Target Letters: A Guide to Federal Criminal Prosecutions
What is a Target Letter?
A target letter is a written communication issued by the federal government to an individual, informing them that they are the subject of a criminal investigation. This letter is typically sent to witnesses who have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury.
3 Things to Know About Target Letters
- Notification of Investigation: A target letter typically notifies the recipient that they are a "subject" or "target" of a grand jury investigation. This means that the government has sufficient evidence to believe that the individual may have committed a crime.
- Grand Jury Investigations: Grand juries are used to investigate alleged violations of federal law. They are composed of a group of citizens who are tasked with determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed.
- Prosecutorial Discretion: The decision to issue a target letter is at the discretion of the prosecutor. Prosecutors may consider factors such as the strength of the evidence, the potential for cooperation, and the public interest when making this decision.
Example: Donald Trump and the Justice Department
In recent years, the Justice Department has issued target letters to several high-profile individuals, including former President Donald Trump. These letters have been part of ongoing investigations into potential crimes, such as obstruction of justice and campaign finance violations. It is important to note that receiving a target letter does not necessarily mean that the individual will be charged with a crime. However, it is a significant indication that the government is actively investigating the individual's conduct.
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