Criminal Defense Lawyers

San Antonio, Texas Federal Target Letters

San Antonio, Texas Federal Target Letters

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.cThe 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.cBut 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.

Hire a Top Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer – Immediately

This is the single most important step you can take. As soon as you receive that target letter, you need to hire a reputable, proven federal criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group, our team has successfully defended clients across the nation against all manner of federal charges. We know the federal justice system inside and out – and we know how to get results.Here’s what one of our skilled defense lawyers will do for you:

• Thoroughly review the details of your target letter and alleged crime(s)
• Contact the federal prosecutor to get more information on the investigation
• Advise you on navigating interactions with investigators and prosecutors
• Determine if a plea deal or other pre-indictment resolution is possible
• Build a strategic defense plan aimed at the best possible outcome
• Represent you at all stages, from grand jury to potential trial

Having a top federal lawyer by your side from the very start is crucial. We can hit the ground running to protect your rights and freedoms.

What Happens If I Ignore a Target Letter?

Ignoring a target letter is simply not an option. It would be a grave mistake. If you don’t respond appropriately, the federal investigation into your alleged crimes will proceed anyway. Prosecutors will use all tools at their disposal to build a case against you. And if they eventually get an indictment, you’ll be in a much weaker position to defend yourself. Your chances of a favorable outcome plummet.That’s why it’s absolutely critical to be proactive and strategic from the moment you receive that target letter. Bring in a top legal team immediately. At Spodek Law Group, we move quickly and decisively to get ahead of federal investigations. Our aggressive stance and deep experience give clients the best opportunity to resolve their cases through pre-indictment negotiations. The bottom line – don’t let a target letter catch you flat-footed. Have a plan in place to protect yourself before prosecutors can take more drastic actions.

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

What If I’m Innocent? Do I Still Need a Lawyer?

Absolutely. Even if you are 100% convinced of your innocence, you still need experienced legal representation. Federal criminal cases are extremely complex. The government has vast resources to build cases against defendants – whether they are actually guilty or not. Without a skilled defense lawyer in your corner, you’ll be overmatched by the federal prosecutors’ team. They could use ambiguous evidence, inconsistent testimony, or procedural loopholes to their advantage.

But with a proven federal criminal attorney like those at Spodek Law Group, you get:

• Skilled analysis of all evidence and charges against you
• Effective cross-examination of any witnesses
• Identification of all available defenses and mitigating factors
• Forceful advocacy throughout proceedings to prove your innocence

Even if the charges make no sense to you, don’t try to go it alone. Hire a top-tier defense lawyer to ensure your rights are fully protected.

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 outline the potential charges you may face
• To request you take some action (e.g. testify, meet with investigators)
• 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.

Target vs. Subject

There is an important distinction between being a target versus a subject:

• Target – Prosecutors have substantial evidence linking you to a crime.
• Subject – You may have information related to a crime but are not believed to have committed it.

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

Crimes That Prompt Target Letters

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

White collar crimes like fraud are routine sources of target letters, but letters can relate to any federal offense.

Responding to a Target Letter

Here are steps your attorney may take in response to a target letter:

• Contact prosecutors to open up a dialogue
• Work to negotiate a favorable resolution pre-indictment
• Avoid voluntary interviews with investigators
• Assert your Fifth Amendment rights
• Review the evidence and potential defenses
• Discuss the possibility of cooperating, if appropriate

The key is developing a strategic response rather than acting rashly. An attorney experienced with target letters can craft the right approach.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Target Letter

It may be tempting to disregard a target letter, but that is not advisable. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore it:

• The investigation will proceed with or without your cooperation
• Remaining silent could prompt prosecutors to take a more aggressive stance
• An indictment could broadside you if you fail to engage
• You lose the opportunity to advocate your position
• Any defense will be tougher post-indictment

While a target letter is not to be dismissed, neither is it a definitive condemnation. Retaining counsel promptly allows you to thoughtfully navigate the situation.

Potential Defenses

Depending on the circumstances, possible defenses may include:

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

An experienced defense lawyer will explore all available strategies to challenge the government’s case against you.

The Stakes Are High

Being named a target of a federal investigation is an extremely serious matter. The consequences of a conviction can be life-altering – lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and a permanent criminal record. That’s why it’s absolutely vital to have a powerhouse legal team fighting for you from day one. At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal defense attorneys have won countless cases through meticulous preparation and aggressive courtroom advocacy. We understand what you’re going through. And we’re here to walk alongside you, protecting your rights and freedoms every step of the way. If you or a loved one has received a federal target letter, don’t wait – contact us immediately for a free and confidential consultation. The road ahead won’t be easy. But with Spodek Law Group in your corner, you’ll have the strongest possible defense against an unchecked federal government. Your future is worth the fight. Call us today at 212-210-1851 or schedule a free consultation online.