Received a Federal Target Letter? Your Next 48 Hours Are Critical

Federal Target Letter

Received a Federal Target Letter? Your Next 48 Hours Are Critical

Receiving a federal target letter from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is a life-altering moment. It is the formal notification that a U.S. Attorney has substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime and is currently presenting, or intends to present, that evidence to a federal grand jury.

If you have been indicted in Mississippi, the clock is already running. The federal government moves with vast resources, and the immediate deployment of your defense strategy can determine whether you face years in prison or walk away with your freedom.

Immediate Silence is Your Best Defense:

Federal agents from the FBI, DEA, or IRS may follow up the letter with a "friendly" visit. Do not be fooled. Their goal is to secure admissions before you have legal counsel present. You have a constitutional Fifth Amendment right to remain silent—exercise it immediately.

Do Not Alter or Destroy Documents:

A target letter often includes a warning against "spoliation" of evidence. Deleting emails or shredding documents after receiving this notice can trigger an immediate obstruction of justice charge, which is frequently easier for prosecutors to prove than the underlying offense.

Understand the Stakes of Federal Court:

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure are vastly different from state court rules. Federal cases involve complex sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums that require a specialized approach. You need an advocate who doesn't just know the law but has written the book on it. Federal cases in your district will be heard at the Dan M. Russell Jr. United States Courthouse right here in Gulfport.

Engage a Powerhouse Federal Defense Team:

Early intervention is the only way to potentially stop an indictment before it happens. At the Law Offices of Sean Buckley, we represent clients across both the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi. We frequently operate right here in the Southern District, out of the Dan M. Russell Jr. United States Courthouse. We specialize in high-stakes white-collar defense, healthcare fraud, and federal conspiracy cases. We use our deep understanding of federal procedure to challenge the government's narrative at the earliest possible stage.

If you have received a target letter, do not wait for the handcuffs.

Contact the Law Offices of Sean Buckley at 228-933-4411 today for a confidential case evaluation.

Since 2010, Mr. Buckley has served as the Lead Attorney Editor of O’Connor’s Federal Criminal Rules & Codes. 

About the Author: Sean Buckley:

Sean Buckley is a nationally recognized federal criminal defense attorney based in Gulfport, Mississippi, with over 25 years of trial experience. He is AV-Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been selected to Mid-South Super Lawyers for over 10 consecutive years.

The "O’Connor’s" Authority:

Since 2010, Mr. Buckley has served as the Lead Attorney Editor of O’Connor’s Federal Criminal Rules & Codes. For 15 years, he has been responsible for editing the very rules and statutes that govern every federal criminal case in the United States. This unparalleled depth of knowledge allows him to navigate the complexities of the federal system with a level of precision that few other defense attorneys can match. His expertise has led to high-profile victories, including full acquittals in federal fraud trials with alleged losses exceeding $100 million.

Contact the Law Offices of Sean Buckley at 228-933-4411 today for a confidential case evaluation.