Going to see a criminal defense attorney for the first time can feel a bit intimidating, but the purpose of the consultation is to provide some clarity. During the consultation, the attorney will allow you to explain your version of events, go over the charges, and, of course, ask some critical questions. The attorney will thoroughly go over possible legal options, possible theories, and what you can expect as the case proceeds. This consultation is the first step toward making informed decisions and understanding the legal process.
1. Discussing the Facts of Your Case
To prepare for a consultation, you should be ready to present the facts that led to the charges, such as when the event happened, who was present, and how law enforcement responded. At this stage, the attorney is only gathering facts, not making a judgment. You should mention any statements that you made to the police, any searches that were conducted, or any advisement of rights. These facts will allow the attorney to identify potentially critical constitutional issues, such as Fourth Amendment violations.
2. Discussing the Charges and Evidence
When the attorney has heard your side of the story, they will consider the charges in the case and discuss any evidence that the prosecution may rely upon, including police documents, witness statements, and physical evidence. The attorney will look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. A lawyer can assess whether evidence may be challenged in court by closely reviewing your account and comparing it to the evidence as it’s presented.
3. Discussing Your Legal Options
After discussing whether to work together, the meeting often turns to your options for resolving the charges. The lawyer will describe options you have for resolving the charge, such as whether to plead guilty or not guilty, whether to explore a negotiated settlement, or whether the case may go to trial. You should get honest answers and explanations using plain language. Knowing these options upfront helps you weigh both worst-case and best-case scenarios before deciding your next steps.
4. Discussing Areas of Defense
Every case has potential defense strategies, which the attorney will explain based on your situation. The attorney may describe whether there are grounds to file a motion to suppress evidence, request dismissal of charges, or seek a reduction in charges.
At this stage of the consultation, the lawyer will often ask you various follow-up questions concerning alibis, witnesses, and supporting documents that may help you later in your case. Be honest about everything in your case, as the more information you disclose, the better your strategy will be, since your plan will depend on the facts.
5. Discussing Communication and Fees
In addition to legal issues, most lawyers will also discuss practical matters, such as how they communicate with clients, how often, and how quickly urgent calls are answered.
The lawyer will cover various fee structures, such as a flat fee and hourly billing. Discussing fees ensures you have clarity about costs and can decide whether to hire the lawyer without unexpected expenses later.
6. Knowing What Happens Next
Next steps may include providing additional documents, staying in contact about upcoming court dates, and avoiding legal risks while the case is pending. Although the attorney will not be able to resolve your case in your first meeting, you will leave with a clearer sense of direction.
Key Takeaways
- A consultation regarding your criminal case is an opportunity for you to present your side of the case and understand the case against you.
- Together, you and the attorney will go over the incident’s details, evaluate the charges against you, and talk about any flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Your legal options and the range of possible outcomes will be explained in plain language.
- The lawyer will consider and discuss potential defenses based on your situation, which are typically based on constitutional and legal rules involving evidence.
- Communication strategies, fees, and next steps will be discussed to assist you in making informed choices.