By: Daniel Perlman
A federal target letter is an official notice from the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Attorney’s Office informing you that you are the subject of a criminal investigation. Under the U.S. Department of Justice’s definition, a “target” is someone against whom federal prosecutors have substantial evidence linking them to a crime. These letters are a red flag that charges may be filed soon. They typically arise in white-collar investigations, drug conspiracies, public corruption, firearm offenses, and federal fraud cases. If you’re in Colorado and received this letter, particularly from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, you are likely under grand jury scrutiny.
Target letters often contain the following elements:
This means the government believes you committed a federal crime and is presenting evidence to a grand jury to pursue an indictment.
The letter may mention violations such as:
The letter advises you of your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.
You may be asked to attend a proffer session or meet with prosecutors before charges are filed.
This includes documents, emails, texts, or digital files that may be relevant to the investigation.
Federal prosecutors often issue target letters for several reasons:
If the investigation is well-developed, the letter may be a final opportunity to resolve the case before formal charges.
Sometimes the government wants to see if you will voluntarily assist in an investigation, provide information, or consider a negotiated resolution.
A proffer allows you to share information with the government in hopes of avoiding indictment or securing a reduced sentence. However, these meetings are legally risky and must be approached carefully.
Even if you are not immediately indicted, prosecutors may continue to present evidence to a grand jury.
Proffer sessions are meetings with the prosecution, often with limited-use immunity, where you provide information that could affect charging decisions.
An indictment may follow shortly after a target letter is issued, especially if no resolution is reached or the investigation is complete.
Early legal action can impact everything from potential charges to the outcome of the case. Waiting puts your rights at risk.
We initiate contact with the Assistant U.S. Attorney listed in the letter to learn the scope and status of the investigation. This helps us understand what evidence has been gathered and how far the case has progressed.
We review records, interview witnesses, analyze financial or digital documents, and begin developing a full understanding of the allegations.
Not every case benefits from cooperation. If the government offers a proffer session, we weigh the risks, negotiate protective terms, and prepare thoroughly to ensure nothing said is used unfairly.
When possible, we resolve cases quietly—without public charges—by showing that there is insufficient evidence, a lack of intent, or mitigating circumstances that do not warrant prosecution.
If charges are inevitable, we arrange for a self-surrender, negotiate favorable bond conditions, and begin preparing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the indictment.
The use of emails, phones, or electronic communications to further a fraudulent scheme, often charged in financial or business-related investigations.
Involves an agreement between two or more individuals to commit a federal crime—even if the crime was never completed.
Federal prosecutors in Colorado often use these statutes to target multi-person drug operations, especially those involving inter-state activity.
Unlawful possession of firearms by convicted felons or individuals otherwise prohibited from owning firearms is commonly prosecuted at the federal level.
Allegations involving Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded health programs often trigger complex investigations and multiple target letters.
Speaking to federal authorities on your own can lead to admissions or inconsistencies that make your situation worse.
Shredding documents, deleting emails, or changing electronic files can result in obstruction of justice charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1519.
Conversations with friends, coworkers, or codefendants could make them witnesses against you—and may be used to accuse you of witness tampering or conspiracy.
The government is building a case. Doing nothing allows them to continue without opposition and increases the risk of indictment.
Once you’re indicted, your options narrow significantly. But at the target letter stage, there is still time to negotiate, challenge, and influence prosecutorial decisions.
When properly handled, a target letter does not always result in indictment. Strategic advocacy can convince the government to pursue other avenues—or decline prosecution altogether.
Early action allows your attorney to work discreetly and protect your public image before an indictment becomes part of the public record.
Federal rules of evidence, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and grand jury practices are vastly different from state court. You need a lawyer who practices in federal court regularly.
Prosecutors in Denver and throughout Colorado’s federal districts have the resources, training, and strategy to pursue high-level felony convictions. You need equally skilled defense counsel.
At Perlman Defense, we routinely appear in Colorado’s federal courts. We know the local U.S. Attorneys, federal judges, and procedures specific to the District of Colorado.
No. A target letter means you are under serious consideration for indictment, but it’s not a guarantee. With experienced legal representation, it’s possible to prevent charges or reduce your exposure.
Never attend a meeting with the government without legal representation. Proffer sessions are high-risk and must be carefully negotiated and prepared for.
Ignoring a target letter is extremely risky. It may result in unchallenged indictment, arrest, and greater difficulty negotiating bail or pretrial release terms.
Receiving a target letter from the federal government is alarming, but it is not the same as a conviction. In fact, it may be your best—and only—opportunity to influence the outcome of your case before prosecutors finalize their charges. The sooner you respond with an experienced defense team, the more control you have over your future.
At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, we’ve helped individuals throughout Colorado successfully respond to target letters, avoid indictment, and protect their lives from being upended by federal charges. We act immediately, strategically, and relentlessly on your behalf.
Schedule a confidential case evaluation. Let us protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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