If you’ve received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice or the FBI notifying you that you are the “target” of a federal investigation, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and perhaps even afraid. That reaction is completely understandable. A federal target letter is not something most people expect to find in their mailbox, and it can raise many urgent questions: What is a target letter? What does this mean for me? Am I about to be arrested?
First, take a deep breath. Receiving a target letter does not mean you have been charged with a crime. It means that federal authorities believe you may have committed a federal offense and are investigating the matter further. This is a critical point in the legal process—and a moment where informed legal guidance can make a difference.
Contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A. for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your next steps with a dedicated defense team that genuinely cares.
What Is a Target Letter?
A target letter is an official notice from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the FBI, informing an individual that they are the target of a federal criminal investigation. In simple terms, it signifies that federal prosecutors believe that substantial evidence links you to a potential crime and that you are under serious consideration for federal charges.
These letters are often sent during the later stages of a federal investigation, typically after months of gathering evidence through subpoenas, surveillance, or witness interviews. While federal target letters are commonly associated with complex financial or white-collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering, they can also be issued for a range of other federal offenses.
The purpose of a federal target letter is to notify you that you are not merely a witness or a person of interest—you are the focus of the investigation. The letter may contain details such as the nature of the suspected offense, your right to remain silent, and an invitation to speak with prosecutors or testify before a grand jury.
In some instances, the letter may advise you to seek legal counsel or provide the opportunity to resolve the matter without formal charges. However, it’s crucial to note that federal prosecutors are not required to send this letter; therefore, receiving one serves as a warning and a strategic opportunity to respond.
Why Did You Receive a Target Letter?
Receiving a federal target letter can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you, but it’s essential to understand what it means and why you may have received one. In many cases, target letters are issued as part of a broader federal criminal investigation, typically when the government believes an individual has played a direct role in violating federal law.
Reasons you may receive a target letter from the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office include the following:
- You may be connected to a larger investigation involving multiple individuals or organizations.
- A cooperating witness—often someone already charged—may have identified you during their own case.
- Your name may have been mentioned during the review of financial records, emails, or documents seized during a search or audit.
- Prosecutors may hope you’ll come forward with information or even agree to testify in exchange for leniency or a negotiated outcome.
Importantly, receiving a target letter does not automatically mean you’ve been indicted. Instead, it indicates that you’re under serious scrutiny, and that the government considers you a target, meaning they believe that evidence links you to a federal offense and are contemplating bringing charges. That said, it is often still early enough in the process to make informed, strategic decisions with the guidance of legal counsel.
To better understand your position, it helps to know how federal investigators classify individuals in a case:
- A witness is someone who may have relevant information but is not suspected of wrongdoing.
- A subject is someone whose conduct is being reviewed but who is not (yet) the focus of the investigation.
- A target, however, is someone federal prosecutors believe has committed a crime and is the main focus of a grand jury investigation.
What Should You Do if You Receive a Federal Target Letter?
Receiving a federal target letter is a serious matter. It’s a clear sign that you are under investigation and that federal prosecutors are contemplating formal charges. While it may be tempting to downplay the situation or wish it would disappear, how you respond—and how quickly you act—can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
The critical steps you should take after receiving a target letter include:
- Do not ignore the letter. Target letters often include a deadline to respond or appear before a grand jury. Failing to act by that deadline could lead to prosecutors seeking an immediate indictment without further notice. Ignoring the letter doesn’t buy you time—it eliminates options.
- Do not contact federal agents without a lawyer present. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, and exercising that right is not an admission of guilt; it’s smart legal protection. Anything you say, even casually, can be used against you later. Speaking to investigators without counsel puts you at serious risk, especially in high-stakes federal criminal investigations.
- Avoid discussing the case with anyone outside your legal team, including friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else. Conversations can be misinterpreted, repeated, or even subpoenaed. The more you talk without your attorney present, the greater the risk of compromising your defense, often without realizing it.
- Contact a Miami federal crime attorney without delay. The sooner you engage experienced legal counsel, the more control you will have over the subsequent steps.
A target letter is not a conviction, but it serves as a warning. Take it seriously. Take action. Let an experienced federal defense attorney help you move forward with confidence.
Contact a Miami Federal Defense Lawyer Today
If you’ve received a federal target letter, your next steps are crucial. Federal prosecutors act swiftly, and once the federal indictment process starts, your options may become limited. Staying ahead of the government’s case is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we recognize how confusing and intimidating a criminal investigation can be. With decades of combined experience and backgrounds as former state prosecutors, we know how to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and intervene early, often before federal charges are filed. We don’t provide one-size-fits-all representation. We develop customized legal strategies designed to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
The earlier you get legal counsel involved, the more power you have to shape your future.
If you’ve been notified that you’re the target of a federal criminal investigation, please get in touch with our Miami office to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Let us review your situation, explain your options, and help you take control of what happens next.
