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Can the government take my money in a health care fraud case

Can the Government Take My Money in a Health Care Fraud Case? If you’re accused of health care fraud, you could face serious penalties, including prison and losing your money. This isn’t something to ignore or underestimate. It’s direct, straightforward law: if you’re guilty, the government will take your assets. Understanding Asset Forfeiture In health […]

What you should do when a qui tam lawsuit has been filed against your business

YOU JUST GOT SERVED WITH A QUI TAM LAWSUIT Imagine you walk into your office, and someone hands you papers that were filed in a federal court. You glance at them, and you realize it is a qui tam lawsuit. Your heart might skip a beat, because any lawsuit that was initiated under the False […]

Investigating health care fraud through CID

INVESTIGATING HEALTH CARE FRAUD THROUGH CID If you’re on our website right now, it’s likely because you or someone you care about received a document that was delivered from the government. That document, which is typically called a Civil Investigative Demand (CID), can open the door to a massive investigation. It’s serious. You need a […]

When does the DEA get involved in health care fraud cases

DEA INVOLVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD CASES If you’re on our website, it’s probably because you’re worried about a potential investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for health care fraud. Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, understands this fear and won’t tolerate excuses for not taking immediate […]

Understanding the two types of DEA search warrants

UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES OF DEA SEARCH WARRANTS If you’re on our website, it’s likely because you’re dealing with a serious legal issue in terms of the DEA, and need urgent help. We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide DEA federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, and we have over 50 years of […]

What is a proffer agreement

WHAT IS A PROFFER AGREEMENT UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS A proffer agreement is a tool that was created to help prosecutors and individuals under investigation exchange information. If you are caught up in a criminal investigation, then you might hear the prosecutor mention a “proffer session.” What does that mean? It means you can share what […]

What information is included in a subpoena?

What information is included in a subpoena? Key pieces of information you’ll often find in a subpoena include:  Name of the Court and Case NumberThis identifies the court handling the matter and the case in which you’re being called. Parties InvolvedThe subpoena typically states who is requesting the documents or testimony, and which government agency, […]

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same?

Subpoena vs. summons – are they the same? What Is a Subpoena? A subpoena is a court order telling you to appear at a proceeding—or produce documents and evidence. If you ignore it, you could be held in contempt of court. That can mean fines, even jail time. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45 […]

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference?

Federal vs. state subpoena – what’s the difference? Federal Subpoenas  When a subpoena comes from a federal agency or prosecutor, it means you’re dealing with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or potentially other federal authorities. Federal subpoenas often cite Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and they might compel documents, testimony, or […]

What is a subpoena ad testificandum?

Subpoena Ad Testifcandum: Understanding The Basics  What is a subpoena ad testificandum? A subpoena ad testificandum is a essentially a formal order compelling a witness to appear in court, or before a grand jury, to provide testimony. This type of subpoena focuses specifically on requiring verbal statements under oath, rather than the production of documents […]

What is an administrative subpoena?

WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE SUBPOENA? If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you or someone close to you has received, or is worried about receiving, an administrative subpoena and wants to know what it means. Administrative subpoenas are very powerful tools used by government agencies to demand documents, records, or testimony, when they are investigating […]

What are the different types of subpoenas?

Can I negotiate with prosecutors after receiving a target letter?

What exactly is a Target Letter?  A target letter typically comes from federal prosecutors or agencies such as the Department of Justice. This letter indicates you’re under investigation for a federal crime, and that prosecutors believe you may have committed an offense. Federal investigations can be terrifying. The stakes are high. The penalties can include prison […]

Can a lawyer help me avoid indictment after a target letter?

Can a lawyer help me avoid indictment after a target letter? What is a Target Letter and Why does it matter? WHAT IS A TARGET LETTER AND WHY DOES IT MATTER? A “target letter” is a notification from federal authorities—typically from the U.S. Department of Justice indicating you’re under investigation for allegedly breaking the law. […]

Can I ignore or delay responding to a target letter?

Can I ignore or delay responding to a target letter? If you’ve received a target letter, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed right now. You might be wondering if you can ignore it—or at least postpone dealing with it. Here’s the simple truth: ignoring or delaying your response could be a huge mistake. We get it. Life […]

What does “target of an investigation” mean (vs. subject or witness)?

What does “Target of an Investigation” mean? The differences between a Target, a Subject and a Witness  Target:When the government calls you a “target,” it means prosecutors believe you committed a crime. They might be gathering the final pieces of evidence necessary to seek an indictment. Subject:You might be a “subject” if investigators think you […]

Can the SEC Subpoena My Accountant or Auditor? Understanding Third-Party Requests

CAN THE SEC SUBPOENA MY ACCOUNTANT OR AUDITOR? UNDERSTANDING THIRD-PARTY REQUESTS If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re worried about an SEC investigation, and need answers right away. You think you might be under investigation by the SEC, and you think the SEC is about to subpoena your accountant for more information. The goal […]

What rights are explained in a federal target letter?

Understanding your rights in a Federal Target Letter What Rights Does a Federal Target Letter explain? When the DOJ sends a target letter, it notifies you that you’re officially the subject (or “target”) of their investigation. This formal notice usually outlines: The Right to Counsel – The letter informs you that you can (and should) […]

Can I Negotiate with the SEC Over the Scope of a Subpoena?

CAN I NEGOTIATE WITH THE SEC OVER THE SCOPE OF A SUBPOENA If you’re on our website, it’s likely you or someone you know has just been served with an SEC subpoena – and needs to figure out what to do next. Getting an SEC subpoena can be a scary process. Many people aren’t aware […]

Target letter vs. Subpoena – what’s the difference?

Target Letter VS. Subpeona What is a Target Letter?  A target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors—often from the Department of Justice (DOJ)—letting you know you’re the focus of a criminal investigation. According to the DOJ’s own informational resource, a target letter might indicate federal authorities believe you’ve committed a crime. A target […]

Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested?

Does receiving a target letter mean I will be indicted or arrested? Does a Target Letter Automatically Mean Indictment or Arrest?Not necessarily. A target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors, often the U.S. Department of Justice, that you’re considered a “target” in a criminal investigation. It signals that the government believes it has substantial […]

How serious is a federal target letter?

How serious is a federal target letter? If you’ve received a Federal Target Letter (see the U.S. Department of Justice guidelines at justice.gov) or a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena, it means federal prosecutors believe you have significant involvement in, or critical knowledge of, a federal crime. We understand: receiving this type of letter is stressful. […]

What should I do if I receive a federal target letter?

What to do after receiving a Federal Target Letter What Is a Federal Target Letter? Let’s start here. A federal target letter is a formal notification from a federal prosecutor that you’re under investigation, and could face criminal charges. Typically, it’s issued in accordance with the United States Department of Justice policies (see justice.gov) and […]

Why would I receive a target letter?

Why would I receive a target letter? If you’ve landed on this page, it’s likely you’re worried about a target letter you’ve received—or you suspect you might receive one—and want to know more. What is a Target Letter? Lets start here. According to the United States Attorneys’ Manual, a target letter is a formal correspondence […]

What is a federal target letter?

What is a Federal Target Letter? A federal target letter typically states that the recipient is a “target,” “subject,” or “witness” in a federal investigation. According to the Department of Justice, if you are labeled as a “target,” it means prosecutors believe you are linked to criminal activity and could potentially face federal charges. If […]

How to Handle a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena Without Making a Mistake

FEDERAL GRAND JURY SUBPOENA: WHY IT MATTERS We are Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek. If you landed on this page, it means you might have received a federal grand jury subpoena that was issued by the government, or you suspect you’re about to get one. If so, […]

“Federal Grand Jury vs. Trial Subpoena – Key Differences Explained”

Federal Grand Jury VS. Trial Subpeona What is a Federal Grand Jury Subpeona?  A federal grand jury subpoena is a legal document compelling you to testify or produce evidence before a grand jury. These jurors are tasked with investigating potential federal offenses—ranging from white collar crimes to serious felonies—and deciding whether there is enough evidence […]

What Happens If You Receive a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?

What Happens If You Receive a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena? If you’ve been served with a federal grand jury subpoena, you’re likely scared and overwhelmed. We get it. You have questions: What’s going to happen next? Are you in trouble? Can you refuse to comply? Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, know that […]

“Federal Grand Jury Subpoena – What You Need to Know & How to Respond”

Federal Grand Jury Subpeona – What you need to know and how to respond  Understanding What a Federal Grand Jury Subpeona is A federal grand jury subpoena is a powerful legal document issued by the U.S. government, compelling you to appear in court and/or produce evidence. Underline this: failure to comply can lead to severe legal […]

What are the consequences of lying to a grand jury?

What are the consequences of lying to a grand jury? If you’re here, it’s because you’re worried about the serious criminal charges that can arise when someone is accused of lying to a grand jury. And rightfully so—lying under oath in a grand jury proceeding can have life-altering ramifications. Defending the crime of Perjury  Lying […]