Arizona PREPARING TO MEET A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER Lawyers

Preparing to Meet with an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer

Finding yourself needing to meet with a criminal defense lawyer can be an intimidating and stressful experience. However, being prepared for your initial consultation can help ease some of that stress. Here is some guidance on getting ready for your first meeting with an Arizona criminal defense attorney.

Do Your Research

Before meeting with any lawyer, it’s important to do some background research to make sure they have experience handling cases similar to yours. Look for a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in the type of charges you are facing – whether it’s drug crimes, DUI, domestic violence, or other offenses.

Check credentials like years of experience, case results, peer and client reviews, associations with legal organizations, and more. The Arizona State Bar has an attorney search feature you can use to look up lawyers’ backgrounds. Finding someone with a proven track record can give you confidence they have the skills to effectively handle your defense.

Gather Important Documentation

Your lawyer will need information about your charges, so gather any paperwork you have related to your arrest, charges filed, court dates, etc. This includes documents like:

• Arrest reports
• Charging sheets listing offenses
• Police reports
• Court orders
• Warrants
• Bond paperwork
• Anything else related to your case

Having this documentation ready will help your attorney quickly get up to speed on the status of your case.

Make a List of Questions

Going into your first meeting, you likely have a lot of uncertainties about your situation and next steps. Make a list of questions ahead of time so you don’t forget anything you want to ask. Some examples include:

• What are the next steps in my case? What is the process from here?
• What are the potential penalties I’m facing if convicted?
• Should I consider taking a plea deal or going to trial? What are the pros and cons?
• How much communication can I expect from you along the way?
• How can I help support my defense case?

Be Honest

While you may feel embarrassed or ashamed about the circumstances leading to your charges, it is critical to be 100% open and honest with your criminal defense lawyer. Keeping information from your attorney or lying could seriously damage your case down the road.

Defense lawyers cannot disclose confidential client information or use it against you. So don’t hold anything back – even if you were clearly in the wrong or broke the law, full honesty gives your lawyer the best ability to defend you.

Understand Payment Options

The cost of legal representation is certainly an important factor when hiring a criminal defense attorney. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, but you will need to pay attorney’s fees if you decide to move forward with representation.

There are various payment options, including flat fees for certain services, hourly rates that apply to work performed, payment plans over time, allowing property liens, etc. Make sure you understand the lawyer’s rates and financial expectations before entering any agreements.

Some options for defendants with low income are requesting a public defender or inquiring about pro bono assistance from legal aid clinics. However, these resources are limited.

Ask About Next Steps

Before leaving your initial consultation, make sure you have clarity on what happens next. Will the lawyer be formally entering an appearance on your behalf? Do you need to provide additional documentation? Is a follow-up meeting or phone call scheduled? Know what the attorney expects from you and when you will connect again.

Getting legal representation for criminal charges is a big step. Following this advice can help you feel empowered and prepared walking into your first meeting with a defense lawyer. While the circumstances are difficult, a knowledgeable attorney can help put your mind at ease about navigating the legal process. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’ll be on the best path towards the most favorable case outcome.