Criminal Defense Lawyers

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Federal Target Letters

You Just Received a Federal Target Letter in Oklahoma City – Here’s What to Do

What Exactly is a Federal Target Letter?

A federal target letter is an official notification that federal prosecutors believe you committed a crime. It means the investigation has focused squarely on you as the “target.” The letter will outline:

• The criminal charges they suspect you of
• Your right to legal counsel
• An invitation to meet with prosecutors or testify before a grand jury

This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be indicted – but it’s a major red flag that charges could be coming. The stakes just got higher. How you respond from here is crucial.

The First Critical Step: Get a Lawyer – Now

The instant you receive that target letter, your first call should be to an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – get a lawyer immediately. Why is this so important?

• Federal prosecutors are trying to build a case against you – your lawyer ensures you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself
• Speaking to federal agents without a lawyer is extremely risky and can harm your defense
• An attorney understands federal criminal procedure and can guide you through proper responses
• You may only get one chance to avoid charges – your lawyer maximizes that opportunity

This is not the time to try and “explain your way out of it” directly with prosecutors. Get a lawyer to protect your rights and strategize the best defense.

Understanding Your Status: Target vs Subject vs Witness

In federal investigations, there are three key categories the government uses:

Being labeled a “target” is the most serious designation. It means prosecutors believe they can likely get a conviction against you based on their current evidence. This is why a skilled defense attorney is absolutely vital – they can work to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.

To Testify or Not to Testify? A Pivotal Decision

One of the biggest choices you may face is whether to testify before a grand jury investigating your case. Your lawyer will strategize with you, but generally the options are:

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

1. Testify in an attempt to convince the grand jury not to indict
   • Risky, as you can inadvertently incriminate yourself without counsel present
   • But it could lead to no indictment if your testimony is strong
2. Decline to testify by asserting your 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination
   • Safest route to avoid making damaging statements
   • But increases the likelihood of indictment since your side isn’t heard

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your lawyer will walk through the pros and cons based on your specific circumstances.

What If I Want to Cooperate With Prosecutors?

In some cases, your lawyer may advise attempting to cooperate with federal prosecutors by:

• Providing information or testimony about others involved in the suspected crime
• Accepting a plea deal for reduced charges or sentencing

This is an extremely delicate process. Cooperating too freely could implicate you further. Your lawyer needs to precisely negotiate what information to offer and what you’ll receive in exchange – all while protecting your constitutional rights.

Hypothetical Scenarios to Consider

Let’s walk through a couple hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how complex these situations can become:

Scenario 1: You’re a business owner who received a target letter regarding potential tax fraud and money laundering charges. The evidence against you includes financial records and witness testimony from disgruntled ex-employees.

• It could be that the ex-employees are lying to get revenge, and the financial records are just sloppy bookkeeping rather than intentional fraud.
• Or it could be that you did knowingly underreport income and move money illegally, and the evidence is strong.
• Your lawyer needs to investigate thoroughly and decide whether cooperating for a reduced sentence is wiser than trying to poke holes in the prosecution’s case.

Scenario 2: You’re an executive at a pharmaceutical company that received a target letter about misleading marketing practices regarding a new drug’s safety profile. The FDA has been investigating your company.

• It’s possible you had no knowledge of any wrongdoing, and the FDA’s evidence is circumstantial.
• Or it could be that you were actively involved in hiding safety data from regulators and consumers.
• Your lawyer may advise testifying to the grand jury and distancing yourself from key decision makers if you were truly uninvolved.

As you can see, every situation is highly nuanced. Having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is critical for navigating these complexities.

Don’t Panic – But Do Respond Quickly and Strategically

Receiving a federal target letter is unnerving – there’s no sugar-coating that. But panicking or sticking your head in the sand will only make things worse. The key is to:

1. Remain calm and avoid rash decisions
2. Immediately hire a top-tier federal criminal lawyer
3. Follow your attorney’s guidance for responding strategically

You have constitutional rights that need defending. With the right legal team, you can protect yourself and fight for the best possible outcome – whether that’s avoiding charges entirely or mitigating potential sentences.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group?

At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been defending clients against the full force of the federal government for decades. Our team of former prosecutors understands how the system works and how to dismantle a federal case. We fight relentlessly to:

• Poke holes in the prosecution’s evidence through tireless investigation
• Leverage our knowledge of federal rules and procedures to your advantage
• Negotiate from a position of strength for reduced charges or dismissed cases
• Prepare an aggressive defense and try your case if it proceeds to court

You need a firm with a proven track record in these ultra-high-stakes arenas. We’ve secured victories in some of the toughest federal cases – and we’re ready to bring that expertise to your defense. When your future is on the line, demand the best.

You Aren’t Alone – Get a Tenacious Defense Today

Being named a target in a federal investigation can feel isolating and terrifying. But you don’t have to face this behemoth alone. The attorneys at Spodek Law Group have been through this before – let us fiercely protect your rights and strategize your optimal defense. The road ahead won’t be easy, but having a former federal prosecutor turned defense lawyer in your corner can make all the difference. Don’t roll the dice with your future – get the legal representation you deserve. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Together we can fight back against these charges and secure the best possible resolution. You can reach us at 212-210-1851 or schedule the consultation online. We look forward to working with you.