Receiving a target letter from the federal government is one of the clearest signs that you are under investigation and that prosecutors believe you may have committed a federal crime. These letters are not routine notices. They signal that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has gathered substantial evidence and is preparing to seek an indictment.
If you live or work in New York City and have received a target letter, do not ignore it or try to handle the situation yourself. Federal investigators and prosecutors operate with vast resources and experience. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more options you have to protect yourself.
What Does a Federal Target Letter Mean?
A target letter is a formal notification from a U.S. Attorney informing you that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation. It often arrives before prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury. The letter might outline the alleged offense, such as fraud, conspiracy, or obstruction and may invite you to testify or provide information.
Federal prosecutors categorize people in an investigation in three ways:
- Witness: Someone believed to have information about the case but not involved in wrongdoing.
- Subject: A person whose conduct falls within the investigation’s scope but who is not yet accused of a crime.
- Target: An individual whom prosecutors believe has committed a federal offense and is likely to be indicted.
Being labeled a “target” means the government already has significant evidence against you. However, it does not mean you are automatically guilty — it means prosecutors are building a case.
What Happens After Receiving a Target Letter
After you receive a target letter, the next step is typically a grand jury proceeding. The grand jury decides whether enough evidence exists to issue an indictment. During this stage, investigators may issue subpoenas for documents, electronic data, or testimony.
You might also be invited to meet with prosecutors or agents to “tell your side of the story.” While this may sound like an opportunity to defend yourself, it is risky. Anything you say can be used against you later. Federal agents are highly trained interviewers, and even innocent statements can be misinterpreted or taken out of context.
This is why the most important step you can take is to remain silent and contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
What to Do Immediately After Receiving a Target Letter
Your response in the first 24–48 hours can make a significant difference in your case. Take these steps right away:
- Do not contact federal agents or prosecutors directly. Anything you say may be used as evidence.
- Do not destroy, alter, or hide documents. Doing so can lead to obstruction charges.
- Hire a qualified federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can communicate with prosecutors on your behalf and assess your exposure.
- Preserve all communications and evidence. Save emails, text messages, and documents that could support your defense.
- Follow legal advice carefully. Every case is different, and your attorney’s guidance will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Acting quickly allows your attorney to step in before charges are filed, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially prevent an indictment altogether.
How an Attorney Can Help Protect You
A skilled defense attorney understands how federal investigations work and can take proactive steps to protect your rights. Depending on the situation, your attorney may:
- Contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office to learn more about the investigation
- Determine whether cooperation, immunity, or plea negotiations are appropriate
- Review evidence and identify weaknesses in the government’s case
- Represent you in grand jury proceedings or pre-indictment meetings
- Prepare a defense strategy that protects you in and out of court
Federal investigations move fast, but early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, sometimes even stopping an indictment before it happens.
What If You Ignore a Target Letter?
Ignoring a target letter is one of the worst choices you can make. Prosecutors are not required to warn you again before presenting your case to a grand jury. If you fail to act, you may be indicted without ever having had the chance to respond, negotiate, or protect yourself.
Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, do not assume the government will reach the same conclusion. Having a lawyer by your side signals that you are taking the matter seriously and ensures that your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Federal Defense in NYC
At The Fast Law Firm, we represent clients throughout New York City who have been contacted by federal prosecutors or received target letters. Our team understands how the U.S. Attorney’s Office builds cases and how to respond decisively to protect your future.
If you’ve received a target letter, don’t wait for the government to take the next step. Contact The Fast Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss how we can help defend you against federal charges.
