What is a “Target Letter” From a Prosecutor? Should I Be Worried?

Few things will stop someone cold like receiving a formal letter from the federal government stating they are the “target” of an investigation. Some people never see it coming, while others may have an inkling but still hope for the best.

It often starts with federal agents knocking on the door, introducing themselves, and asking for a quick conversation. You’re not under arrest, and there’s no warning that anything you say might be used against you. But, by the time that conversation ends, they hand you a target letter, and everything changes.

The letter isn’t random. It’s part of a larger process that has likely been in motion for some time. If you’ve been handed one, you’re not a peripheral figure. You’re the person the government is preparing to charge.

What a Target Letter Means

A target letter is a formal communication from a federal prosecutor. It’s not meant to scare you – although it usually does – but rather, to inform you. The message is clear: Based on their investigation, the government believes you committed a federal crime and intends to move forward with prosecution. The letter will typically list the offense under review, identify you as a target, and offer a deadline for a response, through legal counsel if you have one.

When agents show up at your door with one of these letters, those agents are trained to collect information and obtain a statement from you. They are doing more listening than talking, and everything you say becomes part of their case file. Odds are, you aren’t trained to handle what’s coming.

By the time the letter is handed over, your status in the investigation is no longer casual. You’re in the crosshairs. The case has moved beyond general inquiry. They’ve connected the dots, built a file, and landed on you as a key player. If you haven’t already brought in an attorney, now is the time.

What Follows a Target Letter?

Once the letter is in your hands, things can move quickly. The prosecution team doesn’t have to pause and await your reply. They keep working, keep building, and keep collecting. Any response must be calculated, deliberate, and handled by legal counsel who understands the gravity of the situation.

In some situations, a conversation through counsel can open the door to negotiations before a grand jury indictment. One option that sometimes emerges is a limited use immunity agreement. This type of agreement allows you to speak with some protection on how the information you provide can be used. These agreements are tightly controlled and should never be entered into without fully understanding their scope and limitations.

It’s important to understand that the prosecution is never working in isolation. By the time you’re contacted, they may already have cooperating witnesses, confidential sources, emails, and bank records. They’ve done their homework. The target letter is not an open question—it’s an indication of intent.

How Should I Respond as the Target of an Investigation?

The most important thing you can do is stop speaking with investigators. Invoke your constitutional right to counsel. Even if it feels like you’re helping yourself by being cooperative, anything said can (and likely will) be used in building a case. These interviews aren’t just informal chats. They’re structured and practiced encounters designed to produce statements that prosecutors can use later.

Your legal counsel should handle all communication from this point forward. Your attorney can reach out to the prosecutor, get more information about the allegations, and begin building a strategy based on the current status of the case. There’s no benefit to waiting. The sooner an attorney steps in, the more room there may be to work with the prosecution or prepare for what’s coming.

Ignoring the letter, trying to explain your side to investigators, or assuming you can talk your way out of it puts you at a severe disadvantage. At this stage, every move counts.

When You’re the Target of an Investigation, Time is of the Essence

If you’ve received a target letter, the clock has already started. The prosecutor is building a case and preparing for charges. Immediate legal representation is your best chance to alter the course and protect your rights and freedoms. Contact Barry M. Wax, Attorney at Law, to begin building the legal defense you need.