Criminal Defense Lawyers

Dallas, Texas Federal Target Letters

Receiving a Federal Target Letter in Dallas: What You Need to Know

What Is a Federal Target Letter?

In simple terms, a target letter is a notification from federal prosecutors that you are the target of a criminal investigation. It means the government believes they have substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime. The letter will likely state the general nature of the investigation and the agency involved, like the FBI, DEA, or IRS. It may also include a request for you to take certain actions, such as:

• Testify before a grand jury
• Meet with the prosecuting U.S. Attorney
• Provide documents or evidence

Most importantly, the target letter signals that an indictment could be coming if the prosecutor can further build their case against you.Now you’re probably thinking – this sounds pretty serious, right? You’re not wrong. Receiving a target letter is definitely a big deal that requires your immediate attention. But here’s the key thing to understand:A target letter is not formal criminal charges or a conviction. It’s simply a notification that you are squarely in the government’s investigative crosshairs. The good news? By taking swift and strategic action, it may be possible to resolve the case before charges are ever filed. And that’s exactly what an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer like myself can help you do.

What NOT to Do After Receiving a Target Letter

I’ve covered the crucial “dos” after getting a target letter. Now let me warn you about some of the biggest “don’ts” I always caution my clients against:

• Do NOT speak to federal investigators or prosecutors without your lawyer present, no matter how small the discussion may seem. As I said, anything you say can potentially be used against you.
• Do NOT destroy or conceal any documents, emails, mobile devices or other potential evidence. This can easily lead to additional obstruction charges on top of the original investigation.
• Do NOT lie or mislead investigators if they do approach you before you’ve hired a lawyer. This can compound your legal troubles significantly.
• Do NOT assume you can easily talk your way out of this situation on your own. Federal prosecutors are skilled and determined. You need an equally skilled defense attorney on your side.
• Do NOT take a “wait and see” approach, hoping the investigation will just go away. It won’t. You need to take decisive action to defend yourself.

The bottom line is that from the moment you receive a target letter, you are in the federal government’s crosshairs. Any missteps could seriously jeopardize your freedom and your future. So the prudent path is to go into complete lockdown mode – remain silent, remove yourself from the situation, and allow an experienced federal criminal lawyer to take the lead.

Why Do Prosecutors Send Target Letters?

Federal prosecutors have a few different reasons for sending target letters:

• To formally notify you that you are under criminal investigation
• To advise you of potential charges being considered
• To request you take some action, like testify before a grand jury
• To encourage you to retain legal counsel
• To prompt your cooperation with the investigation

While not legally required, target letters can help prosecutors build cases and avoid surprises down the road.There’s an important distinction between being labeled a “target” versus a “subject”:

If you receive a letter identifying you as a target, it signals significant suspicion of criminal activity on your part. Subjects sometimes become targets as more evidence is uncovered.

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2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

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2024-03-18

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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.

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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!

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2024-03-12

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2024-03-12

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2024-02-28

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2024-02-24

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Common Crimes That Prompt Target Letters

While any federal crime can warrant a target letter, some common examples include:

• White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion
• Securities fraud, insider trading
• Bribery, public corruption
• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Healthcare fraud

White collar crimes are a frequent source of these letters, but they can relate to any federal offense that prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence to pursue.

How to Respond to a Target Letter

Here are some key steps your attorney may take in response:

• Contact prosecutors to open dialogue
• Work to negotiate a favorable pre-indictment resolution
• Advise against giving voluntary interviews
• Assert your Fifth Amendment rights
• Review evidence and assess potential defenses
• Discuss possibility of cooperating, if appropriate

The key is developing a strategic response rather than acting rashly. An experienced attorney can properly evaluate your situation and legal options.You might be tempted to disregard the letter, but that’s inadvisable for several reasons:

• The investigation will proceed regardless
• Remaining silent could prompt a more aggressive stance
• You lose the chance to advocate your position
• Any defense will be tougher post-indictment

While not a definitive condemnation, ignoring a target letter puts you at a major disadvantage. Prompt legal counsel allows you to thoughtfully navigate the situation.

Potential Defenses

Depending on the circumstances, some possible legal defenses may include:

• Lack of criminal intent
• Mistaken identity
• Entrapment
• Constitutional violations
• Prosecutorial misconduct

Your lawyer will carefully analyze the facts to determine if any such defenses are viable based on the evidence.

The Way Forward

Receiving a federal target letter can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. By engaging experienced legal counsel from the outset, you give yourself the best opportunity for a favorable resolution. At Spodek Law Group, our team of veteran federal defense attorneys has successfully represented clients across the nation in high-stakes cases. We know how to navigate these complex situations and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.T he road ahead may be difficult, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Your future is our priority. Call us today at 212-210-1851 or schedule a free consultation online.