If you’ve received a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office saying you’re the “target” of a federal investigation, don’t ignore it—and don’t panic.
This is called a federal target letter, and what you do next could decide whether you’re charged, indicted, or cleared.
Here’s what it means, what the government is signaling, and why you need a defense strategy now.
📬 What Is a Federal Target Letter?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a target letter is a formal way of notifying someone they are under investigation and may be called to testify before a grand jury. In otherwords, a target letter is a formal notice from federal prosecutors that:
You are the target of a federal criminal investigation
The government believes it has substantial evidence tying you to a crime
You may be invited to testify before a federal grand jury
You are entitled to legal counsel
⚠️ You are not yet charged, but the government likely has enough to do so—and is giving you an opportunity to respond or cooperate.
🧠“Target” vs. “Subject” vs. “Witness”
Target: The person the grand jury is focused on indicting
Subject: Someone whose conduct is under review, but not necessarily illegal
Witness: Someone with knowledge of events but not accused of wrongdoing
Being labeled a target is the most serious designation in a federal case.
đź“ť What’s Inside a Target Letter?
Most target letters from the DOJ or U.S. Attorney’s Office include:
The crime(s) under investigation
Your right to remain silent and to hire an attorney
An invitation to testify before the grand jury or meet with prosecutors
A warning not to destroy documents or tamper with evidence
Contact information for the federal prosecutor on the case
🔥 What Should You Do If You Get a Target Letter?
❌ Do NOT contact the government on your own.
Anything you say can make things worse.
âś… Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
An experienced attorney can:
Determine the scope of the investigation
Contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office on your behalf
Negotiate immunity, a proffer, or other cooperation terms
Prepare you for a grand jury appearance (or avoid it entirely)
Build a defense strategy to head off charges
đź’Ą What Crimes Lead to Target Letters?
Most federal target letters are related to white-collar investigations, including:
Tax fraud
Money laundering
Securities violations
Conspiracy
Bribery or public corruption
Medicare/healthcare fraud
PPP loan fraud
👨⚖️ Fort Lauderdale Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients across South Florida who receive federal target letters or are under investigation by the FBI, IRS, or DOJ.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney White understands how cases are built from the grand jury up—and how to intervene early to avoid charges or reduce exposure.
🔍 More Answers About Federal Target Letters and What to Do Next
âť“ Does a target letter mean I’m getting indicted?
Not necessarily. It means the government believes it has enough to indict—but hasn’t done so yet. Early legal action may change that outcome.
âť“ What should I do if I’m asked to testify before the grand jury?
Call a lawyer first. You have the right to remain silent and cannot bring an attorney into the grand jury room—but your lawyer can prepare you in advance.
âť“ Can a target letter be a trap?
Sometimes. Federal prosecutors may use it to elicit cooperation—or to solidify their case with your statements.
âť“ What happens if I ignore a target letter?
You could be indicted without warning. It may also harm your ability to negotiate or challenge evidence pre-indictment.
âť“ Will I go to prison if I’m indicted?
Not automatically. Many federal cases resolve through plea negotiations or pretrial motions—but early legal help is key.