What Do I Do First If I Get A Target Letter??

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.

What 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.

First Steps in a Federal Investigation - The Target Letter