The person who sends a target letter is usually a federal prosecutor, often an Assistant United States Attorney.
A target letter is not a criminal charge. It is a formal warning from the prosecution side of a federal investigation, and it often means prosecutors believe you may face criminal exposure. The letter may name the prosecutor, identify the federal office handling the case, describe the general offense under review, and advise you about your rights.
Do not treat a target letter like ordinary mail or a routine request for information. Speak with a Phoenix federal crimes lawyer before contacting the prosecutor, answering questions, producing records, or discussing the investigation with anyone connected to the case.
Who Has Authority to Send a Federal Target Letter?
The person with the authority to send a federal target letter is a prosecutor, not a police officer or federal agent. In many cases, that prosecutor is an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to a federal criminal investigation.
The letter may be issued by:
- The United States Attorney’s Office.
- An Assistant United States Attorney.
- A prosecutor with a DOJ division or section.
- A federal prosecutor working with a grand jury.
- A prosecutor communicating through your defense lawyer.
Federal agents may investigate the case, conduct interviews, execute search warrants, and collect records. Prosecutors decide whether to seek charges, present evidence to a grand jury, negotiate through counsel, or send a target letter.
Who Sends Target Letters in Arizona Federal Cases?
In Arizona, a federal target letter is usually sent by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. That office handles federal prosecutions across Arizona and has offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma.
The prosecutor can be working with federal agencies such as the following:
- FBI
- DEA
- IRS Criminal Investigation
- Homeland Security Investigations
- ATF
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Department of Health and Human Services investigators
- Other federal law enforcement agencies
The agency involved can give clues about the type of case, but the prosecutor’s letter is what makes the notice especially serious. Once a federal prosecutor identifies you as a target, you should assume the government has already reviewed evidence and may be weighing charges.
Why Would a Prosecutor Send a Target Letter?
A prosecutor may send a target letter to formally advise you that you are no longer being treated only as a witness. Under Department of Justice policy, a target is a person who is believed to be linked to a crime and whom the prosecutor views as a putative defendant.
A prosecutor may send the letter to:
- Notify you of your target status.
- Advise you about your right to remain silent.
- Warn that your statements may be used against you.
- Tell you to contact the prosecutor through counsel.
- Address a grand jury subpoena or possible testimony.
- Allow communication before an indictment request.
- Discuss surrender, cooperation, or document issues through your lawyer.
The purpose is not to give you the government’s full file. Prosecutors often disclose only limited information while keeping witness statements, documents, recordings, or investigative details confidential.
Are Target Letters Sent Only by Federal Prosecutors?
Target letters are most closely tied to federal criminal investigations and grand jury practice. The term “target letter” is most often used when a federal prosecutor sends written notice that a person is a target of a federal grand jury investigation.
State prosecutors may use different language. A county attorney, state attorney general, or local prosecutor might send a notice, subpoena, interview request, or other pre-charge communication. That may not be called a target letter, but it can still mean you are under investigation.
Do not rely on the title of the document alone. If a prosecutor or government lawyer contacts you about suspected criminal conduct, you should have a defense lawyer review it before you respond.
What Does the Sender Tell You About the Case?
The sender can help identify the type of investigation and how serious the risk may be. A letter from a federal prosecutor is different from a general inquiry from an investigator, compliance office, or records custodian.
A United States Attorney’s Office
A letter from a U.S. Attorney’s Office usually means a federal prosecutor is involved and may be using the grand jury process. This can indicate possible indictment risk.
A DOJ Division or Section
Some federal cases involve specialized DOJ units, such as fraud, tax, public integrity, civil rights, antitrust, environmental, or national security prosecutors. Those cases may involve federal statutes, agency investigations, and multi-district evidence.
A Federal Agent
A federal agent may contact you before or after a target letter is sent, but agents generally do not send target letters themselves. If an agent asks for an interview, documents, or “your side of the story,” speak with a lawyer first.
Can a Lawyer Respond to the Prosecutor for You?
Yes. A lawyer can respond to the prosecutor for you and help control the flow of communication.
We may:
- Confirm receipt of the letter.
- Ask what the prosecutor is requesting.
- Evaluate whether a subpoena is attached or expected.
- Discuss whether the government views you as a target, subject, or witness.
- Advise you about Fifth Amendment risks.
- Prepare for grand jury issues.
- Review records before any production decision.
- Address potential indictment, arrest, or surrender concerns.
Not Sure Who Sent Your Target Letter or What to Do Next? Contact Suzuki Law
Target letters are usually sent by federal prosecutors, often through the United States Attorney’s Office, after the government decides you are a target of a criminal investigation. The letter may be short, but the risk can be serious.
Contact Suzuki Law Offices if you received a target letter from a federal prosecutor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, or another government lawyer. We are available 24/7, including weekends.
RJ Suzuki is a former Assistant United States Attorney and former federal prosecutor. That experience helps us assess the prosecutor’s position and the risks that can follow a target letter.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form