Improve Your Chances And Collect Information - Preparing To Meet With A Defense Attorney

Finding yourself in a situation where you need the services of a criminal defense attorney can be one of the most stressful times of your life, but you need to be prepared to proactively seek good outcomes. Making the decision to meet with a lawyer is an important first step, but you should also do your best to make sure that meeting is as productive as possible.

Below, you'll find a guide to some of the things you need to do to make that first meeting a success. By following these suggestions, you'll be in a better position to ask the right questions and get the best advice, allowing you to do all you can to preserve your rights and your freedom.

Document Gathering

A large part of mounting a criminal defense is making sure that your side of the case can be documented. This can take your attorney a number of hours and run up your expenses, so if you can provide these documents directly, it can make the process easier.

You should be prepared to provide your attorney with any documents that you've collected regarding your case, from citations and bail reports to copies of the charges against you. You should also bring identifying information like a birth certificate and pay stubs that will allow your attorney to begin the process of solidifying your defense.

Describing Police Contact

One of the most important steps in mounting a defense is being able to predict the strategy the prosecution will be using. Your contact with police officers surrounding the alleged criminal conduct will often provide some important clues as to how the state will proceed.

You should be open and honest with your attorney about the circumstances surrounding your arrest. It's important to keep in mind that the information you provide your attorney cannot be divulged to others without your consent, so you should be sure not to hold back or obfuscate the true nature of the situation.

Preparing Questions

The most important thing that you'll get from your first meeting with your lawyer (like those from Kaiser Law Group) is information. You should enter your information prepared to ask a number of questions that will allow you to be a more active part of your defense. These may include asking about potential outcomes, attorney's fees, a rough time frame, or any other information that you need to increase your comfort and confidence. Developing a strong relationship with your attorney is an important step in making sure you can find the best possible outcome.