Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Signing a Statement Before You’re Charged? Think Twice
In Chicago, people are regularly contacted by law enforcement agencies conducting long-term investigations—federal, state, or hybrid task forces. You might be approached by DEA agents, FBI special agents, postal inspectors, or local officers working on a federal task force. If you haven’t been arrested yet, you might think you’re safe. They may even say you’re not the target. But if they’re asking you to sign a written statement, the reality is that you are already part of their investigation—and anything you sign can become the government’s exhibit in court.
I’ve been defending clients in federal and state courtrooms in Chicago for decades. Let me be clear: If law enforcement wants you to sign a statement, they already suspect something—and they want your own words to confirm it. Whether the case involves conspiracy, wire fraud, a drug offense, firearm possession, or financial crimes, that piece of paper can become the prosecutor’s favorite piece of evidence.
