Questions a DC Criminal Attorney Will Ask at Your First Meeting

Questions a DC Criminal Attorney Will Ask at Your First Meeting

Getting arrested can be one of the most stressful experiences someone goes through. Even if you’re innocent, being accused of a crime is frightening. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced DC criminal defense attorney on your side from the very beginning.

When you first meet with your attorney, they’ll want to get as much information as possible about your case. This helps them start building your defense strategy right away. Here are some of the key questions a DC criminal lawyer will likely ask you during your initial consultation:

What are the exact charges against you?

The attorney will want to know the specific charges the police arrested you for. This includes any felonies or misdemeanors. Having the formal charges in front of them allows the lawyer to look up the exact laws and start assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecutor’s case.

What’s your side of the story?

After getting the basic facts about the alleged crime from the police report, your lawyer will ask you to walk through what happened from your perspective. This is your chance to explain in detail why you believe you’re innocent or why the charges are exaggerated. Be honest and don’t leave anything out – anything you say is confidential under attorney-client privilege.

Where were you when the crime occurred?

Your attorney needs to know if you have an alibi that can prove where you were during the time of the alleged crime. For example, if you were at work or with family or friends, that’s critical information to start building your defense. Your lawyer may ask you to write down a detailed timeline of everything you did on the day in question.

Do you have any ties to the victim or location?

Your lawyer will want to understand if there’s any relationship between you and the victim or the place where the crime happened. This could be a current or former friend, coworker, classmate, neighbor, etc. Any connections could impact the prosecution’s motives and theory of the case.

Have you made any statements to the police?

Anything you said to the investigating officers or detectives – even casually – can come back to haunt you. Be upfront with your attorney about any statements you gave while in custody or during questioning. Don’t try to hide or downplay anything you told the police, even if you were nervous or scared at the time.

Do you have any criminal history?

Your lawyer needs to know about any prior arrests, charges or convictions in your past. These can impact the prosecution’s approach, so it’s important your attorney understands your full record. Be honest even about old arrests that were dismissed or expunged.

What physical evidence do the police have?

Police may have seized physical evidence from you or your home, car, work, etc. Let your lawyer know if the officers took any items into evidence like computers, cell phones, documents or anything else. Also be upfront about any forensic evidence they may have, like fingerprints, DNA, blood samples, etc.

Do you know of any other witnesses?

Your lawyer will ask if you know of anyone else (besides yourself and the victim) who may have information that could help your case. These could be eyewitnesses, alibi witnesses, character witnesses or anyone else that was present before, during or after the alleged crime.

Can anyone corroborate your version of events?

Along with witnesses, your attorney will want to know if there’s anyone who can backup your story. This could include friends, family, coworkers or others you told about your innocence prior to being arrested. Contemporaneous conversations can be strong evidence for your defense.

Do you have any evidence to support your innocence?

Photographs, receipts, emails, voicemails, text messages, social media posts and other documentation can help demonstrate your innocence. Provide your lawyer with printouts and digital files of anything you have that can help contradict the charges against you.

Have you posted anything related to the case online?

In today’s digital age, your lawyer will ask about any texts, emails, social media posts or other online statements you may have made regarding the case before or after your arrest. Anything posted online can potentially be used against you, so it’s important your lawyer knows about it upfront.

Can you afford to hire an attorney?

Unfortunately legal representation costs money, so one of the first questions will be whether you can afford to pay legal fees or if you’ll need a public defender. Be honest about your financial situation so your lawyer can discuss payment plans or alternative options.

Do you understand the charges and potential penalties?

Your lawyer will explain the seriousness of your charges and the maximum penalties if convicted, such as years in prison. This ensures you fully grasp the stakes so you can make informed decisions when weighing options like plea bargains. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything regarding the charges and sentencing guidelines.

How do you plead to the charges?

Your attorney will ask how you plan to plead at your arraignment – guilty, not guilty or no contest. Pleading not guilty preserves your right to a trial and defense. Your lawyer can advise you on the best plea based on the strength of your case.

Are you currently out on bail or bond?

Your lawyer needs to know your current custody status. If you’re out on bail or bond, the attorney can discuss if it’s sufficient or should be modified. If you’re still in jail, your lawyer can start filing for your release.

Do you need any immediate assistance?

Your lawyer will ask if you need any urgent help, like arranging childcare or transportation for family members. They may also offer referrals for counseling, drug/alcohol treatment or other services. This demonstrates their commitment to addressing all aspects of your case.