Meeting A Criminal Defense Attorney

Being accused of a crime is a very serious matter, and one that brings a lot of stress into people’s lives. A critical part of the legal process when accused is finding and meeting a good criminal defense attorney. The Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys at Dolan Legal recently created a blog post with advice on how to handle your first meeting.  

In their post they say: “Despite the importance of a first meeting, criminal defendants need not feel anxious about the meeting. The meeting is nothing more than a conversation.  Your lawyer will ask you about the circumstances of the incident(s) leading to the arrest, discuss the charges against you, and the potential penalties that may be imposed if you are convicted.  Together, you will explore your defense and you will develop a plan to move forward with your case.  Of course, any pressing issues such as bail or restraining orders will be addressed and all of your questions will be answered.”   One of the most important things to remember is that your attorney will not be trying to incriminate you. They will ask questions, but the goal of which will be to establish the facts about the case and develop as strong a defense as possible. It may feel awkward and uncomfortable revealing all the details surrounding your situation, but is important not to lie or withhold on your attorney.   At first meeting, it is also key to get a sense of how committed your attorney is for you. If you are getting the impression that he/she is “phoning it in”, it may be in your best interest to find someone else who will take an active interest in your case. To be certain you are finding someone who is both competent and ethical, it can be valuable to go through a service that recommends lawyers (free of consultation charge). They can give you the best advice on how to proceed and who to pursue.   You criminal defense attorney will be your most important line of defense in securing the best result possible in court and preserving your good name. Give the situation your best effort and try to maximize results even from the very first  meeting. Be prepared, open minded, and ready to communicate.