Criminal Defense Lawyers

San Diego, California Federal Target Letters

The Reality of Federal Target Letters in San Diego

What Exactly is a Federal Target Letter?

A federal target letter is a notification from the U.S. Attorney’s Office that you are the “target” of a federal criminal investigation. It means federal prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking you to the commission of a federal crime. The letter will outline the general nature of the investigation and the criminal offenses you are suspected of committing. It will also assert your constitutional rights, including your right against self-incrimination and to seek legal counsel. Most crucially, the target letter signals that federal prosecutors are seriously considering pursuing charges against you through a grand jury indictment. It’s their way of putting you on official notice before taking that next step. Now, receiving a target letter does NOT necessarily mean you will be indicted or convicted. But it does put you squarely in the crosshairs of a high-stakes federal prosecution. From this point on, every move you make could potentially be used as evidence against you. That’s why your very first step after receiving a federal target letter is crucial:

Hire an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney – Immediately

The moment those words “target of an investigation” hit you, it’s an emergency situation. You cannot afford to wait or try to handle this alone. Federal prosecutors are already building a case to indict you – you need a powerful legal team immediately working to counter their efforts and protect your rights. At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience, including taking over 200 cases to trial. We’ve represented clients from coast-to-coast against every federal agency you can imagine – the FBI, DEA, IRS, SEC, you name it. We know all their tactics and how to strategically fight them.More importantly, we understand exactly what you’re going through right now. The fear, the stress, the uncertainty about your future. When you hire our firm, you get a legal team that will relentlessly advocate for you, but also provide the compassion and open communication you need to get through this. So if you received that dreaded target letter, don’t wait. Contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation. The sooner we get involved in your case, the better we can protect you.

Understanding the Two Types of Federal Target Letters

Not all federal target letters are the same. There are two distinct types you could receive, each with different implications:

1. Target Letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office

This is the most common form. It comes directly from the Assistant U.S. Attorney leading the investigation against you. The letter states outright that you are a “target” and that prosecutors have evidence linking you to federal crimes. This type of letter usually means the U.S. Attorney’s Office is in the final stages of their investigation. They believe they already have enough evidence to indict you, and may extend an opportunity to discuss the case with them before charges are filed.

2. Target Letter from the Grand Jury

In some cases, the target letter comes not from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, but directly from the grand jury already empaneled to investigate you. A grand jury target letter carries more weight – it means a grand jury has been convened, has reviewed evidence against you, and has decided you are the “target” of their criminal probe. It often also includes an invitation to testify before the grand jury. Receiving a grand jury target letter is even more serious than one from prosecutors alone. It signals the grand jury investigation is much further along and charges may be imminent if you don’t intervene quickly with a defense strategy. Regardless of which type of target letter you receive, do NOT try to handle it alone. Having an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer actively involved from this stage is absolutely critical to protecting your rights and avoiding charges.

Common Reasons for Federal Target Letters in San Diego

Federal prosecutors in San Diego frequently use target letters in a wide range of criminal investigations. Some of the most common include:

• Drug trafficking/distribution cases
• Healthcare fraud cases
• Financial crimes like money laundering, tax evasion, embezzlement
• Cybercrime and intellectual property cases
• Public corruption and bribery cases
• Terrorism and national security cases

No matter what alleged federal crime you are being investigated for, the stakes are extremely high if charges are filed. Federal cases carry much harsher penalties than state crimes, including lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences. For example, drug trafficking charges alone can lead to 10 years to life in federal prison, depending on the quantities involved. Federal fraud charges frequently result in sentences of 5-10 years or more. And charges related to terrorism can easily put you behind bars for 20 years or more with no chance of parole. That’s why you need a defense team that has extensive experience handling the specific type of federal case you are facing. At Spodek Law Group, we have lawyers who specialize in each area of federal criminal law. We’ll know all the relevant statutes, case precedents, and effective defense strategies for your charges.

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.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Our federal criminal defense attorneys have represented clients in San Diego and nationwide in cases involving:

• Drug crimes
• White collar crimes
• Cyber crimes
• Violent crimes
• Sex crimes
• Terrorism and national security

No matter how complex your case is, we have the resources and expertise to mount an aggressive defense aimed at getting your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Reach out now to discuss your specific situation.

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

This is one of the first questions on every client’s mind after receiving a target letter: “But I didn’t do anything wrong – do I really need an attorney?” The short answer? Absolutely, 100% yes. You need to hire a federal criminal lawyer immediately, even if you are completely innocent. Federal prosecutors do not take kindly to the “I’m innocent” defense. In their eyes, if you were truly innocent, you wouldn’t be a target of their investigation in the first place. They believe they already have evidence incriminating you. Trying to simply tell them you’re innocent and did nothing wrong is extremely unlikely to make them reconsider charging you. In fact, it could have the opposite effect – they may see it as a lack of cooperation and be more motivated to indict you.The reality is, federal investigations are massive operations involving hundreds of agents and prosecutors. They have enormous resources to comb through evidence until they find something to use against you, even if it’s circumstantial. That’s why you need an experienced defense lawyer involved from the very start. We know how federal prosecutors build cases and can work to get ahead of their tactics. We’ll conduct our own thorough independent investigation to undermine the evidence against you.If you are truly innocent, having a skilled legal team fighting for you is the best way to prove it. We’ll gather exculpatory evidence, cross-examine witnesses, challenge federal jurisdiction, and file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence obtained illegally.The bottom line: Never assume your innocence alone will prevent federal charges. As soon as you become a target, your rights and your future are on the line. Hire a lawyer immediately to protect them.

What to Do (and Not Do) After Receiving a Federal Target Letter

So you received the dreaded target letter – now what? What should your very first steps be? Here’s a quick guide on the crucial dos and don’ts:

DO: Hire an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer right away

This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – hire a lawyer immediately before doing anything else.

DO: Prepare for the possibility of charges

As difficult as it may be, you have to operate under the assumption that federal charges will be filed against you. Your lawyer can try to prevent them, but you need to be ready either way.

DO: Follow your lawyer’s guidance

Your attorney will provide extremely specific instructions on what to do (or not do) regarding the investigation. Follow them to the letter – even seeming minor missteps can hurt your defense.

DON’T: Try to handle it yourself

No matter how straightforward you think your case may be, do not try to go it alone. You will be outmatched by the vast resources and tactics of federal prosecutors.

DON’T: Speak to federal agents

Politely refuse to answer any questions from federal agents and refer them to your lawyer. Anything you say can potentially be used against you, even if you’re just trying to “explain” your innocence.

DON’T: Destroy any potential evidence

Tampering with or destroying evidence is a separate federal crime that can add years to your sentence if charged and convicted. Your lawyer knows how to legally protect evidence.The key is to let your federal defense lawyer take the lead from this point forward. We know all the strategies and pitfalls to avoid when dealing with federal prosecutors. Trust us to guide you every step of the way.

What If I’m Asked to Testify Before a Grand Jury?

One possibility after receiving a federal target letter is that you may be summoned to testify before a grand jury regarding the investigation against you. This can be one of the most hazardous parts of being a target. Grand jury proceedings are not like normal trials. The playing field is slanted heavily in favor of federal prosecutors. The jurors only hear one side of the story from the prosecution’s presentation of evidence. Your defense lawyer is prohibited from participating or objecting.If you testify, the federal prosecutor gets to cross-examine you directly. They will use all kinds of tactics to try and provoke responses that can incriminate you. And anything you say, even seemingly small inconsistencies, can lead to additional charges of perjury, obstruction, or making false statements.For these reasons, your lawyer will likely advise against testifying before a grand jury if at all possible. Doing so is extremely risky and can easily do more harm than good to your defense, even if you are innocent. However, there are some limited circumstances where testifying may be strategically beneficial. It could potentially lead to the charges being dismissed if you are extremely well-prepared and can undermine the prosecution’s case.But making that determination requires a careful weighing of pros and cons by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Do not make that choice on your own – let your lawyer guide you based on their expertise. If you are subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury, your lawyer will ensure you are thoroughly prepped on how to invoke your Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. We’ll also seek to limit the scope of the questions you face as much as legally possible. The key is having a defense team with extensive grand jury experience. At Spodek Law Group, we’ve been through this process many times before. We know how to protect you from inadvertently incriminating yourself on the stand.

What If I Want to Cooperate With Federal Prosecutors?

In some federal cases, clients ask about the possibility of cooperating with prosecutors in exchange for leniency or avoiding charges altogether. While this is sometimes an option, it is a legal minefield that requires extremely careful navigation. Federal prosecutors are not your friends, even if they promise leniency for cooperation. Their main goal is to secure convictions, and they will use any statements or information you provide to do so – even against you if it benefits their case. That said, cooperating can potentially allow for more favorable plea deals, reduced sentences, or even avoiding charges if you provide substantial assistance leading to other convictions. But the risks are enormous if not done properly through skilled legal counsel. At Spodek Law Group, we have successfully negotiated cooperation agreements for clients before. But we only do so if we can ensure the terms are extremely specific in what information must be provided, what the exact limits of prosecution will be, and what the agreed-upon sentencing will be. Even then, we ensure all proffers (statements provided to prosecutors) are thoroughly vetted by our legal team first. We never allow clients to go into proffer sessions without careful preparation to avoid self-incrimination. The bottom line is this: never attempt to cooperate with federal prosecutors without an experienced lawyer’s involvement. The potential rewards are outweighed by the risks of making costly mistakes that undermine your defense. If cooperation may be a viable strategy in your case, we can explore it. But we will ensure your rights remain protected every step of the way.

What If Federal Charges Are Filed Against Me?

Despite your best legal defense, there remains a possibility that federal prosecutors could move forward and indict you on criminal charges. While this is never an ideal outcome, it does NOT mean your case is over.At Spodek Law Group, we have successfully defended clients against federal charges across the full range of criminal cases, including:

• Drug crimes
• White collar crimes
• RICO/Organized crime
• Cybercrimes
• Violent crimes
• Sex crimes
• Terrorism/National security

Even if you are charged, we still have many powerful defense strategies and pre-trial tactics at our disposal. We can file motions to suppress key evidence obtained illegally. We can seek to get charges dismissed entirely for lack of probable cause or jurisdictional issues. If the case does proceed to trial, we have a proven track record of success before federal judges and juries. Our attorneys are aggressive litigators who understand how to effectively cross-examine witnesses, counter prosecution theories, and raise reasonable doubt. We also have the resources to fully investigate every aspect of your case, including utilizing expert witnesses and consultants. No detail is too small when your freedom is at stake.If going to trial is not the best option, we can also leverage our knowledge to negotiate extremely favorable plea bargains with federal prosecutors. We know how to push for reduced charges and sentencing where possible. The point is, you should never just plead guilty to federal charges simply because you were indicted. There are always multiple defense options available with the right legal strategy. At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for your specific situation. Indictment is not the end – it’s simply the next stage we are prepared to fight for you.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group for Your Federal Case?

When your future, finances, and freedom are all on the line due to a federal investigation, you cannot afford to hire just any criminal defense lawyer. You need a firm with a proven track record of aggressively fighting – and winning – federal cases just like yours .At Spodek Law Group, we have:

• Over 50 years of combined federal criminal defense experience
• Lawyers who previously worked as federal prosecutors
• Extensive experience handling grand jury proceedings
• Successful cases against the FBI, DEA, IRS, SEC, and more
• A client-focused approach providing open communication
• Offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, and nationwide resources
• Specific expertise across all areas of federal criminal law

From drug trafficking cases to white collar fraud cases to cyber crimes, our firm has the skills, strategies, and determination to protect your rights and achieve the best resolution possible. But don’t just take our word for it.

Hear what former clients had to say about their experience with Spodek Law Group:

“When you’re in a situation like I was, you need a team of lawyers who will leave no stones unturned in fighting for you. The attorneys at Spodek Law Group did exactly that – they literally saved my life with their tireless efforts. I’m forever grateful.” –

-Former Client

“I can’t overstate how incredibly knowledgeable and professional the Spodek team is. From day one, they laid out all my options, never sugarcoated anything, but also gave me hope when I felt there was none left. In the end, they got the charges dismissed.”

-Former Client

When everything is on the line, you need the best federal criminal defense possible. That’s exactly what you get when you hire Spodek Law Group. Don’t try to navigate this terrifying situation alone. Our attorneys are here to be your unwavering advocates and explore every possible avenue to protect your rights. Reach out now for a free, confidential consultation – your future depends on it. 

Call us today at 212-210-1851 or schedule a free consultation online.