What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney?

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What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation with a Criminal Defense Attorney?
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Being charged with a crime means your future is on the line. It's up to you to seek legal representation that has the skills and resources needed to fight for a positive outcome. Once you find a criminal defense attorney, you might wonder what to expect. Find out what happens during the initial consultation and how you can prepare for it.

How the Meeting Happens

A consultation could be in-person or over the phone. While it is beneficial to have a face-to-face conversation with your lawyer, they may not have the time. A phone call is often enough for you and your lawyer to discuss the basics of your case.

If you're in jail, your attorney may come to jail to discuss your case. Otherwise, your meeting is likely to take place at their law firm. However your meeting occurs, your lawyer will ask you to tell your story. They will ask questions and attempt to get a complete understanding of your case.

During your meeting, your attorney may tell you about the potential consequences of your case. They might also explain what legal strategies they would use to defend you. By telling you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, they'll prepare you for the best and the worst scenario.

Discussion of Fees

Before you agree to work with a criminal lawyer in Miami, it's important to understand how their fees work. Typically, criminal attorneys either charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for cases. Although you shouldn't choose legal representation based solely on their fee, their cost could contribute to your decision.

How Should You Prepare for the Consultation?

To arrive at your consultation fully prepared, follow these tips:

1. Bring Relevant Materials

Your attorney can't give you information about your case unless they have the paperwork for your case. At some point before your consultation, gather all relevant paperwork. This includes arrest records, court papers, and witness contact details.

With the information in front of them, your lawyer will be able to create a defense strategy tailored to your case. They also will be more capable of explaining the potential consequences of your case.

2. Have a List of Questions

Sit down and think about the questions you have regarding your case. You might wonder about your chances at a guilty verdict, the timeline for trial, or your lawyer's experience with cases like yours.

As you think of questions, remember that the consultation is similar to a job interview. You're paying for an attorney, and you deserve to have the right person representing you. If a lawyer is unwilling to answer questions or makes you feel uncomfortable, schedule a consultation with someone at another firm.

3. Bring Paper and a Pen

Your lawyer will give you a wealth of information on your case. To avoid forgetting any of those details, you should bring a notebook and pen. As your meeting goes on, make notes of the pertinent details. In the future, you can look back on it.

Every year, there are about 22,089 crimes in Miami. The crime rate in the city is one of the worst in the country. If you're one of the many people facing criminal charges, you need the help of an experienced criminal lawyer. Visit our website at https://strolenylaw.com/ and call us to learn more about how we can work together.           

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