What is a Target Letter?
Official Notification from the Justice Department
According to the law of the United States, a person receives a target letter when a US Attorney has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime. A target letter is official correspondence that prosecutors send to people under investigation.
Who Sends Target Letters?
Target letters are issued by United States Attorneys Offices. These letters inform a person that they are being investigated for a crime. They are not, however, an indictment or a formal charge. Receiving a target letter does not mean that a person will be charged with a crime.
What Do Target Letters Contain?
Target letters typically contain the following information:
- The name of the person being investigated
- The crime being investigated
- The evidence linking the person to the crime
- The rights of the person being investigated
What to Do If You Receive a Target Letter
If you receive a target letter, it is important to take the following steps:
- Contact an attorney
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present
- Preserve all evidence
- Cooperate with the investigation
Receiving a target letter can be a stressful experience. However, it is important to remember that a target letter is not a conviction. It is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and cooperate with the investigation.
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