At some point or another, everyone will have to meet with an attorney in order to obtain legal advice. Some may only have to meet with a lawyer for a matter concerning a home or estate; others, however, may need to hire a criminal defense attorney if they are charged with a crime. If you fall into the latter category, you may be unsure what to do.
Whether or not you have been wrongly accused of a crime, you will need to find a criminal defense attorney to help you with your case. No matter what type of defense you think you may need, you will still need to meet a lawyer for a consultation in order to review any evidence working for or against you. Here are some things to keep in mind before you speak with a criminal law attorney:
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1. Prepare your documentation. Whether you are developing a criminal defense case or preparing to sue another party, it’s important to gather all the materials you need for your case. Bring all documents with you, so your attorney can review them. Some attorneys may make photocopies; others may want you to provide them. If your case involves video evidence, such as an instance of police brutality, then you will need to be able to show this media to your lawyer.
2. Write down your questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations, but any contact you have with that lawyer afterwards may be billed to you. In order to avoid getting charged extra later, make sure you know exactly what to ask ahead of time. Additionally, your attorney should be willing to explain the legal process to you and keep you informed every step of the way, so make sure you ask about what to expect for your case. You might also inquire about the length of the case and any costs you might incur.
3. Be professional. Any consultation with a lawyer should be treated like a business meeting. Make sure to arrive on time and dressed in professional attire. Be willing to listen to what your attorney has to say, and take his or her advice. For instance, if your attorney urges you not to discuss your case on social media, then it’s best to follow that advice. Your attorney has dealt with these kinds of cases before, so be courteous and do what he or she asks of you.
All cases are different, so it’s crucial to meet with an attorney to find out what will work best for you. Have more questions or want to know what to ask an attorney? Leave a comment below. Research more here.