NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ What To Do First If You Get A Target Letter

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

If you ever receive a target letter from the Federal prosecutor, take immediate legal action because it indicates that there is an ongoing grand jury investigation against you. This type of letter shows that you are the subject of the investigation being conducted by the United States Department of Justice, so it should be taken seriously. The letter may imply that you are involved in fraudulent acts such as tax fraud, identity theft, wire fraud or any other illegal activity. Receiving a target letter doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be sentenced to prison, but it could lead to an indictment by a Federal court. Therefore, don’t ignore it and hire an experienced attorney in Federal criminal law immediately.

The Nature of a Target Letter

A target letter is issued when investigators believe that someone is guilty of engaging in criminal behavior – whether white-collar or not – associated with fraudulent acts. If you receive this document, it means that Federal agents and prosecutors believe you were involved in an illegal act; thus, swift action must be taken to avoid potential charges.

The Role of Your Lawyer

Your first course of action in response to receiving a target letter should be hiring an experienced attorney once you have received one. Often times these letters demand cooperation for responding in specific ways such as testifying voluntarily before juries or discussing information with the prosecution once hired legal representation. A competent lawyer can help defend your rights and put together your defense case which may help your situation greatly.

Responding to the Inquiry

Although responding directly to the letter might seem like the quickest way out of trouble, do not respond until you have retained an experienced attorney who can provide advice on how to handle your case. Direct contact with prosecutors could backfire when they use anything discussed or disclosed against them in future court proceedings.

What Does “Target” Mean?

Federal investigations divided people into three categories: targets (the main subject under investigation), subjects (people presumed to have information in the case) and witnesses. Once you receive a target letter, you become a category of being the main subject of the investigation.

What Happens After Hiring A Lawyer

After securing legal counsel, it’s vital to discuss with your attorney the evidence that prosecution has against you, learn about the likely verdict from a potential trial and see what is being proposed by the Government. Your lawyer can then advise you on what procedures to follow. If there are insufficient grounds for an indictment or lack of will by prosecutors to charge you, your attorney might negotiate further regarding charges and obtain relevant information. Together with your attorney’s guidance, you will prepare a compelling presentation to prove your innocence.

Potential Defenses for White-Collar Crime

Several defences exist that can be used in white-collar crime cases, some including:
– Duress: This defense applies when violent threats were made against someone who compelled them into engaging in criminal activity.
– Entrapment: This defense arises after law enforcement personnel induce someone into committing an illegal act they would not have done otherwise.
– Absence of Intent: This defense sets out that one lacked in intent necessary to commit crime
– Insufficient Evidence: Prosecutors may lack sufficient evidence establishing guilt leading dismissal of such cases.
– Open cases also have the possibility of being reassigned or forgotten leading no charges filed in court.

Consequences of White-Collar Crimes Conviction

If convicted for white-collar crimes, consequences could include time behind bars, fines, restitution payments forfeiture proceedings and court-mandated supervisions for years afterward. Given these potential legal consequences alone, engaging highly professional Federal criminal attorneys makes sense at any stage of these investigations.

Wrapping Up

Receiving a target letter from a Federal prosecutor indicates ongoing grand jury action on an investigation involving fraudulent activities allegedly committed by yourself; thus swift action should be taken immediately upon receipt of such a letter. Hire an experienced Federal criminal attorney to ensure that you have a legal team capable of guiding and defending your rights throughout the investigation process.