What To Do If You Have Received A Target Letter In Colorado

If you’ve received a federal target letter in Colorado, it likely means you’re under serious investigation and could be facing criminal charges. Understanding what this letter means and, more importantly, how to respond, is critical. In this article, we’ll walk through…

• The meaning and purpose of a target letter.
• How the federal government uses target letters in criminal investigations.
• The next legal steps to take if you receive one.

What Exactly Is A Federal Target Letter, And Why Would The Government Send One?

A target letter is a formal notice from the government letting you know that you’re a target of a federal investigation. In a federal case, you can be categorized as a target, a subject, or a witness. A target is the most serious. It means you’re the person they believe is likely to be charged.

The government sends a target letter when they don’t feel the need to arrest you immediately. They believe you’re not a danger to the community, but they do want to put you on notice. It’s essentially a signal: now is the time to hire an attorney.

As a defense attorney, when a client comes to me with a target letter, my first move is to get as much information as possible from the U.S. Attorney’s Office without giving them anything in return. Even if I already have a lot of information from my client, I won’t share that. My job is to gather everything I can about the investigation so we can figure out the best next steps.

Sometimes, that next step involves cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to potentially receive a reduced sentence. If they’ve got strong evidence like surveillance footage or they claim to have witnessed a drug transaction, for example, then it may not be about fighting the charges but about negotiating the best possible outcome.

Does Receiving A Federal Target Letter Automatically Mean I Will Be Indicted?

Not automatically, but it’s pretty close. If you’re labeled a subject, it means the government is interested in you but hasn’t made a decision. But if you’re described as a target, it generally means they believe they already have enough evidence to indict you.

That said, there’s still a small window to change the course of the case. Sometimes the government is open to negotiating if you can offer information or agree to cooperate. While their goal is to serve their own interests, that process can sometimes benefit you as well.

Nancy Kardon of Kardon Law in Colorado is a seasoned defense attorney with extensive experience guiding clients through federal investigations, including those involving target letters. She understands both the procedural complexities and emotional weight these cases bring, having helped countless individuals avoid missteps that could worsen their situation. Her practical, proactive approach is built on over 30 years of navigating high-stakes negotiations with federal prosecutors.

If you’ve received a target letter, don’t wait. Contact Kardon Law today to protect your rights and take control of your defense.

What Does It Mean To Be Labeled A Target In A Federal Criminal Investigation?

When you’re labeled a target, it usually means an indictment is coming unless something changes.

In some cases, if you act early and work with an attorney, you may be able to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. Instead of being indicted by a grand jury, you could be charged by information—a formal accusation made directly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. That can lead to a more favorable plea deal and a better sentence.

What Immediate Steps Should I Take After Receiving A Federal Target Letter?

The very first step: Call an attorney. Immediately.

Ideally, you should contact a federal criminal defense attorney who understands how the U.S. Attorney’s Office operates. Not every attorney has experience in the federal system, and that experience makes a huge difference. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office gets a call from a former federal prosecutor, they know that the attorney understands the rules, boundaries, and the system itself. That can make the process go much more smoothly for the client.

What Are The Risks And Consequences Of Ignoring A Target Letter From Federal Prosecutors?

If you ignore a target letter, you’re almost certainly going to be indicted, arrested, and taken into custody. And it may not be in the most convenient way.

Let’s say you’re out of state when you’re arrested, but the charges originate from Colorado. You’ll be taken into custody where you are and held there until you can be extradited back to Colorado. That could mean sitting in jail for weeks in another state.

On the other hand, if you take the letter seriously and work with an attorney, you can often arrange to surrender voluntarily. That typically means getting processed, fingerprinted, and released with minimal disruption. There’s no upside to ignoring a target letter. Even if you don’t plan to cooperate or provide information, it’s still better to face the process proactively.

How Can A Criminal Defense Attorney Best Help Me Navigate My Target Letter?

People often think they can help themselves by calling the U.S. Attorney’s Office directly, especially if they believe they’re innocent. But that can backfire.

Let’s say you tell them you were in the area during a certain time frame to explain your side. What you may not realize is that this detail could confirm something the government didn’t already know for sure, i.e. that you were present at a specific location at a specific time. That detail, however innocent it may seem to you, could hurt you, depending on the facts of the case. It is always best not to make any statement to law enforcement as any statement you make could potentially incriminate you.

That’s why you need an attorney. A good defense lawyer knows what to say, what not to say, and how to manage communication with the U.S. Attorney’s Office without compromising your position.

How I Guide My Clients Through The Emotional Shock Of Receiving A Target Letter

Fear, panic, and urgency are what most people feel when they first receive a target letter. That’s completely normal. People also tend to feel overwhelmed, scared, and desperate to act quickly. But reacting quickly can lead to bad decisions.

That’s where I come in. As a defense attorney, my role is to act as a buffer. I help slow the situation down so my client can think clearly and make smart decisions based on evidence and legal strategy, not fear.

Even if someone can’t afford to hire a private attorney for the full case, I strongly recommend at least scheduling a consultation. Understanding what you’re facing, even at a basic level, can prevent huge mistakes. If needed, your attorney may be able to coordinate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to arrange a self-surrender, which avoids the worst-case scenario of being arrested unexpectedly.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on target letters in Colorado federal investigations, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (310) 708-1044 today.