Target Letter: Notification of Potential Criminal Charges

Understanding Target Letters

A target letter, issued by the federal government, serves as a formal notification that an individual is being investigated for a potential criminal prosecution. It informs the recipient that they are considered a "target" of a grand jury investigation, meaning that there is substantial evidence linking them to an alleged violation.

Three Key Points About Target Letters

1. Target Status: A target letter indicates that the recipient is a key suspect in the investigation, and that prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence to charge them with a crime.
2. Grand Jury Investigation: Grand juries are impaneled to investigate alleged violations of criminal laws. A target letter typically signifies that an investigation is underway by the grand jury.
3. Due Process Rights: While receiving a target letter can be alarming, it is important to remember that individuals retain all their constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to legal counsel.