Target Letter VS. Subpeona
What is the purpose of the target letter?
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 letter can be an invitation to come in and talk, or a push to retain counsel right away. If you get one, it usually means the government is strongly considering criminal charges against you. In this case it is crucial to have the right legal defense team on your side to navigate how to proceed.
What is Subpeona?
If this is your situation
Stop reading. Start defending.
A subpoena is a court order compelling you to do something-often appear as a witness or produce documents. You can reference Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17 for details on how subpoenas work.
A subpoena doesn’t always mean you’re the suspect. You could be a witness, or you might simply have key evidence. Nonetheless, ignoring it can lead to contempt charges.
How serious is a target letter?
Potential Penalties and Consequences
If you’re a “target,” the penalties can be severe if you’re eventually indicted. Crimes like fraud, conspiracy, drug trafficking, or other white collar offenses can lead to:
- Prison time ranging from 1 year to life, depending on the severity of federal charges
- Massive fines, which can reach into millions of dollars
- Restitution orders to compensate victims
- Probation, community service, and other forms of supervision
If you are only subpoenaed, refusing to comply or lying under oath can also lead to charges. There’s the risk of obstruction of justice or perjury-both of which carry serious consequences.
Strategies we use to defend you
We know how prosecutors build cases, and we can help you navigate each step.
- Open Dialogue: Sometimes, negotiating early on with federal authorities can minimize or dismiss charges. Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is known for innovative defense strategies.
- Challenging Evidence: We look for mistakes by law enforcement-like improper searches or illegal seizures. If evidence is tainted, we aim to get it suppressed.
- Plea Bargains: In some situations, negotiating a favorable plea might reduce the charges and possible sentence.
- Trial Advocacy: If we decide together that trial is the best path, we build a compelling defense and fight tirelessly to prove your innocence.
Regardless of the stage of your case-target letter, subpoena, or formal charges-we can help you.
What should you do if you receive a target letter or a subpoena?
Contact us immediately.
We’re available 24/7 to speak with you. A target letter means time is ticking. A subpoena means you have to act, or risk contempt. Don’t gamble with your future.
We’ve been recognized as a top rated law firm because we’ve handled situations others call unwinnable.
We have offices throughout Long Island and NYC, and our risk free consultation can give you clarity right away.
WHY SPODEK LAW GROUP IS THE RIGHT CHOICE
EXPERIENCED. DEDICATED.
We’ve worked on high-profile cases, including representing Anna Sorokin (the so-called “fake heiress”) and being featured on major news outlets.
We have a national reach, meaning we can handle federal investigations anywhere. Our digital portal makes collaboration seamless, no matter where you’re located.
We fight. We protect. We win.
DISCLAIMER
No recipient of this content should act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything included here without seeking professional legal advice. Legal outcomes vary, and prior results do not guarantee future success. For more information, consult official resources like justice.gov and remember that every case is unique.