Sample Target Letter | Federal Criminal Case

What Is a Target Letter?

In short a target letter is sent to, “a person as to whom the prosecutor or the grand jury has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a putative federal criminal defendant.” A Federal Criminal Defense Attorney has training in how to respond to such a letter. It is probably best to allow your attorney to respond to the letter. Sometimes the cases are complex and involve defending wire and bank fraud charges. Drug crimes, tax crimes, computer fraud and abuse, and money laundering are also frequent flyers. These types of investigations are numerous and ongoing in the Middle District of Florida. Below is the text of a typical target letter sent by Federal Prosecutors prior to seeking indictment of a “target.” A target has been defined as: “a person as to whom the prosecutor or the grand jury has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a putative defendant.” United States Attorney’s Manual § 9-11.151. Proceed cautiously if you have received one of these letters.

Sample Target Letter:

Re: Grand Jury Investigation, USAO No. 20XXXXXX

Dear Target:

This letter is to advise you that you are now a target of a Federal Grand Jury investigation in this District involving your activities with others related to [Charges and Activities] fraudulent mortgage transactions, in violation of the conspiracy, wire and bank fraud statutes [Statutes Here] (Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 1343 and 1344), as well as other possible violations of federal criminal laws. The United States is prepared to proceed before a Federal Grand Jury to seek charges against you. Should you desire to discuss the matter with us before we proceed to bring formal charges against you, please have your attorney contact Assistant United States Attorney [Name Here] (813) 555-5555, so that we may schedule an appointment. If you do not have an attorney and would still like to discuss the matter, please contact Special Agent [Name] at (813) 555-5555 to arrange an appointment. If we do not hear from you or your attorney on or before [Deadline Date], we shall assume that you do not wish to discuss the matter and will proceed accordingly.

Sincerely,

Assistant United States Attorney

If You have received a letter like this, we can fight for you. Get advice from an expert – Call (813) 222-2220

Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer