Attorney Jordan Matyas assists clients with a wide range of issues relating to IDFPR licensing matters, including investigations arising from consumer complaints, failure to pay taxes, criminal action that affects IDFPR licenses, and other statutory requirements that can affect a license. Jordan’s extensive background in administrative law and in-depth knowledge of IDFPR procedures and processes benefits clients regardless of what type of IDFPR issue arises. When you turn to 1818, our first meeting will be to discuss your case in detail and develop a strategy for resolving it. If an informal conference is required, we will prepare you for the meeting and will be present at the conference to represent your interests. After you engage 1818, we will be your contact with IDFPR and will attend all meetings regarding your license.
In any complaint or investigation involving IDFPR, our goal is to resolve the matter as quickly as possible and to limit the impact on your life and livelihood to the maximum extent possible. Sometimes, that can be accomplished at the initial meeting. Other times, it will require a full administrative hearing or even an appeal to the Circuit Court.
Even if a formal IDFPR complaint is filed or a disciplinary conference is scheduled, the opportunity still exists to negotiate a settlement with IDFPR and avoid formal proceedings. When settlement is possible, it is even more important to be represented by legal counsel in your discussions and communication with IDFPR. At 1818, we understand how important your license is. Your matter will receive our careful and full attention from start to finish.
How to Respond to an IDFPR Letter or Notice
If you receive a letter indicating that IDFPR is investigating a complaint, compliance matter, or other license issue, there are things you should do and things you should not do. First — and most importantly — do not panic. While an investigation is a very serious matter, many complaints can be resolved relatively quickly. Being hasty in your actions will not accomplish anything and can even negatively affect your situation.
Do not call IDFPR, and do not call the person who filed the complaint. Doing either of those things can negatively impact your license. You cannot ignore an IDFPR inquiry. The situation will not go away if you do not respond. Your best course is to immediately contact an experienced IDFPR attorney who can represent you and guide you through the IDFPR process. Do not talk to the government or send documents to IDFPR before you meet with your attorney.
How to Prepare for an Informal Conference with the IDFPR Investigator
While the initial meeting with the IDFPR investigator may be called an “informal conference,” it is an official administrative proceeding. The meeting is extremely important and will determine whether the case can be dismissed or settled or whether a hearing is required. Attending this conference without an attorney may be a mistake, because your professional license is in question. Given the intricacies of the laws and regulations that apply to IDFPR professions, you should not risk meeting or talking with IDFPR about an investigation by yourself. An attorney should attend all meetings and communicate with IDFPR.
While spending money to retain a lawyer may not be something you want to do, remember that your livelihood and ability to work are at stake in an IDFPR proceeding. Any legal matter involving your license needs to be taken very seriously. A decision by IDFPR to revoke your license means that you will not be able to practice your profession. The legal fees involved in having a lawyer represent you will pale in comparison to what you stand to lose if your case is not favorably resolved.