigation is escalating. The letter can be received out of the blue, or after federal agents attempt to interview you. These types of letters are often used in fraud related offenses, and are normally the first indicator that you are under federal investigation. The federal government is not required to send target letters, and most people indicted never receive one. Furthermore, receiving does not mean that you are automatically going to be indicted. It does mean that the chances are high.

The US DOJ defines a target, as a person to whom the prosecutor or grand jury has substantial evidence linking them to the commission of a crime. You have to understand that it means the government has reason to believe you were involved in committing some sort of federal crime. Target letters will ask you to take a certain action, such as meeting with the Assistant United States Attorney, who is investigating a case. Few things can be as intimidating as getting a federal target letter, which says you’re under investigation of a federal crime investigation. It can be very daunting if you were unaware that a investigation was even happening. If you have received such a letter, you might be uncertain about what it means, or the next steps.

Federal target letters are written notifications from the United State Attorney’s Office or the DOJ, and informs an individual that they are the subject of an investigation.

Witness means the government believes the person in question may be able to provide information about a suspected crime.

Subject means the prosecutors believe the person might be involved in a crime, but the prosecutors have to investigate further.

Target means that you are someone the prosecutors have accumulated evidence against, that links you to a crime.

Why would someone receive a Federal Target Letter?

As the name implies, the target letter indicates that the recipient is a target, and it means the prosecutors have substantial evidence linking them to the commission of a crime. The target letter will notify the recipient about things, such as

– the status of the recipient as a target in a federal grand jury investigation

– the crime you are suspected of committing

– your right to asset the fifth amendment

– information on how to get court-appointed counsel

Receiving a target letter implies you are under federal investigation, and that the prosecutor believes theres substantial evidence implicating you in the commission of a crime, and there is a high chance you will be indicted. If you received a target letter, it’ll include a description of the alleged criminal conduct, and statutes you are suspected of violating. Often, there is an open-invitation to discuss the issue with the prosecutor’s office, and the option of having legal representation present. There is also a warning that anything you say, can, and will, be used against you in court.

What are the first steps I should take after receiving a Federal Target Letter?

For many people, getting targeted by a federal investigation is hard to stomach. Things can turn very seriously, very quickly, when you get a federal target letter, and learn you’re being investigated. For most people who get a target letter, this is a sign that your worst fears are about to come true. If you get a target letter, here are the steps you need to take.

Understand what the target letter is

Target letters are official notices that inform you there’s an investigation targeting you. Target letters often come with a request that you cooperate with the authorities (called a proffer), in exchange for some sort of protection from the investigation. Cooperation can come in many forms, such as giving evidence, agreeing to be interviewed by federal agents, or testifying before a grand jury. The objective is to intimidate you.

Get a federal defense attorney immediately

If the letter arrives in your mailbox, you know with 100% certainty federal agents are investigating you. Their investigations have reached an advanced stage, and you are at risk of being arrested. In many cases, you will not be the first to get a target letter. Other people associated with you, will receive similar letters, with similar instructions. The chance to earn leniency from federal prosecutors comes on a first-come, first served basis. If you decide to proffer, it will be less effective the later you do it. For most people, being the target of a federal investigation is new territory. You don’t want to take steps like admitting or implying guilt, but you also don’t want others to implicate you. It’s crucial at this step you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you through this scary process.

  • your lawyer can protect you from unintentionally waiving your rights.
  • your lawyer can ensure that you don’t reveal information which could be used by federal prosecutors, later, in court
  • your lawyer can ensure you get a fair plea deal.
  • your lawyer can work with you to decide of pleading guilty to a federal charge is something you should do.

Do not destroy evidence

One important component of a target letter is figuring out which agency is conducting the investigation. You will generally have had some contact with the specific agency, and from that agency contact – you are probably able to figure out why you’re the subject of the investigation. Once you know that, you could be tempted to hide, alter, or destroy, what you think is incriminating evidence – DO NOT do that. Willful destruction of evidence in a federal investigation is a federal crime. It’s a good idea to review anything that you consider to be evidence. Your lawyer will need that information in order to anticipate the steps the US attorney is going to take in prosecuting your federal case.

How can a lawyer help if I’ve received a Federal Target Letter?

When you receive a letter from the DOJ or US Attorney’s Office which states you’re the target of a federal investigation – it can be very intimidating. It’s a stressful experience to say the least, most people can’t relate. It’s important that you remain calm, and understand that a target letter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be criminally charged, or that you’re going to jail. What matters most, at this point, is hiring an attorney to help you. Our experienced criminal attorneys can provide help in this situation. Here are some key steps to take.

  • Don’t panic. Getting the letter is serious business, but don’t panic, or make rash decisions. The letter doesn’t mean you’ve been formally accused, or that you’ll definitely face criminal charges. You have rights and options, and your criminal attorney can help make sure those rights are protected.
  • Contact a lawyer immediately. The most important thing to do upon getting a target letter is to get legal counsel who specialize in federal cases. They experience communicating with investigators and prosecutors. They can help you formulate a response to the letter.
  • Follow instructions. The letter will probably give you instructions, like a request for you to testify before a grand jury. It’s important to follow all instructions carefully while you assert your rights. Your criminal defense attorney can advise on how to respond to the allegations.
  • Do not speak to investigators without your lawyer. Often, people make mistakes speaking directly to the prosecutors office without hiring legal help. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you. Your lawyer can help by handling all communications.
  • Do not destroy evidence. It should go without saying, you shouldn’t destroy or tamper with evidence related to the criminal investigation. Doing so can result in additional criminal charges.
  • Explore your options with your federal lawyer. An experienced federal defense attorney can assess your case, and identify potential strategies, such as negotiating with prosecutors, seeking reduced charges, or dismissal of charges.

What are the potential outcomes after receiving a Federal Target Letter?

Receiving a federal target letter can be very intimidating, and concerning. The letter states that federal prosecutors have evidence linking you to a federal crime, and consider you a defendant in their investigation. This can be alarming, but the target letter doesn’t guarantee you will be criminally charged, or indicted. Here are some potential outcomes after you get a letter.

Hire an experienced attorney: The first step, after getting a target letter, is to hire a criminal attorney at the Spodek Law Group as soon as possible. Our criminal attorneys can help you understand the charges you could face, and potential penalties as well. We can also advise you on defense strategies, and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf.

Cooperate with investigators: One option you have is to cooperate with the investigation in exchange for lesser charges, or immunity. Cooperating can be very risky, and typically involves giving interviews, testimony, or evidence, which implicates yourself, or others, in criminal activity. Your attorney can look at the benefits and drawbacks of cooperating.

Plea bargaining: Plea bargain negotiations are another potential outcome of target letters. Your defense attorney can secure reduced charges, or sentencing recommendations, in exchange for pleading guilty. This avoids the expense of a federal trial, and the uncertainty of going to a jury verdict. Over 90% of federal cases end in guilty pleas, and as a result, plea bargains are super common, especially for first-time offenders in non-violent crimes.

Going to trial: You have the right to plead not guilty, and go to trial. Your attorney can file pre-trial motions, that look to have evidence, or other charges, dismissed. They can also put forth defenses, and force federal prosecutors to their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

How long do I have to respond to a Federal Target Letter, and what happens if I don’t?

If you, or someone close to you, has gotten a federal target letter from prosecutors, government agencies, and others, then it’s entirely natural to feel extremely overwhelmed, and anxious. A federal target letter from the government is a very serious matter,  and this requires your immediate attention. A target letter is a formal notification from federal prosecutors. It’s job is to inform you that you are the target of a criminal investigation.

When there’s a target letter sent out, it means that the government has evidence linking you to a crime – and most importantly, it intends to seek an indictment against you. The letter from the government will outline the investigation, the crimes that are being investigated, and your rights. The target letter might also ask you to testify before a grand jury. Receiving a target letter doesn’t mean that an indictment is imminent, or guaranteed to arrive.

When Does a Target Letter Arrive?

The timing of the letter can vary depending. In some cases, the target letter can arrive early in the investigation – while in other situation it may arrive months, or years after the investigation has begun. Typically, the government will send an official federal target letter when they have finally gathered enough evidence to move forward.

Here are some examples of Target Letters in the real world:

Can a Federal Target Letter lead to arrest?

What rights do I have if I receive a Federal Target Letter?

What should I do if I’m innocent but received a Federal Target Letter?

How does the federal investigation process work, and where does a Federal Target Letter fit in?

How long after a target letter are you indicted?

 

 

What happens if you receive a target letter?

What is a federal target letter?

What does being a target in an investigation mean?

What is the difference between a target letter and an indictment?

Is a target letter required before indictment?

What does a FBI target letter look like?

What is a target letter in a criminal investigation?

Do target letters come in the mail?

What is the difference between a target and a subject of investigation?

How would a federal agent contact you?

How do you know if you are the subject of an investigation?

If law enforcement agents are questioning you, it’s crucial to remember your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Anything you say CAN, and WILL, be used against you; so keep any information you might have private, until you have legal representation present. The first step if you’re under investigation is to hire an attorney. Having skilled criminal defense lawyer, like the ones at Spodek Law Group, on your side is an absolute must. They’ll advise you on how to navigate this legal issue, and protect your rights.

There are some telltale signs that may suggest you’re in the crosshairs of a criminal investigation:

Surveillance – If you notice unmarked vehicles nearby your home or workplace, that’s a major red flag. Law enforcement 101 is tailing suspects. 

Subpoenas – Getting a subpoena for records, or testimony, is big tell-tale sign you’re being investigated.

Search Warrants – Having your home or office raided and searched is about as blatant as it gets. You’re definitely a person of interest at that point.

Questioning – If federal agents agents are asking questions you about specific crimes, or incidents, that’s a red flag indicating you’re a target

What Exactly Are They Investigating?

This is a crucial question. Our lawyer will try to get to the bottom of ASAP. The nature, and scope, of the investigation will shape the eventual criminal defense strategy. For example, are the feds looking at you for drug trafficking? Tax evasion? Racketeering? Each type of criminal case requires a specialized approach. Our criminal defense attorneys need to dig and find out every single detail about the allegations.We start by examining any subpoenas, warrants, or documentation from the prosecution. Those documents can shed light on what charges may be filed eventually.

From there, it’s about building a strong defense that is unique to the specific crimes being alleged. Things like:

  • Challenging the prosecution’s evidence
  • Identifying constitutional rights violations
  • Negotiating for reduced charges or penalties
  • Preparing to take the case to trial if needed

The more information your lawyer can uncover early on about the investigation, the better armed they’ll be to defend your interests.

How is a target letter delivered?

Federal prosecutors will usually send a target letter via certified mail, or having a federal agent deliver it, in person. If the letter is sent via certified mail, the mail carrier will require a signature from the recipient before they deliver the letter. If a federal agent delivers the letter, the agent will deliver the letter in person, and may ask you to a receipt. Prosecutors often send letters in order to inform you the federal government believes it has enough evidence to start a criminal case against you, and file criminal charges. The letter will state the nature of the investigation, and the array of potential charges you’re facing. In addition, it will request that either you, or your attorney, contact the prosecutor.

Why would FBI send a letter?

There are many ways to look at a FBI target letter. The obvious thing is to realize that the FBI target letter is simply an announcement that there are upcoming federal charges, and give you the first indicator that you are part of a federal criminal investigation. This is an invitation by the federal government to discuss and resolve allegations. Typically, FBI target letters conclude with a request to contact federal prosecutors, and discuss the issues mentioned in the FBI target letter. The letter by the FBI is simply meant to discuss potential criminal charges such as conspiracy charges, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, and more. If federal agents send you an FBI target letter, you should contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys to find out about questions such as:

  • what the investigation is about
  • am I going to be arrested
  • can criminal charges from the FBI letter be avoided
  • how much time is left to avoid charges, and resolve issues

Spodek Law Group P.C.’s attorneys have immense experience avoiding criminal charges in federal investigations. Our team brings leading attorneys, who have derived insights from 100’s of federal prosecution cases. Examples of federal cases that the FBI might send a target letter for include, but are not limited to:

  • federal conspiracy
  • medicare fraud, medicaid fraud
  • kickbacks
  • healthcare fraud
  • bribery
  • mail fraud
  • wire fraud
  • computer crimes
  • tax fraud
  • embezzlement
  • bank fraud
  • counterfeiting
  • money laundering
  • insurance fraud
  • securities fraud
  • and more

 

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