Criminal Attorney - How to Get Ready for Your First Consultation
If you are planning to get a free consultation from a local criminal attorney, you should try to plan ahead. The more prepared you are for the meeting, the more you will get out of it. These are some tips to help you plan to meet with a lawyer.
You should first find out where the meeting will be held. Most lawyers simply invite you to their office during business hours. However, some offer to host the consultation elsewhere if that makes you feel more comfortable. You can meet with your criminal attorney at your home, or somewhere public. In fact, many attorneys are willing to meet new clients at jail, since after all, this may be where you will be stuck until you hire a lawyer. You should first decide which location is best for the meeting, and then choose a day and time that suits your schedule. Consider how flexible the lawyer is during this time, as this should give you an idea of how he or she will be throughout the case. You want someone who is willing to meet when and where you can, making the process easy on you.
You should then gather up any documents that relate to your case. This could include any related police reports or statements made on paper by witnesses. If you have photographic evidence that could clear your name, bring it as well. The same goes for a video or some other proof you have that could help your criminal attorney help you. This may make the case go faster, and can help your legal professional formulate a defense immediately. The sooner this occurs, the sooner you have a chance of going free, so bring anything that will help.
You should also bring a list of questions. You probably have a few things you want to find out so you can make sure you are choosing the right lawyer. Even if you are confident that you want to hire the person you are meeting with, it is wise to bring a list of questions about your case. You should know approximately how long it should take to close the case, how much you will be paying, and whether your criminal attorney recommends you settle or go to trial. These are just some details you might want to know when you start the case before it begins.
If you are in trouble with the law, you need to hire a criminal attorney quickly. You should get a free initial consultation first, and take advantage of the time you have to talk to your new lawyer before moving forward with your case.