Criminal Defense Lawyers

You Received a Federal Target Letter in San Bernardino County – Now What?

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
• The agency involved (FBI, DEA, IRS, etc.)
• A request for certain actions, like:
  • Testifying before a grand jury
  • Meeting with the prosecuting U.S. Attorney
  • Providing 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.

Why Do Prosecutors Send Target Letters?

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

• Inform you that you are under investigation
• Notify you of potential charges
• Request you take some action (testify, meet, etc.)
• Encourage retaining legal counsel
• Prompt cooperation with the investigation

While not legally required, target letters can help prosecutors build cases and avoid surprises down the road.

The Difference Between Target vs. Subject

There’s 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.

Common Crimes That Prompt Target Letters

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

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

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Guerline Menard

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

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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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• Securities fraud
• Embezzlement
• Bribery
• Tax evasion
• Money laundering
• Medicare/Medicaid fraud
• Drug trafficking

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

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.

• 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.

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.

Potential Defenses Against Federal Charges

Depending on the circumstances, possible defenses may include:

• Lack of criminal intent
• Entrapment
• Mistaken identity
• Constitutional violations
• Jurisdictional issues
• Improper investigation conduct

An experienced attorney will explore all potential avenues for having charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Our Federal Criminal Defense Strategy

At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal defense strategy is comprehensive and aggressive:

Investigation Phase

• Gather all evidence from prosecutors
• Conduct our own parallel investigation
• Interview witnesses
• Scrutinize prosecution’s procedures
• Identify constitutional violations

Pre-Trial Phase

• File motions to suppress evidence
• Negotiate for reduced charges
• Pursue pre-trial diversion programs
• Seek dismissal of charges

Trial Phase

• Craft a compelling defense narrative
• Undermine prosecution’s arguments
• Present exculpatory evidence
• Leverage prosecutorial misconduct
• Protect your rights at every stage

Our goal is straightforward – to have charges dropped entirely or secure a full acquittal at trial if needed. We leave no stones unturned in pursuit of justice for our clients.

Federal Crimes We Defend

Our federal criminal defense team has extensive experience across a wide range of charges, including:

No matter how complex the alleged offense, we have the resources and expertise to mount an aggressive defense on your behalf.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group?

When your liberty is on the line, you need to put your trust in a firm with a proven track record of success. A few key reasons to go with Spodek Law Group:

• Nationally recognized federal defense team
• Decades of combined legal experience
• Respected by prosecutors and judges
• History of securing favorable outcomes
• Focused exclusively on criminal defense
• Available to take calls 24/7

We understand the fear and uncertainty you’re facing right now. But we also know how to navigate the system and fight for your future. You deserve the best defense possible – and that’s exactly what we deliver.

Take the First Step – Consultation

If you or a loved one received a federal target letter in San Bernardino County, the time to act is now. Don’t wait another day to start protecting your rights and building your defense strategy. Take the first step by scheduling a confidential consultation with our federal criminal defense team. We’ll review every aspect of your situation and lay out a clear path forward. The road ahead may seem daunting. But with Spodek Law Group by your side, you have a powerful ally to guide you through this difficult time. We’ve helped countless clients prevail against seemingly insurmountable odds. And we’ll do whatever it takes to secure the best possible resolution for you. Your future is too important not to fight with everything we’ve got. You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Reach out today and let’s get started. Together we can get through this.