Federal Indictment and Charges

At Candice Fields Law, we understand that receiving a federal indictment can be one of the most challenging moments in a person's life. A federal indictment represents a formal accusation of criminal conduct, marking a critical point in the federal criminal case process that demands immediate and strategic attention.

What is a Federal Indictment?

A federal indictment is a formal charging document issued by a grand jury after determining there is probable cause to believe that a federal crime has been committed. This legal document outlines specific federal charges against an individual or entity, detailing the alleged criminal conduct and the federal laws that prosecutors claim were violated.

The Federal Indictment Process

Before facing federal charges, it's crucial to understand how the federal indictment process unfolds. This complex legal procedure involves multiple stages and various federal authorities. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what typically occurs during a federal indictment:

The Federal Investigation Phase

The investigation phase of federal cases involves complex, multi-layered processes conducted by various federal agencies. This critical period often determines the strength of the government's case and potential defense strategies. Here's a detailed breakdown of what occurs during this crucial phase:

• Initial Triggers: Federal investigations typically begin through suspicious activity reports, whistleblower complaints, referrals from state agencies, or patterns detected through regulatory oversight.
• Agency Assignment: The Department of Justice assigns specific federal agencies to lead investigations based on the type of alleged crime - FBI for general federal crimes, DEA for drug offenses, IRS for tax matters, or SEC for securities violations.
• Surveillance Operations: Federal agents conduct both physical and electronic surveillance, including monitoring digital communications, financial transactions, and movement patterns of investigation targets.
• Document Analysis: Investigators review financial records, business documents, electronic communications, and other relevant materials obtained through subpoenas or federal search warrants.
• Witness Interviews: Agents conduct extensive interviews with potential witnesses, including associates, employees, family members, and others who might have relevant information.
• Undercover Operations: In some cases, federal agents deploy undercover operatives or cooperating witnesses to gather evidence about ongoing criminal activities.
• Financial Tracking: Investigators follow money trails through bank records, cryptocurrency transactions, and international transfers to establish patterns of activity.
• Digital Evidence Collection: Agents gather electronic evidence from computers, phones, and other devices, often requiring specialized forensic analysis.
• Coordination Efforts: Multiple federal agencies often work together, sharing information and resources while coordinating with state and local law enforcement.
• Evidence Preservation: Investigators carefully document and preserve all collected evidence according to strict federal protocols to ensure admissibility in court.
• Target Notification: In some cases, subjects may receive target letters or witness subpoenas, indicating they're under investigation.
• Prosecutorial Review: Federal prosecutors regularly review evidence gathered during the investigation to assess case strength and determine charging strategies.

The Grand Jury Assembly Process

A federal grand jury serves as a crucial investigative body within the criminal justice system, operating under strict constitutional principles and federal rules. This foundational component of federal prosecutions involves specific procedures and responsibilities. Here's a detailed examination of how federal grand juries are assembled and function:

• Selection Process: Grand jurors are chosen from voter registration lists and other official records, representing a cross-section of the community within the federal judicial district.
• Jury Composition: Federal grand juries consist of 16-23 citizens, with 12 members required for a quorum to conduct official business and vote on indictments.
• Service Duration: Grand jurors typically serve for 18-24 months, meeting regularly (often weekly or monthly) to hear evidence in multiple cases throughout their term.
• Secrecy Requirements: Grand jurors take an oath of secrecy, prohibited from discussing proceedings with anyone outside the grand jury room, including family members and the media.
• Prosecutorial Presence: Only the prosecutor, grand jurors, and court reporter may be present during proceedings, with witnesses appearing solely to provide testimony.
• Evidence Presentation: Prosecutors present documentary evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis without adhering to standard trial evidence rules.
• Witness Rights: Witnesses who testify before the grand jury may have counsel available outside the grand jury room for consultation but not inside during testimony.
• Deliberation Process: Grand jurors may ask questions, request additional evidence, and discuss the case among themselves in complete privacy.
• Voting Procedure: A minimum of 12 grand jurors must vote in favor of an indictment (known as a "true bill") for criminal charges to be filed.
• Judicial Oversight: A federal judge supervises the grand jury but typically does not attend proceedings, ensuring the process remains independent.
• Subpoena Power: Grand juries possess broad authority to subpoena witnesses and documents, compelling testimony and evidence production.
• Multiple Cases: Unlike trial juries, grand juries hear evidence in numerous cases during their service term, sometimes reviewing dozens of potential indictments.

The Prosecutor's Presentation to the Grand Jury

The prosecutor's presentation to a federal grand jury represents a critical phase in the federal criminal justice process. As the only attorney permitted in the grand jury room, the federal prosecutor wields significant influence over these proceedings. Here's a detailed examination of how prosecutors present cases to federal grand juries:

• Strategic Planning: Prosecutors carefully organize evidence and witness testimony to establish probable cause, often presenting their strongest evidence first to build a compelling narrative.
• Opening Statement: The prosecutor provides grand jurors with an overview of the alleged criminal conduct and applicable federal laws, setting the framework for the evidence to follow.
• Evidence Selection: Prosecutors choose which evidence to present, including documents, recordings, photographs, and digital data, without facing challenge from defense counsel.
• Witness Coordination: Prosecutors determine the order of witness testimony, preparing and scheduling witnesses to create a logical progression of evidence.
• Questioning Format: Prosecutors conduct direct examination of witnesses using open-ended questions, allowing grand jurors to request clarification or ask additional questions.
• Document Presentation: Key documents are explained and contextualized for the grand jury, often through witness testimony or agent summaries.
• Expert Testimony: Technical experts may be called to explain complex aspects of the case, such as financial transactions, digital evidence, or scientific analysis.
• Legal Instruction: Prosecutors explain relevant federal laws and legal standards, helping grand jurors understand how the evidence relates to specific criminal charges.
• Procedural Guidance: The prosecutor advises grand jurors on proper procedures, including voting requirements and the standard of probable cause.
• Timeline Management: Presentations are structured to maintain grand jury attention while ensuring thorough coverage of essential evidence.
• Question Handling: Prosecutors must respond to grand juror questions about the evidence or applicable laws, maintaining objectivity in their explanations.
• Deliberation Support: While not present during deliberations, prosecutors must ensure grand jurors have all necessary materials to make an informed decision.

The Probable Cause Determination in Federal Cases

The probable cause determination represents a crucial threshold in federal criminal proceedings, requiring grand jurors to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to believe a crime has occurred and the target committed it. Here's a detailed examination of this critical evaluation process:

• Legal Standard: Probable cause requires a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and the target committed it, a lower standard than the "beyond reasonable doubt" requirement at trial.
• Evidence Assessment: Grand jurors evaluate all presented evidence, including witness testimony, documents, recordings, and expert analysis to determine if it meets the probable cause threshold.
• Credibility Evaluation: Grand jurors assess witness credibility and reliability, considering factors such as consistency, potential bias, and supporting documentation.
• Element Analysis: Each element of the alleged federal crime must be supported by sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for that specific component.
• Circumstantial Consideration: Grand jurors may rely on circumstantial evidence and reasonable inferences drawn from the evidence presented.
• Multiple Charges: Each proposed charge requires a separate probable cause determination, even within the same investigation or involving the same defendant.
• Deliberation Focus: Grand jurors discuss whether the evidence creates a reasonable belief of criminal conduct, not whether the target is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
• Independent Judgment: Each grand juror must exercise independent judgment in evaluating the evidence, free from external pressure or influence.
• Prosecutor Guidance: While prosecutors explain legal requirements, grand jurors make their own determinations about whether probable cause exists.
• Documentation Review: Grand jurors may request to review specific pieces of evidence again during their deliberations to ensure thorough consideration.
• Voting Process: After deliberation, grand jurors vote on whether probable cause exists for each proposed charge, requiring 12 votes for an indictment.
• Alternative Charges: If probable cause isn't found for the primary charge, grand jurors may consider whether it exists for lesser included offenses.

The Federal Grand Jury Voting Process

The grand jury vote represents the culmination of the investigative process, where grand jurors make their final determination about whether to issue an indictment. This critical decision process involves specific procedures and requirements designed to ensure fairness and thoroughness. Here's a detailed examination of how federal grand juries conduct their voting:

• Quorum Requirement: A minimum of 16 grand jurors must be present during evidence presentation, with at least 12 needed for voting to establish a valid quorum.
• Voting Privacy: Grand jury votes occur in absolute secrecy, with only grand jurors present in the room during deliberations and voting.
• Vote Threshold: At least 12 grand jurors must vote in favor of indictment for a "true bill" to be issued, regardless of how many jurors are present.
• Charge-by-Charge Voting: Grand jurors must vote separately on each proposed charge, considering the evidence supporting each count independently.
• Record Keeping: The foreperson records the vote totals for each charge, maintaining the secrecy of individual juror votes.
• No Abstentions: Grand jurors present during the proceedings must vote either for or against indictment, with no option to abstain.
• Multiple Targets: When multiple targets are involved, grand jurors vote separately on charges against each individual defendant.
• Recusal Requirements: Grand jurors must recuse themselves from voting if they have personal knowledge of the case or relationships with targets.
• Result Documentation: The foreperson signs the indictment if approved, marking it as a "true bill," or notes "no true bill" if the vote fails.
• Continuing Investigation: A failed vote doesn't necessarily end the investigation; prosecutors may present additional evidence and seek another vote.
• Sealed Indictments: Approved indictments may be sealed by court order to prevent flight risk or protect ongoing investigations.
• Notification Process: After the vote, the foreperson notifies the prosecutor of the outcome, maintaining confidentiality about individual votes.

Federal Indictment Filing

The filing of a federal indictment marks a pivotal moment when a criminal investigation transforms into a formal prosecution. This critical transition involves specific procedures and triggers important deadlines and obligations for all parties involved. Here's a detailed examination of how federal indictments are filed and processed:

• Document Preparation: The U.S. Attorney's Office carefully drafts the indictment document, ensuring all charges are properly stated and supported by the evidence presented to the grand jury.
• Legal Verification: Federal prosecutors review the indictment for legal sufficiency, confirming each count includes all essential elements of the alleged crimes and complies with federal rules.
• Signature Requirements: The grand jury foreperson and U.S. Attorney must sign the indictment, certifying it reflects the grand jury's decision and meets all legal requirements.
• Court Filing Protocol: The indictment receives an official case number and becomes part of the federal court record when filed with the clerk's office, initiating formal criminal proceedings.
• Sealing Considerations: Prosecutors may request the court seal the indictment to prevent premature disclosure, particularly when there are flight risks or ongoing investigations.
• Docket Creation: Court personnel create an official case docket, establishing a chronological record of all future filings and proceedings related to the indictment.
• Assignment Process: The court randomly assigns the case to a specific federal judge who will oversee all proceedings from arraignment through final disposition.
• Notice Requirements: Unless sealed, the indictment filing triggers obligations to notify defendants and schedule initial court appearances within specific timeframes.
• Document Distribution: Copies of the filed indictment must be provided to various parties, including the assigned judge, pretrial services, and eventually, defense counsel.
• Calendar Scheduling: The court schedules key dates, including the arraignment and initial status conference, beginning the case's progression through the federal system.
• Warrant Processing: If not already in custody, the court processes arrest warrants or summons for defendants named in the newly filed indictment.
• Records Management: Court staff establish both electronic and physical case files, ensuring proper organization and access for authorized parties.

Federal Arrest Warrant Issuance

Following a federal indictment, the court typically issues arrest warrants for defendants not already in custody. This process involves careful coordination between multiple federal agencies and specific procedures to ensure both legal compliance and public safety. Here's a detailed examination of how federal arrest warrants are issued and executed:

• Judicial Review: A federal judge or magistrate reviews the indictment and supporting documentation to ensure probable cause exists before authorizing the arrest warrant.
• Warrant Preparation: The U.S. Attorney's Office prepares the warrant documentation, including specific identifying information about the defendant and details of the charged offenses.
• Risk Assessment: Federal agents conduct a preliminary risk assessment to determine the potential dangers involved in executing the warrant and whether special tactics may be required.
• Coordination Planning: Depending on the circumstances of the case, multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, and local law enforcement, often coordinate warrant execution.
• Location Verification: Federal agents verify the target's likely locations, including residence, workplace, and frequent destinations before attempting warrant execution.
• Timing Strategy: Authorities carefully plan the timing of warrant execution, considering factors such as public safety, flight risk, and the likelihood of finding the target.
• Surrender Options: In some cases, especially white-collar investigations, arrangements may be made through defense counsel for voluntary surrender rather than arrest.
• Information Distribution: The warrant enters federal law enforcement databases, allowing any law enforcement agency to execute it if they encounter the named individual.
• Property Seizure: The warrant may include authorization for seizing specific property or evidence related to the charged offenses during the arrest.
• International Coordination: For targets believed to be outside the U.S., the warrant triggers international law enforcement coordination through INTERPOL and diplomatic channels.
• Warrant Tracking: The U.S. Marshals Service maintains active tracking of outstanding federal warrants, coordinating periodic attempts to locate fugitives.
• Modification Procedures: Courts may modify warrant conditions based on new information or changed circumstances, requiring updated documentation and distribution.

Federal Initial Appearance

The initial appearance represents a defendant's first time before a federal judge after arrest or surrender. This crucial hearing establishes fundamental rights and sets the tone for subsequent proceedings. Here's a comprehensive examination of what occurs during this critical first court appearance:

• Timing Requirements: Federal law mandates that defendants appear before a magistrate judge without unnecessary delay, typically within 24 hours of arrest unless circumstances prevent immediate presentation.
• Rights Advisement: The judge formally notifies defendants of their constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and the right to a preliminary hearing if applicable.
• Counsel Determination: The court evaluates the defendant's financial status to determine eligibility for appointed counsel, ensuring legal representation for those who cannot afford private attorneys.
• Charge Review: The magistrate judge explains the nature of the charges, potential penalties, and statutory maximums and minimums for each offense listed in the indictment.
• Identity Verification: The court confirms the defendant's identity and address, ensuring the correct person has been brought before the court on the specified charges.
• Language Assessment: If English is not the defendant's primary language, the court arranges for certified interpreters to ensure full understanding of the proceedings.
• Pretrial Services Report: A pretrial services officer presents findings about the defendant's background, community ties, and risk factors relevant to release conditions.
• Detention Hearing: The judge determines whether to schedule a separate detention hearing or proceed immediately with bail considerations based on the government's position.
• Release Conditions: If detention is not mandatory, the court considers appropriate conditions for pretrial release, including travel restrictions, monitoring, or bond requirements.
• Next Steps: The judge schedules subsequent proceedings, including arraignment dates and deadlines for preliminary matters or motion filing.
• Medical Needs: The court addresses any immediate medical needs or special conditions requiring attention during detention or upon release.
• Document Processing: Court staff process all necessary paperwork, including release orders or detention commitments, ensuring proper execution of the judge's directives.

Federal Arraignment Scheduling

The scheduling of a federal arraignment marks a critical transition in criminal proceedings, where defendants formally enter their plea to the charges. This process involves careful coordination among multiple parties and must adhere to strict federal timelines. Here's a detailed examination of how federal arraignment scheduling unfolds:

• Timing Guidelines: The Speedy Trial Act requires arraignment within set timeframes after indictment, typically 10 days for detained defendants and 20 days for those released on bond.
• Calendar Coordination: The court's scheduling clerk coordinates with judges, prosecutors, and defense counsel to find suitable dates that accommodate all parties' schedules and statutory deadlines.
• Notice Requirements: The court issues formal notices to all parties, including detailed information about the date, time, location, and presiding judge for the arraignment hearing.
• Security Planning: U.S. Marshals Service coordinates transportation and security arrangements, particularly crucial for defendants in custody at different facilities.
• Interpreter Arrangements: Court staff schedule certified interpreters when needed, ensuring language access for non-English speaking defendants during this critical proceeding.
• Multiple Defendant Coordination: In cases with multiple defendants, the court carefully schedules either joint or separate arraignments based on various factors including security and efficiency.
• Discovery Timeline: Arraignment scheduling triggers specific deadlines for initial discovery production, requiring coordination between prosecution and defense teams.
• Pretrial Conference: Courts often schedule initial pretrial conferences in conjunction with arraignment, maximizing efficiency for all parties.
• Venue Considerations: For cases involving multiple jurisdictions, the court must coordinate with other federal districts regarding scheduling and transportation logistics.
• Emergency Accommodations: Courts maintain procedures for expedited arraignment scheduling when circumstances require immediate action or special handling.
• Document Preparation: Court staff prepare necessary paperwork, including plea forms and scheduling orders, ensuring all required documents are ready for the proceeding.
• Technology Requirements: Courts coordinate any needed technology for remote appearances or evidence presentation systems that may be required during the arraignment.

Federal Criminal Discovery

The discovery phase in federal criminal cases involves the systematic exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense. This crucial process ensures fair trial preparation and protects defendants' constitutional rights. Here's a detailed examination of how federal criminal discovery unfolds:

• Initial Disclosure Requirements: The government must provide defendants with specific materials within 14 days of arraignment, including defendant statements, criminal records, and documents obtained from the defendant.
• Brady Material: Prosecutors have an ongoing constitutional obligation to disclose any evidence favorable to the defense, including information that could impact guilt, punishment, or witness credibility.
• Document Production: The U.S. Attorney's Office organizes and produces investigative reports, witness statements, physical evidence documentation, and surveillance materials according to federal rules.
• Electronic Evidence: Federal agencies must process and share digital evidence, including emails, financial records, surveillance footage, and data from electronic devices in accessible formats.
• Scientific Analysis: Prosecutors must disclose laboratory reports, expert findings, and technical analyses, including information about testing procedures and expert qualifications.
• Witness Information: The government provides witness statements and potential witness lists, though the timing of witness identity disclosure may vary based on security concerns.
• Evidence Review Protocols: Defense teams receive specific instructions for accessing and reviewing evidence, particularly for sensitive materials or those requiring special handling.
• Reciprocal Discovery: Defense teams must provide certain materials to prosecutors, including expert witness information and evidence they plan to present at trial.
• Continuing Obligation: Both parties must promptly disclose newly discovered materials throughout the case, ensuring all sides have current information for trial preparation.
• Protective Orders: Courts may issue orders governing the handling of sensitive materials, including restrictions on copying, sharing, or storing certain evidence.
• Discovery Disputes: Formal procedures exist for resolving disagreements about discovery obligations, often involving judicial intervention through motion practice.
• Timeline Management: Courts establish discovery deadlines and may hold regular status conferences to ensure compliance and address any production delays.

Federal Pretrial Motions

The pretrial motion phase represents a critical opportunity to shape the course of a federal criminal case before trial. Through carefully crafted legal arguments, defense teams can challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and potentially resolve cases favorably. Here's a comprehensive examination of how the federal pretrial motions process works:

• Motion Planning: Defense teams conduct thorough analysis of discovery materials, constitutional issues, and procedural requirements to identify viable grounds for pretrial challenges and relief.
• Suppression Strategy: Attorneys carefully evaluate potential constitutional violations, including Fourth Amendment search and seizure issues, Fifth Amendment rights violations, and improper interrogation techniques that may warrant evidence suppression.
• Jurisdictional Challenges: Defense counsel examines whether federal courts have proper jurisdiction over the alleged offenses, including analysis of venue requirements and constitutional authority.
• Severance Considerations: In multi-defendant cases, attorneys evaluate grounds for separating defendants or charges to prevent prejudicial spillover effects and ensure fair trials.
• Discovery Disputes: Formal motions address inadequate or delayed discovery production, seeking court intervention to compel disclosure of crucial evidence or Brady material.
• Expert Challenges: Defense teams file motions challenging government experts' qualifications, methodologies, or conclusions under federal evidence rules and Daubert standards.
• Bill of Particulars: When indictments lack sufficient detail, motions request specific information about the charges to enable proper defense preparation.
• Constitutional Arguments: Pretrial motions raise fundamental constitutional challenges, including Double Jeopardy claims, Speedy Trial violations, or Due Process concerns.
• Evidentiary Motions: Defense counsel files motions in limine to exclude prejudicial evidence, prior bad acts, or other potentially damaging information before trial begins.
• Dismissal Requests: Where appropriate, motions seek dismissal based on statutory defects, constitutional violations, or prosecutorial misconduct.
• Scheduling Impact: Courts establish motion deadlines and hearing schedules that significantly affect overall case timing and trial preparation.
• Response Management: Defense teams must carefully track government responses and prepare effective replies within strict court-imposed deadlines.

Status Conferences in Criminal

Status conferences serve as regular check-points in federal criminal cases, allowing courts to monitor case progress and address emerging issues. These crucial proceedings help ensure cases move efficiently through the federal system while protecting both prosecution and defense interests. Here's a detailed examination of how federal status conferences function:

• Scheduling Framework: Courts typically schedule initial status conferences shortly after arraignment, with follow-up conferences occurring at regular intervals determined by case complexity and court procedures.
• Progress Assessment: Judges use these conferences to evaluate case advancement, including discovery completion, plea negotiations, motion practice, and trial preparation benchmarks.
• Deadline Management: The court reviews existing deadlines and sets new ones as needed, ensuring all parties maintain appropriate progress toward resolution or trial.
• Resource Coordination: Status conferences allow discussion of logistical needs, including courthouse technology, interpreter services, or special accommodations for witnesses or evidence presentation.
• Issue Resolution: These meetings provide opportunities to address emerging problems before they cause significant delays, from discovery disputes to scheduling conflicts.
• Trial Planning: As cases progress, status conferences increasingly focus on trial preparation, including witness scheduling, exhibit management, and courtroom logistics.
• Plea Discussions: Courts often use status conferences to inquire about plea negotiations and establish deadlines for reaching plea agreements if appropriate.
• Pretrial Motions: Judges frequently discuss pending or anticipated motions during these conferences, sometimes scheduling motion hearings or establishing briefing schedules.
• Expert Coordination: Status conferences allow discussion of expert witness issues, including disclosure deadlines, deposition scheduling, and potential challenges.
• Technical Requirements: Courts address any special technical needs, from evidence presentation systems to videoconferencing requirements for remote witnesses.
• Case Management: These proceedings help courts manage their dockets effectively while ensuring cases receive appropriate attention and resources.
• Record Creation: Status conferences create official records of case progress and court directives, helping prevent misunderstandings about obligations or deadlines.

Federal Criminal Trial Preparation

Trial preparation in federal criminal cases represents one of the most intensive phases of criminal defense, requiring meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive strategic planning. This process often begins months before trial and involves coordinating multiple components to ensure the strongest possible defense. Here's a detailed examination of the federal trial preparation process:

• Evidence Organization: Defense teams create comprehensive databases of all discovery materials, including digital evidence, witness statements, expert reports, and documentary evidence, with detailed indexing systems for rapid courtroom access.
• Witness Management: Attorneys conduct extensive witness interviews, prepare witness outlines, coordinate schedules, and develop questioning strategies for both defense witnesses and anticipated government witnesses.
• Motion Strategy: Defense teams identify and prepare critical pretrial motions, including motions in limine to exclude prejudicial evidence and motions to admit crucial defense evidence that may face government objection.
• Exhibit Preparation: Lawyers carefully select, organize, and prepare trial exhibits, including creating compelling visual presentations, charts, and demonstrative aids that effectively communicate complex information to jurors.
• Expert Coordination: Defense teams work closely with expert witnesses to refine their testimony, prepare demonstrative exhibits, and anticipate challenging cross-examination questions from prosecutors.
• Jury Strategy: Attorneys develop comprehensive jury selection strategies, including preparing effective voir dire questions and creating juror profiles based on case-specific factors and community demographics.
• Opening Statement: Defense counsel crafts compelling opening statements that introduce key themes, address problematic evidence, and establish a framework for understanding the defense narrative.
• Cross-Examination: Teams prepare detailed cross-examination outlines for government witnesses, including impeachment materials and prior inconsistent statements identified through discovery review.
• Defense Case: Attorneys organize the presentation of defense evidence, considering strategic ordering of witnesses and anticipating government objections to testimony and exhibits.
• Technology Integration: Defense teams test and prepare courtroom technology, ensuring smooth presentation of digital evidence, video displays, and audio recordings during trial.
• Legal Research: Lawyers conduct thorough research on anticipated legal issues, preparing bench briefs on crucial evidentiary issues likely to arise during trial.
• Closing Argument: Defense counsel develops persuasive closing arguments that tie together evidence presented, emphasize reasonable doubt, and reinforce key defense themes established throughout trial.

Protect Your Rights - Take Action Now

When facing federal charges, time is a critical factor in building an effective defense. At Candice Fields Law, we stand ready to begin protecting your rights immediately. Contact our office for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.