Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Re: White collar crime

You are being sued civilly, not criminally. They want their money back. There is no jail time involved. Do not admit anything. Then they'll be able to get criminal charges against you. Get a lawyer fast.

Re: White collar crime

Firsst of all, you say that you wre served with a civil summons. This means that it is a civil lawsuit seeking damages, not a criminal prosecution. Therefore, you do not have to worry , at least at this point, about going to jail. If there are sufficient facts for the U.S. Attorney to file charges and prosecute you for an alleged violation of the Federal statutes then you should be concerned about doing time. In the meantime, you should find a way to hire an attorney to represent you in this case. You should not deal directly with your former employer's attorneys. You should not make any statements to anyone admitting anything. If you appear in Court in response to the summons, you should tell the Judge that you need a continuance in order to have time to hire legal counsel. Then, find a way, and do it!

Re: White collar crime

The federal courts require members of the trial bar to take certain kinds of pro bono appointments. This is where they are appointed by the judge to defend people, even in certain kinds of civil cases for free. Whether you qualify for this type of representation I do not know, but it is something you can investigate at the federal courthouse. There are members of the federal trial bar who will also handle matters at reduced fees. In the meantime you should not communicate with the other attorneys, it should only be done through your lawyers, and you should have your own. Another place to check for a referral would be the Chicago Bar Association.