A target letter from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. Attorney’s Office says, “You are the target of a federal grand jury investigation.” You are a potential defendant. However, unlike a…
A target letter is a letter issued by the DOJ to an individual or company informing them that they are considered a target of an investigation. In a child exploitation case, receiving a target…
According to the Department of Justice’s Justice Manual, a “target” is defined as: a person as to whom the prosecutor or the grand jury has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission…
If you have been served a federal grand jury subpoena, this does not necessarily mean that you are a target of the investigation or that criminal charges will be filed against you. At this…
1. Do Not Call the DOJ or FBI 2. Preserve Documents and Electronic Devices 3. Stop Speaking About Your Case 4. Retain Experienced Counsel Immediately 5. Do Not Volunteer Information 6. Decline to Discuss…
Rule 17(c)(2) states: “The court may quash or modify the subpoena if compliance would be unreasonable or oppressive.” Although this is the clear language of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (which apply in…
1. Acknowledge That Every Answer Can Shift Your Status from “Witness” to “Target” 2. Understand That A Grand Jury Decides Probable Cause Rather Than Guilt 3. Understand That Probable Cause Is a Substantially Lower…
No federal statute sets a deadline for the government to file an indictment after sending a target letter. A target letter can precede an indictment by days, weeks, or months. A target letter is…
A grand jury subpoena duces tecum is the document-production form of a federal grand jury subpoena. Along with your testimony, a grand jury subpoena duces tecum will require you to produce certain materials. Along…
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e) does not specify a set duration for grand-jury secrecy. Rule 6(e) sets no expiration date on the secrecy obligation, and secrecy does not lapse simply because the grand…