Target Letter

What to Do When You Receive a Federal Target Letter

A target letter is the government’s formal way of notifying someone that federal prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking that person to a crime. It doesn’t mean you’re guilty, but it does mean the Department of Justice thinks you have committed a federal offense and is considering indicting you. Prosecutors are investigating and may convene a grand jury in search of an indictment or file charges. Knowing how to respond—and what mistakes to avoid—can dramatically influence your outcome.

What a Target Letter Means

Federal prosecutors use target letters to tell someone they are the focus of a grand‑jury investigation. These letters often identify the agency involved, cite the statute(s) you are suspected of violating, and may invite you to testify before a grand jury. They also set deadlines for responding and provide contact information for the Assistant U.S. Attorney handling the matter. It is not an indictment, but prosecutors send target letters only when they believe charges are likely.

Immediate Steps to Take

• Stay calm and read carefully. Receiving a target letter is stressful, but panic can lead to rash decisions. Being named a target does not guarantee an indictment, but it does signal that criminal charges—and a sentencing hearing—are likely. Start thinking about strategies and consider steps to build a mitigation plan.
  
  
• Do not ignore the letter or contact agents directly. Speaking with investigators without counsel is one of the most common mistakes target‑letter recipients make. Investigators are trained to elicit statements that support their case, and prosecutors will use any statement a target makes to strengthen their prosecution.
  
  
• Consult an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Federal cases are complicated. Lawyers who routinely handle state‑level matters may be unfamiliar with federal procedures and sentencing. Qualified counsel can assess the government’s evidence, advise you on whether to cooperate, and negotiate with prosecutors. If you lack resources, contact the Federal Defender’s Office and submit a financial affidavit to request appointed counsel.
  
  
• Preserve all records. A sample target letter from the DOJ warns that destroying or altering documents required for grand‑jury proceedings is itself a federal crime justice.gov. Begin identifying and preserving emails, texts and physical records that might be relevant, and discuss a “litigation hold” with your attorney.
  
  

Choosing the Right Attorney

Not all defense attorneys are equal. Look for someone with specific experience in federal criminal cases and knowledge of the district where the investigation is based. Hiring a lawyer from another state can backfire if they aren’t familiar with local federal judges and prosecutors. During your consultation, ask about their federal trial experience, approach to plea negotiations, and fee structure. If you cannot afford to retain private counsel, the federal court will appoint a Federal Public Defender.

Things You Should Never Do

• Don’t destroy or alter evidence. The DOJ’s sample letter makes clear that altering documents required before the grand jury is a serious violation of federal law justice.gov. Deleting emails or scrubbing hard drives can add obstruction charges.
  
  
• Don’t talk about the investigation with friends. Limit discussions to your attorney. Even casual conversations can be subpoenaed and misconstrued.
  
  
• Don’t assume you can “talk your way out.” Investigators already have evidence and will use statements you make to strengthen their case. All communication should go through your lawyer.
  
  

Prepare Early for Sentencing and Mitigation

A target letter often foreshadows a future sentencing hearing. While an indictment isn’t guaranteed, it’s wise to begin documenting your personal narrative and mitigation evidence now. Read through our website to get free information on steps to prepare, including:

• Journaling and personal narrative. Write about your background, remorse and rehabilitation efforts; your story can influence prosecutors and judges.
  
  
• Community service and treatment programs. Enrolling in counseling, substance‑abuse treatment or volunteer work shows proactive rehabilitation.
  
  
• Gathering character reference letters. Family, employers and community leaders can write letters attesting to your character and positive contributions.
  
  

Our site offers free courses, articles and checklists to help you prepare for every stage of the criminal process. Take advantage of these resources early so you’re ready if charges are filed.

Should You Hire a Consultant?

I recommend that you invest in your own education and not waste money hiring self‑promoting, so‑called prison consultants. There isn’t anything proprietary about their services—much of what they offer is readily available if you take the time to learn. Educate yourself for free using AI tools and the various articles we offer on PrisonProfessors.org, our non‑profit educational resource. 

Educate yourself for free using AI and going through the various articles we offer on PrisonProfessors.org, our non‑profit educational resource. 

We don’t offer one‑on‑one consulting, and we believe most people can prepare effectively by using our free materials. However, some visitors still prefer personalized guidance. In full disclosure, Justin Paperny, the founder of WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit, is an important sponsor of our mission and hosts free, interactive webinars for members of our community. If you feel you need one‑on‑one help after educating yourself with our resources, we recommend contacting him through that site. Otherwise, invest your time in the free lessons and tools available here. Never stop investing in yourself and learning how to engineer a pathway forward.

Key Takeaways

• A target letter means federal prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking you to a crime.
  
  
• Stay calm, don’t ignore the letter, and don’t speak to investigators without an attorney.
  
  
• Hire a qualified federal defense lawyer or seek a Federal Public Defender if you cannot afford counsel.
  
  
• Preserve all documents; destroying or altering evidence can be a separate crime justice.gov.
  
  
• Begin preparing your sentencing mitigation strategy early, using the free resources on PrisonProfessors.org.
  
  
• If you decide you need personal coaching or guidance, visit WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit, the only consulting firm we recommend, and it sponsors our non‑profit work.

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