Preparing for Your Attorney Consultation

HOW TO BE PREPARED:  Meeting with an attorney can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.  A few simple steps can make the decision in finding the right criminal attorney easier and leave your feeling confident in your decision.
  1. BRING ANY AND ALL PAPERWORK:
                        If you have made bond and are seeking an attorney to help you with your case, before you go to the consultation, be sure to gather and bring any and all documents you have been given either by the officers, jail staff, and bondsmen.  These documents will help your attorney begin to assess your case and your individual situation. They’ll give information about the exact charge and crucial upcoming court dates. 
  1. ASK SPECIFICALLY ABOUT YOUR CHARGE:
                        You need to understand the criminal penalties you are facing and the attorney will be able to explain this to you.  However, you should also ask about collateral consequences.  For example, sometimes its not just jail time at stake.  Family violence cases restrict a person’s ability to own a firearm even though its usually not a felony offense.  POM results in the suspension of your license, even if you were not driving a car when you were arrested.  You need to know these things as it could impact your ability to work and travel for family commitments.   
  1. BE SURE TO HAVE A DETAILED RECOLLECTION OF THE EVENTS LEADING TO YOUR ARREST.

                        You are often the first source of information for your attorney to begin evaluating and preparing a defense to your case.  While the attorney is the expert, you play a vital role in the gathering of information.  Before you go to a consultation you should take the time to write out a detailed summary of the events surrounding your arrest.  In addition, you should put together a list of potential witnesses including their contact information and people in the community who would be willing to give character statements on your behalf.  Sometimes, the case is more about limiting the consequences of an offense rather than guilt/innocence.  Having this information will aid your attorney in painting you in the best light possible when dealing with the State’s prosecutors. 


If you find yourself needing the advice of a trusted advocate, feel free to give my office a call or contact us online. We strive to offer competent and aggressive representation to ensure the best result possible for your situation. Protecting your independence when it matters most.

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