A federal target letter is one of the first formal signals that prosecutors may be building a case against you — and it arrives before any criminal charge is filed. It generally means federal prosecutors view the recipient as a target of a grand jury investigation. The letter does not mean an indictment has been filed or that charges will follow.
What does it mean to be a target?
Federal prosecutors use different terms for a person’s role in a grand jury investigation. A witness may have information relevant to the investigation. A subject’s conduct falls within the scope of the investigation. A target is a person whose conduct prosecutors believe may constitute a crime and whom they may seek to charge.
The distinction matters. A target faces greater criminal exposure than a witness or subject. A target letter may also explain the investigation and outline any response options.
Does a target letter mean an indictment is coming?
Not necessarily. A target letter signals that prosecutors are looking closely at potential criminal conduct, but it does not decide the outcome. Prosecutors may continue gathering evidence, seek more information or decide not to file charges.
The letter itself should be reviewed carefully. Its contents and any stated deadlines can affect what happens next.
Precautions to take after receiving a target letter
Certain actions can create problems during an ongoing federal investigation. Key precautions include:
- Preserve the target letter and all related documents for review.
- Do not destroy, alter or conceal any records, emails, messages or other relevant evidence.
- Do not speak with federal investigators or agree to any interview without first consulting a criminal defense attorney.
- Do not discuss the investigation with coworkers, business associates or others connected to the matter.
These steps can help preserve evidence and avoid additional problems while the investigation continues.
How the investigation may continue after the letter
The next stage depends on the circumstances described in the letter and the government’s investigation. The recipient may need to identify what conduct is being examined and what information prosecutors are seeking. The letter may also allow for a response.
A target letter arrives before an indictment. This means the investigation may still be active. Prosecutors may continue reviewing records, communications and other evidence before deciding whether to bring charges. How the recipient handles records and communications during this stage can matter.
A target letter should be taken seriously without assuming an indictment is certain. The letter provides important information about the federal investigation and the recipient’s status within it. Reviewing that information carefully can help clarify what comes next.
