Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Target Letter Explained

What Is a Federal Target Letter and What Should You Do If You Receive One?So you went to your mailbox today expecting the usual – bills, junk mail, maybe a catalog or two. But instead, you find an official letter from the U.S. Attorney‘s Office. Your heart starts racing as you tear it open, and then your stomach drops. It’s a federal target letter notifying you that you are the target of a criminal investigation.First of all, don’t panic. Take a deep breath. While receiving a target letter is certainly unsettling, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be charged with a crime. But it does mean you need to take action immediately to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly Is a Target Letter?

A target letter is the federal government’s way of informing you that you are the focus, or “target”, of a federal criminal investigation.1 Essentially, it means that a federal prosecutor believes there is substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime and that you are likely to be indicted.2The letter will typically outline:

• The nature of the investigation
• The federal crimes you are suspected of committing
• Your constitutional rights, like the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
• Next steps, like an upcoming grand jury date or a request to meet with investigators3

Receiving a target letter doesn’t mean you’ve been charged yet. But it’s a serious indication that the prosecutor intends to ask a federal grand jury to indict you on criminal charges in the near future. It’s their way of putting you on notice.

Why Would I Receive a Target Letter?

Federal investigations can go on for months or even years before you have any idea you’re a suspect. Agencies like the FBI, DEA, or IRS could be quietly gathering evidence against you this whole time.4There are a few reasons why a prosecutor might send you a target letter:

1. To notify you of your status as a target before seeking an indictment
2. To advise you to get an attorney if you don’t have one already
3. To give you one last chance to cooperate or take a plea deal
4. To request your testimony in front of a grand jury13

Whatever their reason for reaching out, you need to understand the gravity of the situation. A target letter is not something to brush off or take lightly.

What Are the Potential Consequences?

The specific consequences depend on the crime you’re suspected of committing. But generally speaking, a federal indictment means you could be facing hefty fines and significant prison time if convicted. Federal charges tend to be very serious.Some of the most common federal crimes that prompt target letters are:

• Tax evasion and other tax crimes
• Mail and wire fraud
• Drug trafficking
• Money laundering
• Healthcare fraud
• Securities and investment fraud45

Many federal offenses carry potential sentences of 20+ years in federal prison. Even a conviction on a lesser charge could land you behind bars for 5-10 years. And that’s on top of the damage to your reputation, career, and finances. The stakes are extremely high.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Target Letter?

If you find a target letter in your mailbox, here are the steps you need to take right away:

1. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. A target letter requires your immediate attention and a level-headed approach.6
2. Do NOT discuss the letter or investigation with anyone except an attorney. Don’t talk to friends, family, coworkers, or investigators about it. Anything you say could be used against you.3
3. Hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney right away. Do not try to handle this on your own. You need professional legal guidance to navigate the federal justice system and protect your rights.7
4. Review the letter carefully with your attorney. Make note of any deadlines or requests, like a grand jury subpoena. Your attorney will help you understand exactly what the letter means and what to expect next.8
5. Gather any relevant documents, but do NOT destroy or alter anything that could be considered evidence. Shredding documents will only make you look guilty and could lead to additional charges for obstruction of justice.3
6. Have your attorney contact the prosecutor on your behalf. Your attorney will find out more about the investigation, discuss your options, and advocate for your interests. Do not contact the prosecutor yourself.5
7. Decide on the best strategy with your attorney’s advice. You may choose to exercise your right to remain silent, cooperate with the investigation, negotiate a plea, or fight the charges at trial. It depends on the strength of the evidence and the specifics of your case.4

The most important thing is to take the target letter seriously and act quickly to get the right attorney on your side. Federal prosecutions move swiftly. The sooner you have legal counsel, the better your chances of a positive outcome.

What Happens Next?

After you receive a target letter, a few things could happen:

1. You could be subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury. If you are, you must show up or face additional charges. But you still have the right to plead the Fifth and refuse to answer questions that could incriminate you.9
2. You could be indicted. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, formal charges will be filed against you and you’ll be arrested and arraigned in federal court.10
3. Your attorney could negotiate with the prosecutor. In some cases, your attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dropped, or work out a plea deal to avoid trial.4
4. You could go to trial. If you plead not guilty, you’ll face a jury trial in U.S. District Court. The government will present its case and you’ll have the opportunity to mount a defense. If convicted, a judge will hand down your sentence.10

No matter what happens, expect a long road ahead. Federal cases are complex and slow-moving. It could be months or even years before your case is resolved. That‘s why it’s so important to have a skilled federal defense attorney guiding you through the process.

What Should I Look for in a Federal Defense Attorney?

Not all criminal defense attorneys have experience with federal cases. It’s critical to find one who specializes in federal law and has a track record of success in U.S. District Court.Here are some key things to look for:

• Experience: Federal court is a whole different ballgame than state court. You need an attorney who has handled plenty of federal cases before, preferably ones similar to yours. Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience and results.7
• Knowledge: Federal cases involve complex laws and procedures. Your attorney should have a deep understanding of the federal rules of evidence, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and the specific statutes you’re accused of violating.7
• Reputation: A well-respected attorney may have better negotiating power with federal prosecutors. Ask around the legal community to get a sense of their reputation.4
• Personality: You’ll be working closely with your attorney for months on end. Make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable confiding in and who inspires confidence.4
• Resources: Federal cases are paper-intensive. Your attorney should have the staff and resources to handle the workload and mount a strong defense.7

Don’t just go with the first attorney you find. Meet with a few and ask tough questions before deciding who to hire. Your choice of attorney could make all the difference in your case.