It can be scary when you are charged with a criminal offense, especially if it is your first time. On top of being nervous and scared, you can become confused dealing with the justice system. Having an experienced criminal attorney on your side can be the difference between you walking free or being behind bars. When you are preparing to meet with your attorney, be sure to bring appropriate documentation and think of questions to ask before you go.
Documents to bring
Professional and personal background information
Your attorney may ask about your professional and personal background. Make sure to type up any information that may be relevant to your case and print out a copy to take to your meeting.
Legal documents
You will also need any documents from the court or the police that detail your charges and next court appearance. Bail papers need to be included. If there was a property search, the police might have left papers for that as well.
Evidence
Even documentation that can be used as evidence is valuable in your meeting with your criminal defense attorney. For example, if you are in trouble for tax fraud, you may want to bring a copy of your tax records. Other documentation used for evidence can include photos or videos.
Contact information for witnesses
If you had any witnesses to the event in question that can testify, write down their contact information. Your lawyer will appreciate all the information you bring to your meeting. Having too much information is better than not having enough.
Questions to ask
Any good criminal defense attorney will be happy to answer any questions that you may have relating to your case. Don’t worry about asking any questions that sound silly. It’s better to be open with your communication if you don’t understand something. Your lawyer is there to help and you will be seeing them often while you go through this process.
Some questions you might ask include:
- What is the best and worst case scenario?
- What approach will you use for my defense?
- Will you be handling my case personally? Or will other lawyers be involved?
- Is there any other information needed to evaluate my case?
- What is your experience with charges like mine?
- How long will the process take?
- What are my current options?
Remember, your criminal defense attorney is choosing to represent you as much as you are choosing them. It is important to be as prepared as possible when you meet with them for the first time.
Do you need an experienced criminal defense attorney?
To be convicted of a crime in Texas, it must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Let Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. help navigate you through this process. Please schedule a meeting today. We will take the time to understand your issue and do our best to get you the outcome that you deserve.