What to expect during your initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney

Are you feeling scared and uncertain after being accused of a crime or approached by law enforcement? You’re not alone. As a criminal defense attorney, I understand that this can be an overwhelming and stressful time, I’m here to help. As a former NYC prosecutor, I know all the investigative techniques and tricks that prosecutors use. I’m here to guide my clients every step of the way.

Questions a Criminal Defense Attorney Will Ask

All of our consultations typically start with a few questions that allow us to quickly assess your situation and determine if we can help you. Below, we’ll go through some of the common questions you to expect.

Have you or someone else been arrested?

This question is important because it tells me the posture of your case. If someone is arrested and not arraigned, then I know that the potential client needs representation for an arraignment. This is especially urgent because the Police could be questioning the potential client and every moment of delay is a moment when a vulnerable person could say something incriminating.

Where was the arrest?

Depending on the location of a case, I can determine the estimated time until the arraignment begins. Some areas do not have arraignments seven (7) days a week and some areas have on call judges who will come to the precinct to determine release conditions. When I suggest a solution to a potential client I need to know where the case is happening.

If the case was already arraigned, what are the charges?

This tells me what a person is accused of doing. With this information, I can predict the investigative steps that were taken before arrest and the steps taking place after arraignment. This helps to develop a preliminary strategy for helping the potential client.

Determining Next Steps

Once I have a clear understanding of your situation, I will provide guidance about the criminal laws, arraignments, criminal procedure, and the potential risks in your case. As an experienced attorney, it’s important that my clients fully understand the legal process. That is why I make time to explain the law in a clear concise way, without using complicated legal jargon.

At the initial consultation, I will also inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a client in New York State. I believe in transparency and honesty, and I never exaggerate or mislead my clients about the potential outcome of their case. Establishing trust is crucial. I take great care to be upfront about what you can expect throughout the legal process.

To better understand your case, I will conduct research and make educated deductions about your situation. My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be done to defend your case.

Discussion of Fees & Representation

At the end of the consultation, we will discuss fees for retaining my services. I will provide a clear explanation of what you can expect in terms of legal fees and the scope of representation.

I understand that hiring a criminal defense attorney can be a significant financial investment, which is why I strive to make my fees fair and reasonable. I will work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget and ensures that you receive the legal representation you need.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

We’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.