why would a district attorney send me a letter

Generally if the police wish to arrest someone they will come out and arrest them. In other cases the DA's office may send a letter to the persons last known address advising them there is a charge that has been filed and tell them to appear in court on a given date.

Full Answer

Why write a letter to the district attorney (DA)?

There are many reasons for writing a letter to the District Attorney (DA). Whatever your reason, you’ll want to draft a formal, respectful letter to give your inquiry the best chance of success.

How do you communicate with the district attorney during a trial?

Communicate regarding the trial if you are a victim or witness. During the course of a trial, you may need to send written statements or other information to the district attorney, or ask questions. Do not write the district attorney if you are the defendant in a criminal case.

Does the district attorney have the authority to address my concern?

The district attorney may not have the authority to address your concern, and may simply refer you to another office. If you are not sure to whom you should address your concern, consider telephoning the district attorney's office or contacting an attorney.

What is a district attorney?

"District attorney" is the title of the chief prosecutor of a jurisdiction within only 21 of the 50 states. Other jurisdictions may use "attorney general," "county attorney," "prosecuting attorney," "state's attorney," "state attorney," "commonwealth's attorney," "circuit attorney," "solicitor," or "district attorney general.".

Why do prosecutors send letters?

When a federal prosecutor believes that you have committed a crime, they can send you a target letter. A target letter essentially notifies you that a criminal investigation focuses on you. Most often, prosecutors use target letters in white-collar cases.

Why would I get a letter from a lawyer?

Commonly used by businesses, demand letters are often sent to demand money owed or restitution, but they can also be used to demand specific actions. Having your attorney draft a demand letter can be a wise move because it gives the recipient a chance to rectify the situation without facing a lawsuit.

Why would the Department of Justice sent me a letter?

Are You A Target Or Are You A Subject? The Department of Justice customarily sends target letters to individuals who are the target of a grand jury investigation and to those who are the subject of a grand jury investigation.

Why would a DA call me?

The DA is required to call you under the Victim Bill of Rights because this is a domestic violence case. They could get in trouble if they did not do so. They have to send you a victim impact statement, get your position on the case, find out...

Should I respond to a lawyer's letter?

It's always best to have an attorney respond, on your behalf, to a “lawyer letter,” or a phone call from a lawyer. If that's not an option for you, though, make sure that you send a typed, written response to the attorney (by e-mail or mail), and keep a copy for yourself.

Can you ignore a lawyer letter?

Ignore the letter The first option, ignoring the letter, is one that every person should avoid. In family law it is especially important to think a few steps ahead. Ignoring the letter forces the opposing party's lawyer to do one thing – recommend that his or her client proceed to Court.

What issues does the Department of Justice deal with?

Investigations & prosecutions: The DOJ deals with every type of federal crime, from bank robbery and kidnapping to financial crimes like money laundering, bribery and corruption, and the financing of terrorism.

What does a federal target letter mean?

As its name suggests, a target letter is a notice from the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal prosecutor that you are the target of a criminal investigation. Target letters contain information on the crime being investigated, and they include instructions on what they expect you to do next.

What is a target of an investigation?

A “target” of a criminal investigation is a person against whom the prosecutor and law enforcement are working to obtain formal charges, that is, an Indictment.

How do I know if I have been charged with a crime?

If you suspect you may have been charged even though you haven't been arrested or received any summons, you can always contact your local police department for information. By asking the department to conduct a warrant check, you can uncover any criminal charges that have been filed against you.

How long after a crime can you be charged?

6 monthsSection 179 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) reads as follows: Proceedings for a summary offence must be commenced not later than 6 months from when the offence was alleged to have been committed.

Why does a prosecutor want to talk to me?

The most obvious reason to interview with law enforcement is that the defendant wants some sort of deal. Whether that is a plea bargain, immunity, or even not being charged, the defendant is hoping to show the prosecutor that they are either innocent or have some important information to offer.