Federal Target Letters

Last Updated on: 23rd June 2025, 01:40 pm

Understanding Federal Target Letters: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The federal target letter is one of the most important documents you might see. This is a notification from federal prosecutors that you are under investigation for a potential crime. Getting a federal target letter can fill you with uncertainty, and anxiety. In this article, we’ll give you the most information possible about federal target letters, and our goal is to help you navigate this difficult situation.

What is a Federal Target Letter?

This is a formal letter, issued by the DOJ, or a federal prosecutor, that says you are the target of a criminal investigation. There are three parts to a target letter: the type of investigation, a statement of your rights, and an invitation to testify infront of a grand jury. The federal target letter will outline the nature of the crime, your rights, an invitation to testify, or speak to a federal prosecutor. It’s important to realize that the target letter is a serious issue, it’s not an indictment, or guarantee of one. It’s a clear signal though – that you are probably involved in a criminal investigation, and that action is needed. There are a few types of federal target letters. There are two primary target letters you might get, each with different implications, from different federal entities.

The first type of target letter is from a federal prosecutor. This letter will let you know that you are the target of a federal investigation. In this situation, being the “target” means there is a lot of evidence linking you to a crime. The prosecutor believes that they can indict you based on the evidence. This letter will give you information about the nature of the crime you’re suspected of, your rights, and the right to legal representation.

The second type of target letter is issued by the grand jury directly. This is notifying you that you are the target of an investigation. This is is issued when the grand jury has already convened, and is actively looking at the alleged crime. Regardless of where it came from, this is a serious notification.

Why You Might Receive a Federal Target Letter

If you get a federal target letter to testify before the grand jury, it means that they are interested in hearing your side of the story, and getting access to any information you might have that could be relevant. You have the right to legal representation when dealing with federal investigations, but it’s important to note that the rules within a grand jury proceeding are different than a typical courtroom. Your attorney isn’t allowed in the room during the testimony. This is designed to maintain the independence of the jury’s investigation.

Even though your attorney isn’t present in the grand jury room, they can play a crucial role. Before you testify, your federal defense lawyer can help prepare you for the types of questions you might receive. While you’re testifying, you have the right to step out of a grand jury room to consult with your criminal lawyer.

Receiving a federal target letter can be the result of being implicated in a federal investigation. This can be due to various reasons, like being linked to a crime by evidence gathered, being named by a witness or other party that was involved in the crime.

Target letters are often used by federal prosecutors, or investigations, when they believe they have evidence linking you to a crime – but they may not have enough to secure an indictment. They may still be building their case. The target letter is a way to serve as a formal notification that you are under investigation. It can be used to invite you to engage in the legal process.

There are several reasons why you might get a target letter, instead of immediately being indicted and arrested.

Investigation: The investigation is still happening, and the prosecutor is looking for more evidence before moving forward.

Negotiation: The target letter is a starting point for negotiations. In some cases, you might choose to cooperate with the investigation, provide information, or agree to a plea.

Strategy: It is a move on the prosecutors part. By notifying you that you’re a target, the prosecutor is trying to induce you to make certain steps: making statements, or taking steps, that can provide additional evidence.

Rights: The target letter serves to tell you your rights, including your right to legal representation. This is an attempt to handle the investigation, and give you an opportunity to engage and get legal counsel.

What to Do If You Receive a Federal Target Letter

Receiving a federal target letter can be alarming. It’s crucial not to panic. Do not ignore the letter, or delay responding to it. The target letter is an indication that you’re under federal investigation. Any delay, can complicate the situation. Your attorney will reach out, and help you craft a response. If necessary, the attorney will reach out to the prosecutor to gather more information. If the target letter includes an invitation to testify before a grand jury, then your criminal attorney will decide for you. This is an important decision. This communication, the federal target letter, is to inform you that you’re the target of a federal grand jury investigation. It is to prompt you to either contact the prosecutor directly, or consult with an attorney who will communicate on your behalf.

Working with a Federal Lawyer

Most federal lawyers will tell you, testifying before a grand jury after a federal target letter is a high-risk situation. Many attorneys will advise against it.

Unlike in a trial, your attorney isn’t allowed to be present in the grand jury room during your testimony. It means you don’t get legal counsel, and you can’t object to inappropriate questions. Without the immediate help of an attorney, there’s a risk you might say something that can incriminate yourself, unintentionally. Anything you can be used against you in a trial.

Grand jury proceedings are very one-sided. The prosecutor tells their case, and the defense doesn’t have an opportunity to do the same. This is imbalanced, and can create a difficult situation for you. Unlike a trial, there’s no cross-examination of witnesses in a grand jury proceedings. It means if you testify, your attorney won’t have the opportunity to challenge anything. Because of this, many federal criminal lawyers will advise their clients not to testify before a grand jury.