Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in ZIP 60432 | 21 available

21 Criminal Defense lawyers are available in ZIP code 60432 in JOLIET, Illinois, including Amy Melton, Charles Bretz, Cosmo Tedone, and Daniel Walsh. Average rating of these lawyers is 4.4/5 and 57% provide free consultation.

Criminal Defense Lawyers Near ZIP 60432 - Map View

Showing top 10 Criminal Defense attorneys in JOLIET, Illinois near ZIP code 60432. Click any pin to view lawyer details, ratings, and contact information. Gold pins indicate top-rated lawyers.


FAQs - Criminal Defense Lawyers in 60432 city JOLIET How can a local lawyer help me? A local attorney can review your situation, explain options, and help you plan next steps. Consider speaking to a local attorney for personalized advice.
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.5 out of 5

Amy Melton

Firm: A. Melton Law, P.C.
23 W. Jefferson , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Employment & Labor , Real Estate , Traffic Violations, Family, Family, Family
Avvo Review
“Amy is the worst possible person to handle any law/legal needs, seek counsel elsewhere immediately.”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. Amy is highly intelligent and is very knowledgeable of the law. She works dilligently for her client.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Gregory Reeder

Firm: Reeder & Brown, P.C.
58 North Chicago Street, Suite 404 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
For 15 years, Gregory Reeder has been a vigorous advocate for his clients and public servant throughout the State of Illinois. Greg is an experienced trial attorney, who aggressively fights for his clients whether they are charged with a felony or misdemeanor or going through a divorce or family law case. Greg has successfully defended clients at all stages of litigation in both criminal and civil courts with a focus in criminal defense, civil litigation divorce and juvenile law.
Avvo Review
“etter than I could have expected. Further, throughout the whole process, he portrayed an extremely o”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Steven Haney

Firm: Haney Steven C Attorney At Law
58 E. Clinton Street , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Born - Chicago, Illinois  1960. Married to Jane with 3 sons, Kyle, Colin, and Cameron. Resides in Plainfield, Illinois.
Avvo Review
“Very thorough and helpful. Great availability and went above and beyond in a dramatic situation.”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I have known Steve for many years and handled many cases against him when I was a prosecutor. Steve was always a tough and intelligent opponent. He is also a lawyer of great integr…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Ryan Kosztya

Firm: Law Office of Ryan Kosztya
81 N Chicago St Ste 404 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“I've hired Ryan a few times and referred him to a couple of people. I've had positive results in all”
Read on Avvo
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5

Robert Bodach

Firm: Law Office of Jeff Tomczak
2 Rialto Square 116 N Chicago St Suite 500 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“Bob was very helpful in getting the best outcome for my case and he made me feel as if I didn't have”
Read on Avvo
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Kristine Honiotes

Firm: Honiotes Law Office, Ltd.
58 N. Chicago St. , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
As a former Will County Assitant Public Defender, Attorney Kristine Honiotes has defended all types of felony and misdemeanor cases including murder, domestic violence, DUI, drug offenses and other serious felony offenses. Attorney Honiotes has over 10 years of experience as a trial lawyer.. In 2005, Kristine received her Juris Doctorate Degree from DePaul University College of Law. She received her B.S. in Political Science in 2002 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.. Her practice is focused on Criminal, Traffic and DUI Law within Will, DuPage, Cook, Kane and other counties.
Avvo Review
“BEST LAWYER EVER. GOT MY CASE WRAPPED UP IN LESS THAN A YEAR NEVER MISSED A DATE VERY RESOURCEFUL. E”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“Kris is a sharp litigator and will fight for her clients.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5

Charles Bretz

Firm: Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C
58 N Chicago St Fl 2 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: General Practice, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense
Chuck began his legal career in 1982 as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Will County, Illinois.  He successfully prosecuted his first murder case at the age of twenty-five and won every murder case that he tried as a prosecutor thereafter, along with numerous other Felony cases involving various crimes.  In 1986, Chuck joined the oldest law firm in Joliet, Murphy, Timm, Lennon, Spesia, and Ayers as a litigation Associate.  For six years, Chuck tried various civil cases including Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Commercial disputes in the state and federal courts.  Subsequently, Chuck rejoined the State’s Attorney’s Office as the First Assistant and successfully prosecuted several cases, including obtaining a First Degree Murder conviction as to an inmate at a local prison who had killed a correctional officer.  Since leaving the State’s Attorney’s Office, Chuck has been in Private Practice on his own, except for a three year period of time when he was employed by a local Real Estate Developer.  In 1999, Chuck formed the Law Offices of Chuck Bretz, P.C., which is now known as Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C.. Since that time, Chuck has built Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C. into a dynamic law firm featuring distinguished and accomplished attorneys who concentrate their practice in the areas Criminal, Family, and Personal Injury litigation and advising various businesses pertaining to multiple commercial matters.
Avvo Review
“Bretz. As a matter of fact, Mr. Bretz's total strategy was defense by 3-month continuance with”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Google Review
“Chuck and his team exemplify professionalism and expertise at every turn. They navigated my team through a series of complex business challenges, streamlining the entire process an…”
— Sunny Singh
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5

Jack Zaremba

Firm: Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C.
26 East Clinton Street , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Juvenile, Speeding Ticket
At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best outcome on your case, quickly and efficiently. Although not every case must go to trial, as a former prosecutor I have the courtroom trial experience you can count on. I have tried criminal cases ranging from a speeding ticket to first degree murder, and if you have been charged with a criminal offense, you want an attorney who knows your case from the prosecutor perspective. I know their strategy and the techniques to counter them.. Don't delay. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba for a free consultation. We handle felony and misdemeanor cases, including drug offenses, DUI, thefts, battery, burglary, robbery, and weapon offenses. We offer affordable rates and flat fees for most cases.. Jack began his dedicated legal career in the area of criminal law as a clerk for the Illinois Attorney General while attending law school. After graduating in 2003, Jack was offered a position in the Medicaid Fraud Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General, where he prosecuted complex white collar and financial crimes.. In 2006, Jack accepted an appointment as an Assistant State's Attorney in Will County. As a well-respected prosecutor in Will County, Jack disposed of hundreds of criminal cases with offenses ranging from DUI to first degree murder. Jack has acted as first chair on over fifty bench trials and over thirty jury trials. His courtroom performance is unrivaled, and his aggressive and effective courtroom demeanor has even been described as "electrifying".. Since beginning his own law firm, Jack has achieved successful outcomes in a wide range of criminal cases. His goal is to help each client avoid a conviction. Jack continues to put his aggressiveness and experience to work for his clients every day.. Jack is married to Ann Zaremba, who is also an attorney, specializing in commercial real estate. Jack and Ann are new parents, and they both enjoy spending time with their young daughter Madison.. The Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba provides legal services and representation in the following areas of law:- Criminal DefenseIfyou have been charged with a criminal offense, our office has thecriminal trial experience you can count on. You are presumed innocentand it is up to the state to prove you guilty beyond a reasonabledoubt. As a former prosecutor, I have prosecuted many crimes includingfirst degree murder and I know what will be required of the state, andI will put them to the task. You need an aggressive criminal defenseattorney. Contact the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba today if you havebeen charged with a criminal offense, including the following felonyand misdemeanor offenses:* Driving under the influence (DUI)* Drug offenses - trafficking or possession* Theft / burglary* Juvenile crimes* Sex crimes* Weapon offenses* Battery and domestic battery- Drug and Narcotics OffensesHaveyou been arrested or are you under investigation for the possession orsale of illegal drugs? Do you have questions of whether the police cancharge you with possession of those drugs? What if the drugs were foundunder the passenger seat of a car you were driving; or what if thedrugs were in the trunk of the car? Do the police have the right tosearch you, your house or your vehicle?These are questions thatan experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense drug lawyer cananswer. As a former Will County Prosecutor, I have handled possessioncases from a simple marijuana joint, to cocaine. If you have beencharged with a drug offense, you want an experienced former prosecutoron your side. We represent clients in all drug related offenses,including:* Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia* Marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, and prescription drug charges* Out-of-state residents arrested for drug crimes in Illinois* Serious state charges (drug trafficking and conspiracy)* Distribution and sale of controlled substances* Minor defendants in juvenile court drug offenses- DUI Defense and Traffic OffensesAtthe Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, you will have hired one of the mostexperienced and knowledgeable DUI Attorneys in Joliet. As a formerprosecutor in Will County, I have handled hundreds of DUI cases andknow how to present the best defense for your case. The area of DUI lawis complex and I can help you navigate the process. At the Law Officesof Jack L. Zaremba, we can handle other traffic violations for you. Asa former prosecutor I have extensive experience with the followingtraffic offenses:* Speeding* Reckless driving* Driving while license suspended or revoked (DWLS) (DWLR)* Leaving the scene of an accident* Fleeing and eluding- Juvenile Criminal DefenseWhena child is charged with a criminal offense it can be one of the mostdifficult things that a family can face. The realization that your sonor daughter could receive a criminal conviction or worse, can be verystressful.At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, we understandthe stress that this situation can cause and we are here to help. Asyour attorney, it is important to demonstrate to the court that yourchild is not a criminal, rather a young child who only used poorjudgment. We represent clients charged with:* Criminal trespass to vehicles or residences* Theft or burglary* School fights, assault and battery* Illegal consumption by a minor (underage drinking)* Possession of fake ID* Weapon offenses* Traffic offenses* DUI* Drug possession
Avvo Review
“ave had nothing but a great experience and the best outcome possible with his representation”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Google Review
“Jack is great! I had a couple traffic tickets I needed help with. He was very helpful and did exactly what we discussed. Took care of everything and nothing making it to my record.…”
— Brad T
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5

Gordon Hirsch

Firm: Will County Office
128 N Scott St , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Mr. Hirsch is the owner and operator of the Hirsch Law Group.   Previously, he was an assistant corporation counsel.  As such, he prosecuted traffic violations at traffic court as well as ordinance violations at administrative hearings. Gordon Hirsch is an experienced trial attorney evidenced by the hundreds of cases he has successfully won at trial.  Many of the clients Gordon represents are referrals from other attorneys who are aware of his skills and reputation in the community.   He practices in all major areas including traffic, criminal, personal injury, bankruptcy, civil, family, estate planning, probate, real estate and transactional law.
Avvo Review
“I need a lawyer in the future.”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I highly endorse Mr. Hirsch. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Gino Fimbianti

58 N. Chicago Street , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Mr. Fimbianti began he career in law enforcement when he became a police officer in 1990. As a police officer, he served as a patrol officer, tactical officer and detective. He also has received specialized training and served as a Juvenile Officer, Street Gang Specialist, Field Training Officer (FTO), FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Accident Investigator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Armorer and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-D). During his career as a police officer, he received over 20 police commendations, awards and distinctions for his service.. Mr. Fimbianti graduated from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 2001 and became an Assistant State’s Attorney in Will County. As a prosecutor, he handled DUI cases and felony offenses including murder, robbery, narcotics, and class X felonies. He also served as an ASA in the Grand Jury and Felony Review Section and worked as a felony narcotics prosecutor with the Organized Crime Unit. In 2005, he entered private practice as a senior partner in a law firm specializing in criminal defense, civil litigation, and family law.. In 2010, Mr. Fimbianti was selected by the United States Department of Justice to travel to southeastern Europe (the former Yugoslavia) as a contract advisor to the Republic of Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Balkans, he spent 18 months assisting in the development of a practical criminal justice infrastructure and other essential Rule of Law institutions, with a special emphasis on enhancing the cooperation and teamwork among prosecutors and police officers.. Upon returning to the States, Mr. Fimbianti opened his own criminal defense and personal injury practice. His experience on all sides of the judicial system and abroad has afforded him a distinct perspective on the law. He ardently believes in the rights of criminal defendants as defined by the U.S. Constitution.
Avvo Review
“e and great lawyer me and my family thank you so much gino.”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

George Lenard

Firm: George D. Lenard
71 N. Ottawa Street. , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Civil , Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes, DUI/DWI, Felonies, Juvenile , Personal Injury, Sexual Abuse, Traffic Violations, Wrongful Death, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“George is currently my sons' attorney. He has been so helpful and understanding. We have never dea”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer. George is a real titan in the courtroom. there is no case to big for him to defend. If you need the best, George is the lawyer you need.”
Google Review
“George has done great for me with many cases & hes absolutely a great attorney and very fair. Thanks George”
— johnj sullivan
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Douglas Deboer

Firm: Law Office of Douglas G. DeBoer, PC
54 N Ottawa St., Ste 260 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
As a criminal defense attorney, I work closely with my clients who are going through one of the most important events of their lives. I am a sole practitioner who takes my job very seriously. Whether it's a matter of coming to an agreed resolution of your case or fighting your case at trial, you will work with me to make all of the important decisions involving your case.
Avvo Review
“Got me what i beleive to be a very good deal. I thought i would have to pay thousands in fines on t”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I have known Doug for years and he was actually my supervisor in the 90's when he was First Assistant State's Attorney at the Will County State's Attorney. Doug is a great lawyer a…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Daniel Walsh

Firm: Law Offices of Daniel M. Walsh, Ltd.
58 N Chicago St , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Rooted in Will County since 1840, Daniel M. Walsh channels his lifelong community connection into a robust legal practice. A proud alumnus of John Marshall Law School, Walsh began his career at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office in 2005. His dedication quickly advanced him to the Felony Division, where he prosecuted a vast array of criminal cases. Walsh's comprehensive legal experience includes DUI, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Notably, he has litigated high-profile cases, including the Hickory Street murder trials, and he has been featured on national television. Raised in Elwood, he attended notable local institutions such as St. Joseph Grade School, Providence Catholic High School, Joliet Junior College, and Illinois State University. His extensive trial experience and deep-rooted commitment to the community make Daniel M. Walsh a cornerstone of Will County’s legal field, where he continues to advocate vigorously for justice.
Avvo Review
“Our son had run into trouble and Dan was amazing from start to finish. We seriously don't know what”
Read on Avvo
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Cosmo Tedone

Firm: Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C.
58 North Chicago St. , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense
Cosmo J. Tedone was born on December 13, 1966 in Manchester, Connecticut. Prior to forming the law firm, Tedone & Morton, P.C., he was the senior associate with Chuck Bretz and Associates, P.C. for eight years along with experience as an Assistant Will County Public Defender and private practice in the area of insurance defense and general civil litigation. He was involved with several appeals that resulted in three murder convictions being overturned in 2011.. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Tedone's current practice emphasizes in criminal defense (DUI, Suspended Driver Licenses, Drugs, Domestic Battery, Homicide and Appeals), personal injury, and Secretary of State Hearings, representing a wide variety of clientele. He represents clients in litigation matters before Federal and State Courts, arbitration and administrative agencies. Cosmo has many years of experience as a litigator trying over fifty jury trials and hundreds of bench trials and motions.. Mr. Tedone graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (B.A. 1990) and Thomas Cooley School of Law (J.D. 1999-Cum Laude). He received several awards and accomplishments while in law school including a Certificate of Merit in Torts and Family Law, finalist in the school's moot court competition and member of law review.. He is admitted and qualified to practice in the States of Connecticut and Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar. Mr. Tedone is a member of the Will County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and former member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers.
Avvo Review
“ep of the way. In the end he was able to do what he set out to and help secure my sons future. I wi”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“Had the pleasure of knowing Cosmo since law school. Every client I have sent him has been very pleased with his dedication, expertise, and kindness. I highly recommend him!!”
Google Review
“Cosmo Tedone is competent attorney with a thorough working knowledge of the law, court system, and judges. Cosmo was able to get me through the complicated and tedious process of c…”
— Teri Scanlon
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Ted Hammel

Firm: Hammel Law Offices, P.C.
54 North Ottawa Street , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Adoption, Assault & Battery, Business & Commercial, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Criminal Defense , Divorce, Estate Planning, Family , Land Use & Zoning, Landlord & Tenant, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury, Probate , Traffic Violations, Wills, Wrongful Death, DUI & DWI, DUI & DWI, DUI & DWI
In 1985, Mr. Hammel earned his degree in Bachelors of Science from the Marquette University College of Business.  Subsequently, he was employed at the Continental National Bank of Chicago for one year.  During law school, he clerked for the United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Office VII Corp, Munich Germany.  In 1989, he received his Juris Doctor from the John Marshall School of Law in Chicago.  After two years as a Will County Assistant Public Defender, he established Hammel Law Offices, P.C., in Joliet, Illinois.  In 2005, he merged with Brumund & Jacobs, and subsequently worked extensively in the areas of criminal, traffic and DUI offenses.   He is an annual instructor at the Will County Bar Association’s seminar regarding DUI and traffic offenses, and assisted in many prior ISBA seminars. In 2002, he became qualified to administer field sobriety testing in the State of Illinois, and has testified in many Will County Cases regarding the administration of field sobriety testing.  His cases in the area of DUI/Criminal law are:  People v. Madden, 273 114, 652 N.E.2d 480, 3RD  Dist., June 30, 1995;  People v. Allen, 375 810, 873 N.E.2d 30, 3RD Dist., August 07, 2007;  People v. Love, 393 196, 911 N.E.2d 1015, 3rd  Dist., June 03, 2009; People v. Miklos, 393 205, 914 N.E.2d 506, 3rd Dist., July 17, 2009; People v. Garstecki, 234 430, 917 N.E.2d 465, September 24, 2009; People v. Ziobro, 242 34, 949 N.E.2d 631, April 21, 2011; People v. Riffice, 392 961, 911 N.E.2d 1244, 3rd Dist., July 08, 2009;  People v. Coners, 374 425, 871 N.E.2d 257, 3rd Dist., June 26, 2007; People v. Donnelly, 327 1101, 765 N.E.2d 496, 3rd  Dist., February 21, 2002; People v. Kazenko, 972 N.E.2d 815, 3rd  Dist., July 02, 2012;  People v. Santovi, 2014 IL App (3d) 130075, --- N.E.3d ----, 2014 WL 2191364, . 3 Dist.,2014, May 27, 2014.
Avvo Review
“From the very start i knew i had hired the best and right guy for the job and knowing from others th”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Google Review
“Ted Hammel is an outstanding attorney! From the first consultation I knew he was the guy I must have called 10 different lawyers but Ted made me feel confident in their ability to …”
— Kevin Garibay
Avvo Rating: Rated 1.0 out of 5

Jeffrey Brown

Firm: Will County State's Attorney's Office
57 N Ottawa St , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“who attempts to put radicals into key local post to take over our judicial system? Heard Brown has t”
Read on Avvo
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

John Montelongo

Firm: John M. Montelongo, Attorney at Law, P.C.
71 N. Ottawa St. , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
I have tried criminal felony cases in Kane, Kendall, La Salle, Will, Du Page and Cook County.  In 2011 I co-counseled a First Degree Murder Trial at 26th & California and my client was found not guilty.  I also conducted an Armed Robbery bench trial and my client was found not guilty.  I co-couseled a Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Deliver (56 pounds of marijuana) in front of a jury in Ottawa, Illinois, La Salle County and the jury found my client guilty.. I have defended numerous clients in Driiving Under the Influence from preliminary matters to trial.. I am on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  My cell phone number is listed above.  If you need representation - I will be there.  Discount fees for military veterans. I am a Vietnam Vet - 101st Airborne - 1969-1970.. I  have owned, buiilt and ridden Harley-Davidsons for 40 years.  I currently own and ride a 1998 Softail Springer.
Avvo Review
“t fought for a low bond. I decided to take a chance retaining and hiring John to handle the charges”
Read on Avvo
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Eric Mitchell

Firm: Law Offices of Eric A. Mitchell
54 N Ottawa St Ste 100 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Civil , Criminal Defense , Traffic Violations, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Avvo Review
“Eric Mitchell is a great attorney. He's does his research, knowledgeable and will fight hard for you”
Read on Avvo
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 1.0 out of 5

Michael Renzi

Firm: Will County Public Defender
58 E Clinton St Ste 210 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Avvo Review
“showed up. Again tried to contact him and nothing. A friend of mine called him and he said he would”
Read on Avvo

Nathaniel Tate

Firm: Jaquays & Ellis
5 W Jefferson St Ste 200 , Joliet , Illinois 60432
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense
Lawyers.com Review
“I endorse this lawyer.”
1 2

Disclaimer: This content is based on aggregated public information and estimated market trends. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.