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Facing burglary or robbery allegations in Illinois can be overwhelming for anyone and their family. Our Frankfort Law Group trial lawyers understand how these charges affect employment, housing, and personal freedom. We help clients navigate police interviews, arrests, bail hearings, and courtroom proceedings while protecting their legal rights at every stage. This introduction outlines what to expect during a criminal case, how charges are classified in Illinois, and why prompt, thoughtful legal guidance matters when building a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case and the client’s goals.
This guide offers clear, practical information about burglary and robbery charges under Illinois law and describes common defenses and procedural steps. We explain the distinctions between offenses, potential penalties, and typical court timelines so you know what to expect after an arrest. The goal is to empower people accused of these crimes with actionable information: how to respond to police contact, what evidence prosecutors often rely on, and how early legal intervention can preserve options for plea negotiation, suppression motions, or trial preparation depending on the circumstances.
An effective defense can significantly affect the outcome of burglary or robbery allegations and the long-term consequences for a client’s record and daily life. Skilled legal representation works to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge unlawful searches or procedures, and present mitigating circumstances that can reduce charges or penalties. Defense counsel also helps clients understand diversion and sentencing alternatives when available. The benefit of proactive representation is preserving liberty and future opportunities while addressing immediate legal needs through negotiation, evidence review, and strategic court filings that protect client rights.
Frankfort Law Group is a trial-focused practice serving clients throughout Illinois from our Frankfort location. Our team of trial lawyers brings courtroom experience handling a wide range of criminal matters, including burglary and robbery cases at both the trial and appellate levels. We prioritize thorough investigation, careful evidence review, and direct communication with clients to build defenses that reflect the facts of each case. The firm is reachable at 708-766-7333 and navigates complex local court procedures while advocating for outcomes that protect client interests and legal rights.
Burglary and robbery are distinct offenses under Illinois law and understanding the elements of each charge is essential to building a defense. Burglary generally involves entering a structure or vehicle without permission with intent to commit a felony or theft, while robbery involves taking property from someone by use of force or threat. The penalties vary based on factors such as the use of a weapon, injury to victims, and prior criminal history. Defendants should know how prosecutors must prove each element and what defenses may apply to challenge those elements.
A strong defense typically begins with a careful review of police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence. Counsel looks for inconsistencies, procedural errors, and constitutional violations such as unlawful stops, seizures, or searches. Other defenses can include mistaken identity, lack of intent, alibi evidence, or consent to enter property. Early investigation and legal intervention often preserve evidence and witness recollection that are essential to mounting an effective response to the charges.
Clarifying legal definitions helps defendants and their families understand the specific accusations they face. Burglary requires unlawful entry into a space with intent to commit a felony or theft inside, whereas robbery requires taking property directly from a person by force or threat. Aggravating factors such as possession of a weapon, causing bodily harm, or entering certain protected locations can elevate charges. Understanding statutory language and case law that interprets these terms is an important early task for defense counsel when evaluating options for plea bargaining, pretrial motions, or trial strategy.
Typical criminal proceedings follow predictable stages that include arrest, initial court appearance, arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, plea negotiations, and possibly trial. Each stage presents opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case, seek dismissal, or negotiate favorable terms. Important legal elements that must be proven at trial include the defendant’s identity, presence at the scene, intent to commit the alleged offense, and use of force when applicable. Defense teams will examine chain of custody for evidence, witness credibility, and the legality of investigative steps taken by law enforcement.
This glossary explains common terms used during burglary and robbery cases to help clients follow court proceedings and legal advice. Definitions include charges, motions, discovery, bail, plea agreement, and sentencing. Grasping these terms gives clients confidence when discussing their case with counsel and when making informed decisions about potential resolutions. The glossary is organized to be accessible and concise so that people who are not familiar with legal jargon can understand what each term means and how it affects the progression of a criminal matter in Illinois courts.
Burglary in Illinois typically means entering or remaining in a building or vehicle without authorization with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside. The charge can vary based on location, whether the alleged offender was armed, and if the structure is a dwelling or a nonresidential property. Penalties may include prison time, fines, and restitution, depending on the degree of the offense. Understanding how intent is proven and how entry is defined are common focal points in defending against a burglary allegation.
Robbery involves taking property from a person by using force or intimidation at the time of the taking. The offense requires direct interaction with a victim and proof that force or threats were used to dispossess that person. Robbery charges can escalate when a weapon is used or when serious injury results. Defense strategies often focus on the reliability of victim identification, whether the taking was consensual, and whether the prosecution can establish the required element of force or threat beyond a reasonable doubt.
An aggravated offense refers to a charge that includes additional factors increasing potential penalties, such as the use of a weapon, causing bodily harm, or targeting certain protected locations. Aggravating factors can move violations from misdemeanor to felony status and affect sentencing ranges. Addressing allegations that elevate a charge requires close review of the facts, witness statements, and physical evidence to determine whether the prosecution can satisfy the higher burden needed to sustain enhanced penalties.
A suppression motion asks the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections, such as unlawful searches or coerced statements. If successful, a suppression motion can prevent key evidence from being used at trial and may lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Filing a motion requires a factual and legal showing about how law enforcement conducted the investigation and whether those actions followed the Fourth and Fifth Amendment standards applicable under Illinois and federal law.
When facing burglary or robbery allegations, people can pursue different levels of legal representation based on their needs and resources. Limited representation might involve discrete tasks such as advising at an arraignment, negotiating a plea, or filing one motion. A comprehensive defense involves full case management through investigation, discovery, multiple motions, and trial preparation. Choosing between these approaches depends on the strength of the evidence, potential penalties, personal circumstances, and the client’s goals for resolution. A discussion with counsel helps clarify which path aligns with the client’s priorities.
A limited approach can be appropriate when charges are minor, the evidence is minimal, or the client seeks quick resolution through a negotiated outcome. In situations where the prosecution’s case is unlikely to escalate and penalties are modest, targeted legal help at critical junctures can protect rights without full-scale litigation. Counsel can provide focused services such as reviewing discovery, advising on plea options, and ensuring procedural safeguards are observed, allowing the client to resolve the matter efficiently while minimizing intrusion into daily life.
Clients who prioritize a quick resolution to avoid prolonged court involvement may choose limited representation to pursue plea discussions or diversion where eligible. This path often focuses on achieving the best possible short-term outcome while reducing time spent in court. Counsel will still evaluate the case for obvious legal issues, advise about collateral consequences, and negotiate on the client’s behalf, but will not undertake the extensive investigation or trial readiness associated with a full defense unless new facts emerge that change the case dynamics.
When burglary or robbery charges carry high potential penalties or involve allegations of weapon use or bodily harm, comprehensive representation is often warranted. Full defense services include thorough investigation, forensic review, and preparation for contested hearings or trial. This level of representation seeks to identify all viable defenses, protect constitutional rights, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence through contested motions. For cases that could result in substantial prison time or lifelong consequences, detailed preparation and advocacy support a defense strategy tailored to preserving client liberty and future prospects.
Cases involving multiple witnesses, conflicting statements, forensic analysis, or surveillance footage often benefit from a comprehensive approach. Defense teams can reconstruct timelines, interview witnesses, and consult with independent investigators to test the prosecution’s narrative. Complex evidentiary issues may require suppression motions or expert testimony to interpret technical data. By managing all facets of the case, a full-service defense aims to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory and present a coherent alternative account that supports acquittal or favorable resolution.
A comprehensive defense provides more opportunities to challenge evidence and preserve legal options up to and including trial. This approach emphasizes early and ongoing investigation, pretrial motions, witness preparation, and careful negotiation. It can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal when the prosecution’s case is weak or flawed. Clients also benefit from having a consistent advocate who understands the specifics of their case, communicates options clearly, and takes actions designed to minimize long-term consequences such as collateral penalties or employment difficulties.
Comprehensive representation also reduces uncertainty by preparing for all possible court developments and protecting client rights throughout the process. By addressing discovery issues, challenging unlawful investigative tactics, and preparing for trial when necessary, counsel helps avoid surprises and builds the strongest possible factual and legal record. This full scope of preparation gives clients confidence that every available avenue to protect their liberty and future is being pursued, from negotiating alternatives to sentencing to litigating dispositive legal issues that might dispose of the case.
Comprehensive defense begins with a detailed investigation that seeks to confirm or refute key allegations. This includes interviews of witnesses, review of surveillance footage, examination of physical evidence, and verification of police reports and timelines. Careful scrutiny of each piece of evidence can reveal inconsistencies or procedural errors that undermine the prosecution’s case. The investigative process also helps identify favorable witnesses and evidence for trial or negotiation, creating options for case resolution that might not be apparent from initial charging documents alone.
A full defense strategy emphasizes legal advocacy through targeted motions, effective negotiation, and trial readiness. Counsel prepares motions to suppress improper evidence, challenges identification procedures, and files legally grounded defenses that limit what prosecutors can use at trial. If trial becomes necessary, courtroom preparation includes motion practice, witness examination planning, and coherent presentation of defenses. This strategic posture often improves bargaining leverage and can lead to more favorable outcomes whether through dismissal, reduced charges, or not guilty verdicts after trial.
If you are involved in a case or witness events related to burglary or robbery, take steps to preserve any evidence and record your recollection while details are fresh. Save electronic messages, photos, timestamps, and any surveillance footage you may have access to. Write down a timeline of events, contact information for witnesses, and any details about interactions with law enforcement. Preserving these items early can be decisive when evaluating claims and countering inconsistent accounts, and it supports a thorough defense investigation or verification process.
Keep careful records of any law enforcement interactions, court dates, charges filed, and communications from prosecutors. Note times, badge numbers, and names of officers or court personnel when possible. Accurate documentation helps counsel identify procedural errors, missed deadlines, or improper conduct during the investigation that can be relevant to suppression motions or other defenses. Organized information also streamlines attorney work and helps ensure deadlines and responses are handled promptly to protect legal rights and case strategy.
Facing burglary or robbery charges can carry severe consequences for your freedom, finances, and long-term record. Professional defense representation helps safeguard legal rights, navigate court procedures, and evaluate options that might reduce or dismiss charges. Attorneys can identify procedural problems, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare suppression motions if constitutional protections were violated. With knowledgeable advocacy, clients have a better chance of achieving outcomes that limit collateral consequences like employment barriers, housing difficulties, and driver’s license implications that can follow a criminal conviction.
Legal representation also ensures clear communication about possible outcomes and the steps needed to pursue each option. Counsel helps clients understand the strength of the prosecution’s case, available defenses, and likely penalty ranges if convicted. This guidance supports informed decision making about plea offers or trial. Engaging representation early preserves investigative opportunities and can prevent avoidable missteps, such as self-incrimination or missed procedural deadlines, which could otherwise reduce the ability to contest the charges effectively.
People seek defense representation after arrest, criminal citation, or when they are under investigation for alleged theft-related offenses. Typical circumstances include disputed ownership of property, mistaken identity, allegations based on circumstantial evidence, or claims involving use of force that lead to robbery charges. Some clients are charged after misunderstandings during landlord-tenant disputes or after being present at a scene where property was taken by another person. Each situation demands a careful review to determine the best defensive path forward.
Mistaken identity frequently appears in burglary and robbery cases when witnesses misidentify a defendant or when surveillance footage is unclear. Defense efforts focus on challenging identification procedures, cross-referencing alibi evidence, and presenting alternative explanations for presence at a scene. Counsel will review the circumstances of any lineup or photo array, evaluate witness reliability, and seek to corroborate where possible with timestamps, receipts, or other documentation that supports the client’s account and undermines the prosecution’s claim about identity.
In many burglary and theft-related cases the heart of the dispute is whether the defendant had permission to be on the property or whether the property belonged to the alleged victim. These disputes require careful factual development, including documentation of property access, prior relationships, or agreements that might show consent. Establishing consent, lack of criminal intent, or lawful presence can change the legal characterization of events and provide a persuasive basis for reduced charges or dismissal when the facts do not support criminal liability.
Robbery charges involve allegations that force or threat was used to take property from a person. Defense work evaluates the credibility of the victim’s account, physical evidence, and any corroborating testimony. Investigators examine whether the interaction actually amounted to force or whether the incident was a misunderstanding or a consensual exchange. Where possible, counsel seeks evidence demonstrating a lack of intent to use force or that force was not present, which can be central to achieving a favorable outcome for the accused.
If you or a loved one has been charged with burglary or robbery in Illinois, prompt legal consultation can make a critical difference. Frankfort Law Group provides clear counsel about the process, potential defenses, and realistic options tailored to your situation. We can meet to review the facts, gather necessary records, and begin protecting your rights right away. Contact our office in Frankfort at 708-766-7333 to discuss your case confidentially and learn how immediate action can preserve important legal options and evidence.
Frankfort Law Group focuses on providing strong courtroom advocacy and attentive client service for people accused of serious crimes in Illinois. Our trial lawyers take time to understand each client’s priorities and construct defense strategies that reflect the facts and legal issues at play. We emphasize thorough preparation, frequent communication, and realistic guidance about possible resolutions so clients can make informed decisions at every stage of the process. Our office aims to protect client rights with a steady, strategic approach to litigation and negotiation.
Clients appreciate having a single point of contact who coordinates investigation, discovery review, and court filings on their behalf. We work to preserve evidence, interview witnesses promptly, and file motions designed to remove unlawfully obtained evidence or limit prosecutorial theories. By focusing on the details and the legal record, our team seeks to improve outcomes whether through plea agreements, pretrial dismissals, or trial verdicts that reflect the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Beyond courtroom advocacy, our firm recognizes the personal impact of criminal accusations and offers clear explanations of collateral consequences and post-resolution options. We help clients understand the long-term implications of various outcomes and discuss potential paths to sealing or expungement when applicable. The aim is to address immediate legal needs while also supporting clients in protecting their future opportunities after the resolution of the case.
At Frankfort Law Group we follow a structured approach that begins with an in-depth consultation and evidence preservation, then moves into investigation, pretrial advocacy, and resolution planning. We explain each phase of the process so clients know what to expect and what decisions may be required. Our team coordinates with investigators, gathers independent documentation, and reviews police procedures to identify legal challenges. From pretrial motion practice to trial preparation, we ensure every step is documented and pursued in line with the client’s best interests.
The initial consultation focuses on understanding the facts from the client’s perspective, reviewing charging documents, and identifying immediate tasks such as preserving evidence and addressing bail. We collect key details about the alleged incident, witness contacts, and any physical or digital evidence that might exist. This early assessment determines whether urgent filings are necessary and sets priorities for investigation. It also clarifies client goals and informs whether a focused or comprehensive approach will best serve the case.
During the first stage we carefully review the charging instrument, police reports, and available discovery to assess the prosecution’s theory. This includes identifying potential witnesses, surveillance sources, and any forensic testing that might be relevant. Counsel evaluates whether constitutional concerns exist surrounding arrests or searches, which could support pretrial motions. This review helps identify factual gaps and preserves time-sensitive evidence to support defense strategies that challenge the validity of key prosecutorial claims.
Protecting immediate rights may involve addressing bail, custody issues, or conditions of release and ensuring the client understands reporting requirements and court obligations. Counsel communicates with the prosecution where appropriate to set hearings or negotiate reasonable terms while urgent legal motions are prepared. Early legal advocacy also seeks to prevent unnecessary self-incrimination by guiding the client’s communications and actions, thereby preserving defenses and minimizing the risk of inadvertent statements that could harm the case.
The second stage centers on thorough investigation and legal motions that challenge the admissibility or sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence. Counsel may request additional discovery, interview witnesses, and consult with investigators to reconstruct events. Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges is common when constitutional violations or insufficient probable cause are identified. These pretrial steps aim to limit the case the jury or judge will see or eliminate evidence that undermines the prosecution’s ability to meet its burden.
Discovery involves collecting police reports, witness statements, body camera or surveillance footage, and forensic results. Defense teams interview witnesses to evaluate credibility and gather supporting testimony for alibis or alternative narratives. Independent investigation can uncover information the prosecution overlooked or corroborate defense theories. Effective discovery review and witness preparation help shape motion practice and negotiation strategy, revealing weaknesses in identification, chain of custody, or procedural compliance that may be grounds for suppression or dismissal.
Pretrial motion practice targets legal defects such as unlawful searches, improper identification procedures, and overbroad charging instruments. Motions may seek exclusion of statements, suppression of physical evidence, or dismissal where legal standards are not met. Success in these motions can alter the landscape of the case by removing key evidence or limiting the prosecution’s theory. Careful legal briefing and evidentiary support are essential to persuade the court to grant relief that improves prospects for the client.
The final stage focuses on resolving the case through negotiation or trial, depending on the client’s goals and the strength of the evidence. Plea negotiations consider the results of investigation and motion practice to secure the most favorable terms available. If a trial is necessary, counsel conducts witness preparation, develops opening and closing statements, and challenges the prosecution’s proof. The decision to accept a negotiated outcome or proceed to trial is made with full information about risks and potential long-term consequences.
When appropriate, negotiations with prosecutors seek reduced charges, alternative dispositions, or diversion programs that limit long-term consequences. Counsel advocates for terms that address client priorities such as minimizing incarceration, limiting felony convictions, or avoiding collateral penalties. Negotiated outcomes are evaluated in light of the evidence uncovered during investigation and the likelihood of success at trial, ensuring clients make decisions with realistic expectations about the results and consequences.
If a trial is required, preparation includes finalizing witness lists, trial exhibits, cross-examination strategies, and thematic presentation of the defense. Counsel frames legal arguments to highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case while maintaining clarity and credibility with the jury or judge. Courtroom advocacy also involves responding to evidentiary rulings and pursuing objections that protect the record for appeal if necessary. The goal is to present a coherent, persuasive defense informed by thorough prior investigation and motion practice.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
Burglary and robbery are distinct offenses with different legal elements. Burglary generally involves unlawful entry into a structure or vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside, while robbery requires taking property directly from a person by using force or the threat of force. The presence of a weapon, injury to a victim, or the classification of the location can affect how charges are framed and the severity of potential penalties. Understanding these differences is a key first step in evaluating defenses and legal strategy. A defense attorney reviews the specific facts to determine which elements the prosecution must prove and whether any defenses or procedural challenges exist. For example, evidence of consent to be present at a location can negate burglary elements, while disputes over identification may undermine robbery allegations. Early investigation helps identify these issues and informs decisions about whether to negotiate or litigate based on the strength of the evidence.
If you are arrested, remain calm and avoid making statements without legal counsel present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney before answering substantive questions. It is important to assert those rights politely and to avoid giving explanations that might be used against you in later proceedings. Requesting counsel early helps ensure that any questioning is conducted appropriately and that your rights are protected during interactions with law enforcement. Contacting a defense attorney as soon as possible allows for immediate steps to protect evidence and gather information relevant to your case. Counsel can advise whether to post bail, address conditions of release, and begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Early intervention improves the ability to secure witness statements, preserve surveillance footage, and build a defense strategy tailored to the unique facts of the matter.
Yes. If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search, seizure, or interrogation, a court may suppress that evidence so it cannot be used at trial. Suppression motions typically focus on Fourth Amendment violations related to searches without probable cause or valid warrants, and Fifth Amendment issues involving coerced or involuntary statements. Successful suppression can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and sometimes lead to dismissal of charges when key evidence is excluded. To pursue suppression, counsel must identify the legal basis for exclusion and present factual support through affidavits, testimony, or police reports. The timing of these motions matters, and early review of discovery helps determine whether constitutional violations occurred. Courts evaluate the totality of circumstances to determine whether rights were violated and whether the evidence should be excluded.
Case timelines vary widely depending on the jurisdiction, complexity of the evidence, and whether the case resolves through negotiation or requires trial. Simple matters resolved by plea or diversion can conclude within weeks to months, while contested cases involving extensive discovery or complex forensic work may take many months or longer to reach resolution. Pretrial motion practice and court scheduling also influence how long a case remains open, and delays in obtaining evidence or expert analysis can extend the timeline. Clients should discuss anticipated timelines with counsel early to set expectations for hearings, filings, and potential trial dates. Regular communication allows attorneys to report on progress and to adjust strategy based on new developments, discovery responses, and prosecutorial decisions. Understanding the likely pace helps clients plan for potential impacts on work, family, and travel.
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent, consent to enter property, alibi evidence, and challenges to the reliability of witness identification. Defense counsel also pursues constitutional claims when arrests, searches, or interrogations violated rights, which can result in suppression of key evidence. Each case requires fact-specific analysis to determine which defenses are viable and which will be most persuasive based on available evidence and witness testimony. Building an effective defense often involves reconstructing timelines, corroborating alibis, and independently investigating physical evidence and surveillance footage. Counsel may also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges when the evidence is subject to legitimate dispute or when mitigating circumstances suggest alternative dispositions that better serve justice and client interests.
A conviction for burglary or robbery can have serious collateral consequences for employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status where applicable. Employers and landlords often consider criminal records when making decisions, and certain convictions can bar individuals from specific jobs or housing programs. Understanding these impacts is an important part of case evaluation, and counsel can advise about how different resolutions may influence future opportunities and record consequences. Where possible, defense strategies and negotiated outcomes aim to limit long-term effects by seeking lesser charges, diversion, or sealed records when available. After resolution, attorneys can explain potential expungement or relief options that may be available under Illinois law to help restore opportunities once legal requirements are met.
Juveniles are often processed differently from adults and may qualify for juvenile court procedures focused on rehabilitation. The juvenile system aims to address underlying issues and may offer diversion programs or alternative dispositions that avoid adult criminal records. However, serious allegations like aggravated robbery can sometimes lead to transfer to adult court depending on the age of the accused and the nature of the offense, so timely legal attention is essential to protect juvenile rights and options. Defense strategies for juveniles include emphasizing rehabilitative services, school and family supports, and minimizing the impact on the young person’s future. Early involvement by counsel helps navigate juvenile procedures, advocate for appropriate programs, and work toward outcomes that avoid the harshest long-term consequences if possible.
Penalties depend on the specific offense and aggravating factors such as weapon use or bodily injury. Burglary and robbery can be charged as felonies with ranges of imprisonment, fines, and restitution obligations. Sentencing also considers prior criminal history and statutory sentencing enhancements that increase penalties for repeated offenses. The exact exposure varies by statute, degree of the offense, and plea or trial outcomes determined by the court.
Plea bargaining involves negotiations between defense counsel and prosecutors to resolve a case without trial, often through reduced charges or recommended sentences. Plea offers are evaluated based on the strength of the evidence, the results of any pretrial motions, and client priorities for minimizing penalties and collateral consequences. Counsel advises clients on the risks and benefits of accepting a plea versus proceeding to trial so individuals can make informed decisions aligned with their goals and circumstances. Negotiations may produce outcomes such as reduced charges, probation, restitution, or alternative programs when available. Even when a plea is considered, preparing for trial remains important to maintain negotiating leverage and ensure the client’s interests are vigorously represented throughout the process.
To schedule a consultation with Frankfort Law Group, contact our office in Frankfort at 708-766-7333 or use the contact form on our website. The initial conversation allows us to gather basic facts, advise on immediate steps to protect rights, and arrange an in-person or virtual meeting to review the case in detail. Confidential discussions enable us to identify urgent tasks such as evidence preservation and determine whether immediate court filings are necessary. During the consultation we explain potential defense approaches, expected timelines, and fees associated with representation. If you choose to retain our firm, we promptly begin investigation and communication with prosecutors or investigators as appropriate to protect your position and pursue the best possible resolution.