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A target letter is a formal communication issued by federal prosecutors to inform an individual that they are the subject of a criminal investigation. It serves as a notification that the recipient is considered a “target,” meaning prosecutors believe there is substantial evidence linking them to a federal crime. While a target letter does not mean the individual has been

When facing federal criminal charges, selecting a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the federal sentencing regime is critical. Federal sentencing involves complex considerations, including statutory minimum and maximum penalties, the nuanced calculations under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and important legislative reforms like the First Step Act (FSA), which expanded opportunities for sentence reductions and early release. A knowledgeable

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ramped up enforcement in recent years, a trend that has continued unabated in 2024. The SEC recently released its enforcement results for fiscal year 2024, revealing both setbacks and milestones. While the agency initiated only 583 actions—a 26% drop from FY 2023—it achieved a historic $8.2 billion in financial remedies, the highest ever

On June 27, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a pivotal ruling in SEC v. Jarkesy that will significantly reshape securities enforcement. As outlined below, it already has. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) use of in-house tribunals to resolve securities fraud cases violated the U.S. Constitution, affirming a defendant’s right to

The U.S. Supreme Court continues to shape the landscape of criminal procedure through recent rulings that have far-reaching consequences. Three notable cases—U.S. v. Rahimi, McElrath v. Georgia, and Smith v. Arizona—highlight ongoing debates important to criminal defendants over the Second Amendment, plea bargains, and the confrontation clause. Each decision impacts how constitutional rights are interpreted and applied in the criminal