Former President Donald J. Trump stated on Tuesday that he had acquired a goal letter from the particular counsel investigating the Jan. 6 riot, the second time he has been notified that he’s a goal in a federal investigation.

A goal letter is an official piece of correspondence from the Justice Department informing somebody that she or he is being investigated. It doesn’t formally cost an individual, however signifies that an investigation is nearing its finish and that the division is actively contemplating charging them.

Typically, such a letter gives the recipient the chance to testify earlier than a grand jury however doesn’t obligate them to look. Mitchell Epner, a former assistant United States Attorney for the district of New Jersey, stated targets of investigations not often avail themselves of that chance.

“I would be very surprised if Mr. Trump were to testify before the grand jury,” he stated.

Regardless of whether or not Mr. Trump testifies, Mr. Epner stated that he anticipated the Justice Department to current a possible indictment to the grand jury quickly and {that a} charging determination can be made shortly. Of a minimal 16 grand jurors, at the least 12 votes are wanted to indict Mr. Trump.

“It could be as little as days but more typically weeks, sometimes months,” Mr. Epner stated, including {that a} determination would nearly actually be made this 12 months.

Mr. Trump has not launched his goal letter. But a sample letter from a Justice Department handbook for prosecutors describes how one would learn.

Among different issues, the pattern letter says: “You are advised that you are a target of the grand jury’s investigation. You may refuse to answer any question if a truthful answer to the question would tend to incriminate you. Anything that you do or say may be used against you in a subsequent legal proceeding. If you have retained counsel, who represents you personally, the grand jury will permit you a reasonable opportunity to step outside the grand jury room and confer with counsel if you desire.”

Charlie Savage contributed reporting.