What to Do If You Receive a Target Letter from a Federal Prosecutor

This article explains what a target letter is, what it means for your future, and—most importantly—what steps to take immediately to protect yourself.

What Is a Target Letter?

A target letter is a formal notice from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) informing you that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation. This means prosecutors believe there is a “substantial likelihood” you committed a federal offense.

Target letters are often sent in cases involving:

• Fraud (wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, etc.)

• Tax crimes

• Drug trafficking

• Firearm offenses

• Public corruption or bribery

• Conspiracy and organized crime

The letter may come from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania or from a federal agency like the FBI, IRS, DEA, or ATF.

What Does the Letter Typically Say?

A target letter usually includes:

• Notification that you are a target of a federal grand jury investigation

• A brief description of the potential charge(s)

• Instructions not to destroy evidence

• Your right to remain silent

• Your right to legal counsel

• An invitation to speak with prosecutors or testify before the grand jury

Make no mistake—this is a pre-indictment warning. It is not a courtesy. It is a calculated move by prosecutors to pressure you into cooperating or revealing information.

What NOT to Do After Receiving a Target Letter

Receiving a target letter can be frightening, but avoid the following mistakes:

❌ Don’t ignore it – Federal cases do not go away. Delay can cost you.
❌ Don’t contact federal agents or prosecutors without a lawyer – Anything you say can and will be used against you.
❌ Don’t destroy or alter documents or emails – This could lead to obstruction of justice charges.
❌ Don’t talk to others involved in the investigation – Even casual conversations can be used as evidence.

What TO Do Immediately

✅ Contact a federal criminal defense attorney – This is the most important step. An experienced lawyer can contact prosecutors on your behalf, find out more about the case, and begin building a strategy.
✅ Gather all related documents – Bank records, emails, contracts, or anything that may be relevant.
✅ Stay quiet – Do not discuss the letter or the investigation with anyone except your lawyer.
✅ Follow your lawyer’s advice – Your attorney may negotiate immunity, a favorable plea, or even convince prosecutors not to indict you at all.

Will You Be Indicted?

Not necessarily. A target letter doesn’t always lead to criminal charges. In some cases:

• You may be asked to testify or provide documents as part of a broader investigation.

• Prosecutors may offer you a chance to cooperate in exchange for reduced charges or immunity.

• Your attorney may uncover weaknesses in the government’s case and persuade them not to charge you at all.

However, if prosecutors believe they have enough evidence, they can bring charges through a grand jury indictment at any time—often without further notice.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Federal cases are complex, high-stakes, and fast-moving. Unlike state charges, federal prosecutors have more time and resources to investigate—and they don’t send target letters unless they’re serious.

An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can:

• Investigate the government’s evidence

• Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office

• Represent you during grand jury proceedings

• Work toward a pre-indictment resolution

• Defend you at trial if necessary

Early intervention by a qualified attorney may significantly reduce your exposure to criminal penalties or even prevent formal charges altogether.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, Criminal Defense Attorney, Today

If you’ve received a federal target letter in Pennsylvania, don’t wait until you’re indicted. With over 30 years of experience handling serious federal criminal cases, Mark D. Hauser will protect your rights, assess the government’s strategy, and help you respond the right way—before it’s too late.

📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.