Certain charges, particularly federal drug trafficking and crimes involving firearms (like 924(c)), carry mandatory minimums (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 years) that a judge cannot go below unless specific narrow exceptions apply.

A target letter notifies you that you are the target of a federal grand jury investigation and likely to be indicted. If you receive one, do not speak to agents. Contact a federal defense attorney immediately to intervene before an indictment is returned.