A consultation with a criminal defense attorney is an important opportunity to learn about your case and get advice. It is also an important opportunity to build a relationship with an attorney.
Asking questions and finding out about the attorney’s background, credentials, and charges is encouraged during the meeting. It is a great time to find out their strategy for your case.
1. Bring All Documents
When meeting with a criminal defense attorney, it is essential to bring all relevant documents to the consultation. It may include a copy of your citation, any issued search warrants, and any other paperwork related to the case. It is also important to write down any questions you have beforehand.
It will help you ensure that all your questions are addressed during the consultation. Be sure to avoid posting about your case on social media, as this can be used against you by the prosecution. Even if your account is private, someone who knows you can screenshot the information and pass it along to investigators.
2. Be Prepared to Talk About Your Past
While this may be embarrassing, it’s important to discuss everything that you remember regarding the crime you are facing. The more details an attorney has, the better case they can build for you. Criminal defense attorneys are accustomed to talking to judges, prosecutors, and juries.
They must be comfortable speaking publicly to tell your story and defend you against various arguments. Having friends or family members in the consultation can distract you from telling the full version of events. It can also jeopardize your privacy and confidentiality. Ideally, it would help if you met with the lawyer alone.
3. Be Prepared to Talk About the Crime
Being nervous about what will happen to you when facing criminal charges is understandable. The best thing you can do is to meet experienced criminal defense lawyers with a free consultation. Writing them down beforehand is a good idea to ensure you remember all the important questions.
You should also make a list of people who were present at the incident. It will help your attorney build a witness list for your case. Make sure to include their full names and contact information. The more witnesses, the better your chances of having a strong case.
4. Be Prepared to Dress Properly
In general, dress codes for lawyers vary depending on the setting, but certain basic rules should be followed. For example, male attorneys should always wear a suit and a dress shirt (although some may opt for a bow tie). It is also important to avoid anything too casual or unprofessional.
Many people think they can dress more casually in court, but this only shows that they need to take the case seriously. Likewise, ensuring one’s facial hair is well-groomed is important. Wild, long hair and rugged facial hair can be a distraction for both judges and juries.
5. Be Prepared to Talk About Your Goals
Being open and honest with your criminal defense lawyer is important during the consultation. It includes telling them what your goals and aspirations are for your case. It allows them to tailor a strategy for your case that will maximize the chances of success. Ask your attorney about their experience handling cases similar to yours.
Also, be sure to discuss your budget. Private investigators and depositions can cost a lot of money, so it’s important to be clear on your goals for the case and how much you can afford to spend. Avoid discussing your case on social media and bringing people to your consultation, as this can be considered a violation of confidentiality.
6. Be Prepared to Talk About Your Expectations
In your initial consultation, be clear about what you hope to accomplish with the defense. Let your attorney know whether you want to take a plea or fight your case to trial. It will help them prioritize their resources to get you the best result possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, be sure to discuss your financial expectations with an attorney. Find out if they charge hourly or on a flat fee basis, and ask them to provide you with an estimate of the costs of your defense. It will save you time and stress down the road. It will also prevent any surprises from the prosecutors in court.
