What is a Target Letter?
When a person is the subject of a federal investigation, he or she may get a letter in the mail from the United States Attorney. This letter, known as a target letter, notifies the individual that he or she is the target of a federal investigation and will likely inform the subject what area of the law the investigation involves. The letter is customarily sent to attempt to gain a subject’s cooperation in an investigation.
Signs You’re Under Investigation
If you get a target letter, then it’s likely that you already at least suspected that an investigation was launched. An investigator from a federal agency will have already contacted you, and may have approached you to question you or search your property.
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(212) 300-5196What to Do Immediately
No matter what part of the investigation process you are currently dealing with, the most important thing you need to do is get in touch with a federal defense attorney. You need to begin working with an attorney as quickly as possible. Although you are at liberty to tell investigators you would like to cooperate, in reality it is not wise to do so without an attorney present. Remain calm and request time to consult with your defense attorney.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
You arrive home from work to find an official letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office stating that you are a target in a federal grand jury investigation related to healthcare billing practices at your medical clinic. The letter references potential violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1347 and invites you to appear before the grand jury next month.
I just received this target letter — what should I do right now before I make any mistakes that could hurt my case?
The single most important step is to immediately retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney before you respond to the letter, speak with investigators, or discuss the matter with anyone — including colleagues or family members who may also be witnesses. Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the absolute right to remain silent, and anything you say from this point forward can be used against you in a federal indictment. Your attorney can contact the Assistant U.S. Attorney handling the case to learn the scope of the investigation, negotiate the terms of any potential grand jury appearance, and explore whether a proffer agreement or pre-indictment resolution is possible. Time is critical because a target letter typically signals that an indictment is imminent, and the window to influence the outcome narrows quickly once the grand jury process is underway.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
