Receiving a federal target letter can be one of the most alarming moments in anyone’s life, signaling that federal authorities have placed you at the center of a criminal investigation. An official notification from a United States Attorney’s Office indicates that you are the “target” of a federal investigation, meaning federal prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking you to a crime and intend to seek an indictment.
Contact Hilder & Associates, P.C. at (713) 234-1416 to schedule a consultation with a federal criminal defense lawyer who will protect your rights and defend you against Medicare/Medicaid fraud allegations.
What Is a Target Letter?
A target letter serves as formal notification that federal prosecutors consider you the target of their investigation and plan to present evidence to a grand jury. The government sends these letters to allow you to cooperate, present your side of the story, or negotiate before formal charges are filed.
Receipt of a target letter does not guarantee that charges will be filed against the individual. However, it indicates that prosecutors have gathered substantial evidence and are moving toward an indictment. Federal prosecutors typically only send target letters when they have built a strong case and believe charges are likely, making immediate legal action essential to protect your interests.
Steps After Receiving a Target Letter In A Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Investigation
Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon receiving a target letter, as your response can influence whether you face criminal charges or avoid prosecution.
You should never speak to federal agents or investigators alone, as even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted to support criminal charges against you. Federal prosecutors are skilled at using your own words against you, and attempting to explain your situation without legal counsel almost always causes more harm than good.
Additionally, you must not destroy, alter, or dispose of any documents, electronic records, or other materials related to the investigation, as obstruction of justice carries severe additional penalties under federal law. Under Texas Penal Code § 37.09, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence constitutes a felony offense. Similarly, federal statutes impose harsh penalties for the destruction of evidence during investigations.
Benefits of Hiring a Fraud Defense Attorney
Having quality legal representation is critical after receiving a target letter. Your Medicare/Medicaid fraud attorney will guide you through the proper response and develop a strategy to protect your future:
- Review the target letter carefully to understand the alleged violations.
- Gather all relevant documents, records, and communications.
- Avoid discussing the investigation with anyone except your attorney.
- Do not contact witnesses or other individuals mentioned in the investigation.
- Preserve all evidence, including electronic data and billing records.
- Refrain from posting about the situation on social media.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding communication with prosecutors.
Taking these steps demonstrates good faith while protecting your legal rights and preventing actions that could strengthen the government’s case against you. Your attorney can then assess the full scope of the investigation and determine the most effective path forward based on the specific allegations and evidence involved.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters in Federal Investigations
Contacting legal counsel immediately after receiving a target letter gives you the best chance to shape the investigation’s outcome before charges are filed. Early intervention allows your attorney to engage with prosecutors and present exculpatory evidence. Other benefits for you and your attorney include:
- Opportunity to prevent formal charges from being filed.
- Ability to negotiate immunity or reduced charges before indictment.
- Time to develop a comprehensive defense strategy.
- Protection from self-incriminating statements during the investigation.
- Access to evidence and discovery materials.
- Chance to present mitigating factors to prosecutors.
- Strategic positioning for favorable plea negotiations if charges proceed.
Waiting until after indictment to seek legal representation removes many of these advantages and forces you into a defensive posture. Under Texas Penal Code § 35A.02 and 18 U.S.C. § 1347, Medicaid fraud is prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, potentially exposing you to parallel investigations and compounding your legal jeopardy if not addressed promptly.
Did You Receive a Target Letter? Contact a Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Attorney Now
A target letter demands immediate attention from an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who understands the stakes and knows how to respond strategically. Federal prosecutors have substantial resources and experience, and you need equally skilled representation to protect your rights and defend against serious allegations.
Call Hilder & Associates, P.C. at (713) 234-1416 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a seasoned federal criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling Medicare and Medicaid fraud investigations and prosecutions.
