If you are facing criminal charges, it’s critical that you prepare well for your first meeting with a prospective criminal defense attorney. In fact, this may be one of the most important steps in ensuring the best possible outcome for your case—make sure you are ready for your first meeting.
Preparing to Meet a Defense Attorney
As you prepare for that all-important first meeting with an attorney, make sure you are properly prepared.
1. Gather All Relevant Documentation. This includes police reports, witness statements, video or audio recordings, and any other evidence related to your case. The more documented details you can provide, the better your defense attorney will be able to represent you.
2. Make a List of Witnesses. Bring the names and contact information of anyone who you believe might be able to help your defense. These may be individuals who can confirm your whereabouts or those who can testify to your character.
3. Come Prepared with Questions. A good criminal defense attorney will be happy to answer any questions you have about your case. Instead of trying to come up with questions to ask as you go along, jot down your most pressing questions and concerns in advance and bring them with you to the meeting. Some examples include:
- What experience do you have with defending similar charges?
- Should I expect you to be working on my case personally?
- Do I have a strong case?
- How long do you anticipate the case taking?
- What are the fees for your services?
4. Be Ready to Answer Questions. Your criminal defense attorney must have a thorough grasp of the events that occurred to represent you properly. Expect to answer questions about the circumstances that led up to your criminal charges, such as:
- Who was involved in the incident?
- What did you do, see, and hear?
- What did you say and to whom?
- What were the circumstances of your arrest?
5. Be Honest. We’ve discussed some of the questions your criminal defense attorney may ask. It’s critical to be truthful and honest with your lawyer when answering these and any other questions you are asked down the road. Remember, your defense attorney is working on your behalf and needs a clear picture of the situation. All information you disclose during the meeting will be confidential and will assist your attorney in getting started with an effective defense strategy. Lying or withholding information can only hurt your case further down the road.
Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney at The Brookman Law Group
At The Brookman Law Group, we recognize the gravity of a criminal charge and the impact a conviction can have on your life. You will need a competent, dedicated criminal defense attorney to analyze your case extensively and prepare the best possible defense against the charges. The Brookman Law Group is dedicated to defending your rights using the perseverance, expertise, and talent needed to achieve a positive result. Contact us at (267) 566-5598 for a risk-free initial consultation.
We target Philadelphia, PA; Camden, NJ; Gloucester City, NJ; Chester, PA; Darby, PA; and the other surrounding communities.